Spinning Scrap Yarn

On my journey to design with zero waste, I have been questioning what to do with my inevitable yarn scraps. This has led me to experiment with spinning a bulky yarn to knit with from previously unusable scrap yarn.

Step One: Prepping Scraps

Here I have paired yellow wool roving with various scrap cotton yarn. It is harder to separate cotton fibers, so I have found it easier to ply my cotton scraps into typical wool roving.

Alternatively, I’ve found that it is easier to card a fluffier fiber with wool or acrylic scraps. With this, I don’t need the additional roving to spin the yarn.

Step Two: Learn the basics

It is essential to explore the basics of spinning before trying to spin with scraps. These are the tutorials and beginner kits I found most helpful as a beginner spinner.

If anyone is interested in starting spinning I would recommend this kit from Etsy. This beginner kit was put together by Robin @sitsnspins on Instagram. She also has tons of tips when it comes to drop-spinning yarn.

This tutorial by @WoollenWytch on Youtube was helpful to learn and understand the mechanics of drop spinning in a very beginner-friendly way.

Step Three: Pre-Drafting the yarn

I have found it easiest to create a clean spinning experience when I pre-draft the yarn. This simply is splitting the fiber supply into various sections This way I have more control over the direction of the fibers. Additionally, I can tuck in the loose ends of the scraps to make for a smoother transition between drafts.

Step Four: Spinning!

After a bit of practice with the roving alone, I began spinning with scrap yarn. I found it easiest to spin a bulky yarn, about 1/4 of an inch thick. Once the fiber was prepared, the spinning went by surprisingly quick. After taking the extra time to prepare the scrap yarn, it was satisfying to see it build back up again into something entirely new.

Step Five: Admire your work!

Admittedly this is a time-intensive process, but spinning your own yarn can feel so rewarding. I find the resulting texture is similar to lock-spun yarn. The knits produced with this yarn are thick and fluffy and work up quickly.