FIBERS FOR SPINNING
Fibers used for spinning in America are listed below:
FIBER TYPE & SOURCE | FABRIC / USE | CHARACTERISTICS |
Flax plant | linen |
|
Sheep's wool | wool |
|
Cotton plant | cotton |
|
Hemp plant | hemp rope and sacks, some fabric |
|
Silk (uncommon in America) | silk |
|
SPINNING PROCESS
To prepare for the making of fabric, fibers are twisted to make yarn. The simplest method uses fibers held between the fingers which are spun on a drop spindle; this method was used through the 1700's. Spindle type wheels were introduced from the Orient to Europe in the middle ages.
The process shown below uses flax and a flyer-type spinning wheel.
This spinning wheel is a flyer-type spinning wheel. | The spinster uses a foot pedal to move the flywheel. A string connected to the pedal pulls the flywheel on its circular path. | |
The fiber passed through a groove on the tip of the spindle which held it while the person spinning the fiber drew out the yarn. | Yarn was wound into loose skeins and measured using a variety of tools. After dying, the yarn was ready for weaving. |
Planting & Harvesting - The Past | Flax Process | Spinning & Fibers | Planting Grain - Early Methods |
Harvesting Grain - Early Methods | Oliver Evans | Transporting Grain in the Past | Early Farm Tools |