Preparing fiber for spinning without carders

I often have beginner spinners purchase fiber from me. When I first started out, I had no idea how to prep my fiber for spinning. Alpaca fiber usually has substantial amounts of debris in it. How do your get it out? And carders are so expensive! How on earth do you make a roving?

Processing any kind of fiber by hand is a very time consuming process. At least alpaca does not need to be washed before spinning, so that saves a huge amount of time! Alpacas do not produce oils or grease (lanolin) so their wool is ready to go. Simply brush the debris from it and you're ready to spin.

Below I have posted some very simple instructions for getting your raw fiber ready for spinning without the use of expensive carders. All you need is a small slicker brush. A fleacomb comes in handy for very fine debris that won't come out with the slicker brush. You can find both of these at your grocery or pet store.

Get yourself a slicker brush and a flea comb from the grocery or pet store. The pen gives you an idea of the size, a small slicker brush is perfect.

Take a couple of staples of fiber. Not too many, otherwise it will be harder to brush through and clean. Your goal is the brush the staples free of debris and 'fluff' them up.

Put a twist in the middle of your bunch of staples. This is for you to put your fingers on and get a good grip, otherwise your slicker brush will pull the fiber right out of your hands.

Grip the twist in the staples firmly, you are ready to begin!

Brush vigorously a couple of times to get the debris out. If there's still debris in the fiber, run your fleacomb through it. One side done! Turn the staples around in your hands, twist, and brush the other side.

You now have a fluffy, clean bunch of fiber!

Take this little cloud in one hand and hold it very gently.

With your other hand, gently begin to pull the fiber out, you are going to make a little roving.

Move your fingers along as you pull the fiber out a little at a time. You want a nice airy 'rope' of wool. What you are doing in essence, is called 'pre-drafting'.

Here it is! You've made your first mini-roving!

You are ready to spin! Pull a small tuft out of one end of your roving and attach it to the starter yarn on your wheel or spindle.

Happy spinning!

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