Choosing your first spinning fiber—or discovering a new one—can feel overwhelming. Merino, Corriedale, Polwarth, alpaca, silk, bamboo, flax… every fiber has its own personality and offers a unique spinning experience.
Should you prioritize softness? Ease of spinning? A naturally coloured fiber or one you can dye yourself? Is there an ideal fiber for beginners? And why do some spinners love silk while others find it challenging?
This guide was created to answer those questions and help you choose the fiber that truly matches your project, your experience and your goals.
You'll discover the main fiber families, their characteristics, their best uses, and practical advice drawn from both trusted spinning references and our experience helping hundreds of spinners who visit our shop.
Our goal isn't to tell you which fiber is the "best." There isn't one. Instead, there is a fiber that is better suited to your project.
New to spinning? Start here.
If there is one question we hear almost every day, it's this:
"I've never spun before. Which fiber should I start with?"
Our answer is almost always the same.
Corriedale.
Why? Because it combines nearly everything a beginner needs to learn comfortably and confidently.
- A comfortable staple length that makes drafting easier.
- Excellent fiber cohesion that helps keep the fibers together while spinning.
- Natural elasticity that forgives small mistakes.
- Easy to control on both a spinning wheel and a drop spindle.
- Versatile enough to explore a wide range of spinning techniques.
Ashford Corriedale Combed Top is also available in an exceptional range of colours. While this may seem like a small detail, it often makes a big difference. Choosing colours you love makes those first spinning projects even more enjoyable and encourages you to keep learning.
Our recommendation
If you're completely new to spinning, choose Corriedale. It is the fiber we recommend most often because it offers an outstanding balance of ease of spinning, versatility and beautiful results.
Explore Ashford Corriedale Combed Top
Your Spinning Journey
Learning to spin is much like learning to read.
You begin with an easy fiber that helps you master the fundamentals. As your confidence grows, you'll naturally discover new fibers, new spinning characteristics and more advanced techniques. Each new step builds on the previous one, expanding your skills without replacing what you've already learned.
| Experience Level | Recommended Fibers | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Getting Started | Corriedale | Learn the fundamental spinning techniques and understand how yarn is formed. |
| Building Your Skills | Polwarth • 22 Micron Merino | Discover finer fibers while continuing to enjoy an easy and forgiving spinning experience. |
| Exploring Fiber Blends | Merino & Silk • Alpaca & Merino • Merino & Lyocell | Experience more technical fibers while benefiting from the stability and elasticity that wool provides. |
| Mastering Specialty Fibers | Silk • Mohair • Flax • Bamboo • Lyocell | Work with fibers that require greater drafting control and more refined spinning skills. |
Why Are Fiber Blends So Popular?
Many spinners believe they should move directly from wool to silk, mohair or plant fibers. In reality, fiber blends often provide a much smoother transition.
Blends let you discover the unique characteristics of new fibers while still benefiting from the cohesion and elasticity that wool naturally provides.
For example:
- Merino & Silk introduces the beautiful shine and fluidity of silk while maintaining the stability of Merino wool.
- Alpaca & Merino combines the warmth and softness of alpaca with the natural elasticity of Merino.
- Merino & Lyocell offers an excellent introduction to cellulosic fibers while remaining easy and enjoyable to spin.
For many spinners, blends are the ideal bridge between beginner-friendly wool fibers and more demanding specialty fibers.
How Do You Choose the Right Fiber?
The best fiber isn't necessarily the softest, the most expensive or the most popular. It's the one that best matches your project, your experience and the type of yarn you want to create.
Before making your choice, ask yourself a few simple questions.
What is your experience level?
If you're new to spinning, choose a fiber that is easy to control, such as Corriedale. A forgiving fiber will help you learn drafting, twist and plying with confidence.
As your skills develop, you'll naturally begin exploring finer fibers, blends and more technical fibers such as silk, mohair, flax and bamboo.
What do you want to make?
A lightweight shawl, a warm sweater, a pair of socks, a felting project or yarn intended for weaving all require different fiber characteristics.
Start with your project, then choose the fiber that will help you achieve the result you're looking for.
What qualities matter most to you?
Some fibers are chosen for their softness, others for their warmth, shine, ease of spinning or suitability for dyeing.
- Learning to spin: Corriedale
- Exceptional softness: Polwarth or Merino
- Natural shine: Silk, Lyocell, Bamboo or Angelina
- Outstanding warmth: Alpaca or Alpaca & Merino blends
- Felting: Corriedale
- Hand dyeing: Natural white fibers such as Polwarth or Merino
Pure Fiber or Fiber Blend?
Fiber blends are one of the best ways to expand your spinning skills. They allow you to experience the characteristics of more demanding fibers while still benefiting from many of the qualities that make wool so enjoyable to spin.
For example, a Merino & Silk blend combines the shine and fluidity of silk with the stability and elasticity of Merino wool, making it much easier to spin than pure silk. Likewise, an Alpaca & Merino blend combines the warmth and softness of alpaca with the resilience of Merino.
Natural or Dyed Fiber?
Dyed fibers let you begin a project right away while offering an inspiring palette of colours to work with.
Natural white fibers, such as Natural White Polwarth, are ideal if you enjoy hand dyeing and creating your own custom colourways.
Choosing the Right Fiber for Your Project
Your project should always guide your fiber choice. This table provides a practical starting point to help you select the fiber that best matches your goals, your experience and the type of yarn you want to create.
| I Want To... | Recommended Fibers | Why? | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Learn to spin | Corriedale | The ideal beginner fiber thanks to its excellent cohesion, forgiving drafting and wide range of colours. | Explore Corriedale |
| Build my spinning skills | Polwarth • 22 Micron Merino | Finer, softer fibers that remain easy to draft and control. | Explore Polwarth |
| Spin a soft shawl or scarf | 19 Micron Merino • Polwarth • Merino & Silk | Perfect for creating lightweight, soft yarns that feel wonderful next to the skin. | Explore 19 Micron Merino |
| Create a luxurious yarn | Merino & Silk • Alpaca & Merino | Blends introduce the warmth, softness and shine of luxury fibers while preserving the stability of wool. | Explore Merino & Silk |
| Spin warm yarns | Alpaca & Merino • Mohair | Alpaca provides warmth and softness, while mohair contributes its signature halo and natural lustre. | Explore Alpaca & Merino |
| Try silk for the first time | Merino & Silk before pure silk | Pure silk is very slippery. A Merino blend offers a much gentler introduction. | Explore Merino & Silk |
| Create felt | Corriedale | Versatile, easy to handle and excellent for both wet felting and needle felting. | Explore Corriedale |
| Hand dye my fibers | Natural White Polwarth • Natural White Merino • Silk | Natural white fibers produce vibrant, custom colours when hand dyed. | Explore Natural White Polwarth |
| Spin yarn for weaving | Almost any fiber | The best choice depends on the fabric you want to weave. Warp yarns require sufficient twist and strength, while weft yarns offer much greater flexibility. | Browse All Spinning Fibers |
| Create art yarns | Angelina blended with another fiber | Just a small amount of Angelina adds beautiful sparkle and visual interest to handspun yarns or carded batts. | Explore Angelina Fiber |
| Explore plant-based fibers | Flax • Bamboo • Lyocell | These fibers offer a completely different spinning experience, with less elasticity and a smoother draft than wool. | Explore Flax |
Understanding Fiber Characteristics
Two fibers may look very similar at first glance yet behave completely differently when spun. Their performance depends on several natural characteristics that influence drafting, yarn structure, handle and the types of projects they are best suited for.
Understanding these key characteristics will help you choose the fiber that truly matches your project.
Fiber Fineness (Microns)
Fiber fineness is measured in microns (µm). The lower the number, the finer the fiber.
For example, a 19 Micron Merino is generally finer than a Corriedale measuring approximately 27 to 30 microns.
However, finer doesn't automatically mean better. Very fine fibers can be more delicate to spin and aren't necessarily the best choice for every project.
Staple Length
Staple length has a direct impact on how a fiber drafts during spinning.
Longer fibers generally provide greater drafting control, while shorter fibers often require more precision and practice.
Staple length also influences the type of yarn you can produce and the spinning methods that are best suited to each fiber.
Crimp
Crimp refers to the natural waves found in certain fibers, especially wool.
It contributes to elasticity, loft and the fiber's ability to hold together during drafting and spinning.
Each sheep breed has its own distinctive crimp, giving every wool its own unique spinning characteristics.
Fiber Cohesion
Fiber cohesion describes how well individual fibers hold together during drafting.
Good cohesion makes spinning easier, especially for beginners.
This is one of the main reasons why Corriedale is so often recommended as a first spinning fiber.
On the other hand, very smooth fibers such as silk require greater control because they slip much more easily between your fingers.
Elasticity
Not all fibers respond the same way when they are stretched.
Wool fibers naturally contain a degree of elasticity, making them pleasant to spin and well suited to a wide variety of projects.
Plant-based fibers behave quite differently and generally offer much less elasticity.
Lustre
Some fibers reflect light much more readily than others.
Silk is renowned for its natural lustre, while Lyocell and bamboo also add beautiful sheen to handspun yarns. Specialty fibers such as Angelina contribute sparkling highlights with only a very small amount of fiber.
Halo
Some fibers naturally develop a soft fuzzy layer around the finished yarn known as a halo.
Mohair is probably the best-known example. This delicate halo adds loft, softness and distinctive character to handspun yarns.
The Fiber Doesn't Determine the Final Yarn
It's important to remember that the fiber alone never determines the final result.
Twist, plying, fiber preparation, spinning technique and the intended project all have a significant impact on the finished yarn.
Two spinners working with exactly the same fiber can produce completely different yarns, each perfectly suited to its intended purpose.
Understanding Microns
Fiber diameter is generally measured in microns (µm). One micron equals one thousandth of a millimetre (0.001 mm). The lower the micron count, the finer the fiber.
For example, a 19 Micron Merino is finer than a Corriedale measuring approximately 27 to 30 microns. While fineness influences softness, it does not, by itself, determine the quality or suitability of a fiber.
Finer Doesn't Always Mean Better
This is probably the most common misconception.
Very fine fibers are often softer to the touch, but that doesn't automatically make them the best choice for every project. A slightly coarser fiber may be easier to spin, better suited to felting or produce exactly the type of yarn your project requires.
The right choice always depends on the intended use, your experience and the characteristics you're looking for.
What Do Different Micron Counts Mean?
| Fiber Diameter | Typical Example | General Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 19 microns | Extra Fine Merino | Exceptionally soft, ideal for garments worn next to the skin. |
| 21–22 microns | Polwarth, Merino | An excellent balance of softness, comfort and ease of spinning. |
| 27–30 microns | Corriedale | Highly versatile, easy to spin and especially well suited to beginners. |
Microns Tell Only Part of the Story
Two fibers with exactly the same micron count can feel and behave very differently.
Staple length, crimp, cohesion, elasticity and fiber preparation all influence spinning just as much as fiber diameter.
For this reason, micron count should be viewed as one useful characteristic—not as a ranking of quality.
Which Micron Count Should You Choose?
If you're new to spinning, focus on choosing a fiber that is enjoyable to spin rather than simply selecting the finest one available.
Corriedale is an outstanding choice for learning the fundamentals, while Polwarth and Merino provide an excellent next step into finer, softer fibers.
As your experience grows, you'll discover that every fiber diameter has its strengths and that the best choice always depends on the yarn you want to create.
Explore Different Spinning Fibers
Every fiber has its own personality. Some are easy to spin from your very first project, while others require more experience or offer unique characteristics that make them especially rewarding.
This section introduces the main spinning fibers available at Tisse et File to help you choose the one that best suits your next project.
Animal Fibers
Sheep's Wool
Corriedale
Corriedale is often considered one of the best fibers for learning to spin. It offers an excellent balance of softness, elasticity, cohesion and ease of handling.
In brief
- ✔ Excellent choice for beginners
- ✔ Very versatile
- ✔ Available in a wide range of colours
- ✔ Also suitable for felting
What makes it special
Corriedale is a lively, slightly elastic fiber that stays together well during drafting. It quickly builds confidence and lets you focus on learning the motions of spinning instead of struggling with the fiber.
Choose this fiber if…
- you are new to spinning;
- you want to learn with confidence;
- you are looking for a versatile fiber.
Explore Ashford Corriedale Combed Top
Polwarth
Polwarth is often a natural next step after Corriedale. Finer and softer, it remains very pleasant to spin while allowing you to create yarns that are especially comfortable to wear.
In brief
- ✔ Softer than Corriedale
- ✔ Very enjoyable to spin
- ✔ Excellent for dyeing when used in natural white
- ✔ Suitable for motivated beginners and experienced spinners
What makes it special
Polwarth feels soft, smooth and reassuring. It drafts easily while still offering enough cohesion to remain pleasant and manageable at the wheel or spindle.
Choose this fiber if…
- you want to move toward finer fibers;
- you love very soft wool;
- you want to dye your own fiber.
Explore Natural White Polwarth
19 Micron Merino
19 Micron Merino is one of the finest wools offered by Ashford. Its exceptional softness makes it a favourite choice for garments and accessories worn directly against the skin.
In brief
- ✔ One of the softest wools
- ✔ Ideal for shawls and fine garments
- ✔ Available in natural white and colours
- ✔ Also suitable for delicate felting
What makes it special
This fiber is exceptionally soft, supple and pleasant to the touch. It requires a little more precision than Corriedale, but rewards careful spinning with beautifully comfortable yarns.
Choose this fiber if…
- softness is your first priority;
- you are making accessories worn next to the skin;
- you enjoy spinning finer yarns.
22 Micron Merino
22 Micron Merino offers an excellent balance of softness, elasticity and ease of spinning. Slightly easier to manage than 19 Micron Merino, it produces comfortable, even and versatile yarns for a wide range of projects.
In brief
- ✔ 100% New Zealand Merino wool
- ✔ Soft and enjoyable to spin
- ✔ Excellent elasticity
- ✔ Suitable for both spinning wheels and drop spindles
What makes it special
22 Micron Merino is soft, lively and supple. It drafts smoothly while still offering enough cohesion to remain enjoyable to spin. Many spinners find it more forgiving than very fine Merino while still producing beautifully comfortable yarn.
Choose this fiber if…
- you want to discover Merino wool;
- you are looking for a very soft fiber;
- you are making garments or accessories worn close to the skin;
- you want to progress after Corriedale.
Explore 22 Micron Merino Combed Top
Shetland
Originating from the Shetland Islands, north of Scotland, Shetland wool has been valued for centuries for its versatility, lightness and ability to produce strong, characterful yarns. It holds an important place in traditional knitting and weaving.
In brief
- ✔ Traditional Scottish wool
- ✔ Excellent elasticity
- ✔ Very versatile
- ✔ Ideal for both knitting and weaving
What makes it special
Shetland has a lively, slightly rustic feel. Its natural elasticity makes it pleasant to spin and helps create balanced yarns with lovely loft after washing.
Choose this fiber if…
- you enjoy traditional wools;
- you are looking for a versatile fiber;
- you want to make durable garments;
- you appreciate yarns with character.
Explore Shetland Wool Combed Top
Cheviot
Cheviot is known for its resilience, natural spring and durability. Less fine than Merino, it produces sturdy yarns that hold their shape well over time.
In brief
- ✔ Strong and resilient
- ✔ Excellent natural spring
- ✔ Easy to spin
- ✔ Ideal for hard-wearing projects
What makes it special
Cheviot has a pleasantly firm feel. The fiber stays together well during drafting and allows for steady, even spinning.
Choose this fiber if…
- you want a resilient yarn;
- you enjoy wools with good spring;
- you are making items that will see regular use;
- you appreciate fibers that are easy to control.
Explore Cheviot Wool Combed Top
Jacob
Jacob wool is instantly recognizable thanks to its beautiful natural shades of grey, brown and white. This ancient breed produces a wool with character, appreciated for its authentic look and naturally coloured fiber.
In brief
- ✔ Unique natural colours
- ✔ Wool with character
- ✔ Good versatility
- ✔ Ideal for projects that highlight natural shades
What makes it special
Jacob has a natural, authentic feel. It is not the finest wool, but it stands out through its character and the richness of its undyed colours.
Choose this fiber if…
- you enjoy undyed natural fibers;
- you are looking for wool with character;
- you appreciate the natural colours of sheep breeds;
- you want to explore a traditional wool that is different from finer breeds.
Other Animal Fibers
While sheep's wool is often the starting point for learning to spin, other animal fibers offer equally valuable qualities. Some are chosen for their softness, others for their warmth, lustre or unique texture.
These fibers can expand your creative possibilities, whether you spin them on their own or blend them with other fibers.
Alpaca
Alpaca is one of the most beloved animal fibers thanks to its softness and natural warmth. Lighter than many sheep wools, it produces soft, comfortable yarns that are especially pleasant to wear.
In brief
- ✔ Very warm
- ✔ Very soft
- ✔ Lightweight fiber
- ✔ Beautiful on its own or in blends
What makes it special
Alpaca has a silky handle and very little bounce. It requires a little more control than some sheep wools, but rewards the spinner with elegant, comfortable yarn.
Choose this fiber if…
- you are looking for a very soft fiber;
- you want to spin warm accessories;
- you enjoy yarns with beautiful drape;
- you want to create your own blends.
Mohair
Mohair comes from the fleece of the Angora goat. Known for its natural lustre, lightness and delicate halo, it adds a distinctive elegance to handspun yarns. Unlike sheep's wool, it has little bounce, but offers remarkable shine and fluidity.
Mohair can be spun on its own to create fine, airy yarns or blended with other fibers to add softness, light, warmth and halo without adding unnecessary weight.
In brief
- ✔ Exceptional natural lustre
- ✔ Light and warm
- ✔ Soft, characteristic halo
- ✔ Beautiful alone or in blends
What makes it special
Mohair has a very smooth surface and less elasticity than sheep's wool. This combination usually requires more control when spinning. In return, it creates light, luminous and elegant yarns.
Choose this fiber if…
- you want to spin a light, warm yarn;
- you enjoy lustrous fibers;
- you want to add a delicate halo to your projects;
- you already have some spinning experience.
Explore White Mohair Combed Top
Silk
Silk is one of the most fascinating fibers to spin. It brings exceptional lustre, strength and an incomparable handle. More slippery than wool, it requires greater control, but opens the door to extraordinary creative possibilities.
At Tisse et File, we offer two types of silk: Mulberry silk, which is smooth, regular and luminous, and Tussah silk, a wilder silk with a natural colour and slightly more textured character.
Mulberry Silk
Mulberry silk is the smoothest and most lustrous of the silks. It can be spun into extremely fine, smooth and elegant yarns. It is often used on its own or blended with wool to add softness and light.
Choose this fiber if…
- you are looking for exceptional lustre;
- you enjoy fine, silky yarns;
- you want to create refined projects.
Explore Mulberry Silk Combed Top
Tussah Silk
Tussah silk is a wild silk with natural colours ranging from cream to warm golden beige. Slightly less regular than Mulberry silk, it has more character and produces warm, luminous yarns with rich texture.
Choose this fiber if…
- you enjoy natural colours;
- you are looking for silk with more personality;
- you want to create elegant yarns with unique character.
Explore Tussah Silk Combed Top
Plant Fibers
Plant fibers offer a spinning experience that is very different from wool. They generally have less elasticity, a smoother draft and produce yarns valued for their freshness, strength and natural look.
Although they often require a little more practice, they can produce beautiful yarns, especially for lightweight garments and summer textiles.
Flax
Flax is one of the oldest textile fibers used by humans. It produces strong, cool and durable yarns that become softer with washing and wear.
In brief
- ✔ Natural plant fiber
- ✔ Very strong
- ✔ Ideal for summer textiles
- ✔ Excellent for dyeing
What makes it special
Flax feels smooth, firm and almost inelastic. It behaves very differently from wool and requires a more precise spinning technique.
Choose this fiber if…
- you enjoy natural fibers;
- you want to spin yarns for summer projects;
- you like discovering new spinning sensations.
Bamboo
Bamboo is appreciated for its softness, natural shine and silky feel. It adds fluidity to yarns and can be used on its own or blended with other fibers.
In brief
- ✔ Very soft
- ✔ Beautiful shine
- ✔ Silky handle
- ✔ Available in several colours
What makes it special
Bamboo drafts smoothly and immediately feels soft in the hand. It requires more control than a traditional wool fiber.
Choose this fiber if…
- you are looking for beautiful shine;
- you enjoy modern plant-based fibers;
- you want to create smooth, fluid yarns.
Cellulosic Fibers
Cellulosic fibers are made from transformed plant cellulose. They offer excellent consistency, beautiful softness and a subtle sheen that many spinners enjoy.
Lyocell (Tencel™)
Lyocell is a modern fiber made from wood cellulose. Its production process is known for its lower environmental impact and produces a fiber that is exceptionally soft and lustrous.
In brief
- ✔ Very soft
- ✔ Beautiful sheen
- ✔ Very consistent
- ✔ Wonderful blended with Merino
What makes it special
Lyocell has a very distinctive softness. It drafts smoothly and adds a subtle glow to handspun yarns.
Choose this fiber if…
- you want to discover a modern cellulosic fiber;
- you enjoy luminous yarns;
- you are looking for an excellent blending fiber.
Explore Lyocell (Tencel™) Fiber
Effect Fibers
Some fibers are not meant to make up an entire yarn on their own. They are added in small amounts to bring decorative effects, sparkle or visual interest.
Angelina
Angelina is an extremely fine synthetic fiber used to create sparkling highlights in handspun yarns, carded batts and felting projects.
In brief
- ✔ Metallic reflections
- ✔ Very lightweight
- ✔ Used in small amounts
- ✔ Ideal for personalizing creative projects
What makes it special
Very fine and almost weightless, Angelina blends easily with other fibers to add dramatic sparkle without significantly changing how the fiber behaves.
Choose this fiber if…
- you enjoy art yarns;
- you create decorative textile work;
- you want to add a touch of light to your projects.
Fiber Blends: The Best of Both Worlds
Fiber blends combine the qualities of several materials to create a spinning experience and finished yarn that would be difficult to achieve with a single fiber. They are often an excellent way to discover new sensations while still working with a fiber that feels enjoyable and approachable.
At Tisse et File, we often recommend blends to spinners who want to progress without moving immediately into more technical fibers such as pure silk or flax.
Merino and Silk
This blend combines the softness and elasticity of Merino with the incomparable lustre of silk. It is often the best way to discover silk, because the Merino adds cohesion and makes the blend easier to spin.
In brief
- ✔ Very soft
- ✔ Beautiful lustre
- ✔ Easier to spin than pure silk
- ✔ Ideal for shawls and refined accessories
What makes it special
The drafting remains smooth and enjoyable, with a slight glide from the silk. The result is a luminous, supple yarn that feels especially beautiful to wear.
Choose this blend if…
- you want to discover silk;
- you are looking for an elegant yarn;
- you enjoy very soft fibers.
Alpaca and Merino
This blend combines the warmth of alpaca with the natural elasticity of Merino. It produces especially comfortable yarns while remaining easier to spin than pure alpaca.
In brief
- ✔ Very warm
- ✔ Very soft
- ✔ Good elasticity
- ✔ Ideal for winter garments
What makes it special
The blend is soft, slightly fuzzy and very pleasant to work with. Merino adds bounce, while alpaca brings warmth and softness.
Choose this blend if…
- you are looking for a warm yarn;
- you want to make sweaters, hats or mittens;
- you enjoy comfortable fibers.
Merino and Lyocell
This blend combines the softness and elasticity of Merino with the smooth handle and beautiful sheen of Lyocell. It is an excellent choice for spinners who want to discover cellulosic fibers while keeping the forgiving characteristics of wool.
In brief
- ✔ Soft and luminous
- ✔ Silky handle
- ✔ Easy to spin
- ✔ An excellent introduction to cellulosic fibers
What makes it special
Merino provides stability and elasticity, while Lyocell contributes a smooth draft and subtle lustre. The result is an elegant, versatile yarn suitable for many different projects.
Choose this blend if…
- you want to discover Lyocell;
- you enjoy lustrous yarns;
- you are looking for a blend that is easy to spin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best fiber for beginners?
We generally recommend Corriedale. Its excellent cohesion, comfortable staple length and natural elasticity make it one of the easiest fibers to learn with. It helps develop good spinning techniques whether you use a spinning wheel or a drop spindle.
Explore Ashford Corriedale Combed Top
Which fiber is the softest?
Among the fibers available at Tisse et File, 19 Micron Merino is one of the softest. Polwarth is also exceptionally soft while often being slightly easier to spin. Silk blends add an especially luxurious feel to finished yarns.
Are microns the only thing that matters?
No. Microns measure only the fineness of a fiber. Staple length, crimp, cohesion, elasticity and spinning technique all play an equally important role in the finished yarn.
What's the difference between 19 Micron and 22 Micron Merino?
19 Micron Merino is finer and generally softer. 22 Micron Merino remains wonderfully soft while being slightly easier to spin. Both produce beautiful yarns—the best choice depends on your project and personal preferences.
Why do you recommend fiber blends so often?
Blends provide a gradual introduction to more technical fibers. For example, a Merino and Silk blend offers the beautiful lustre of silk while maintaining the stability of Merino, making it much easier to spin than pure silk.
Can these fibers be used for felting?
Some fibers are excellent for felting, especially Corriedale. Others, such as silk or Angelina, are primarily used to add decorative effects or are blended with other fibers.
Should I choose natural or dyed fiber?
Dyed fibers allow you to start a project immediately with beautiful ready-to-use colours. Natural fibers are the perfect choice if you enjoy hand dyeing and creating your own custom colourways.
Which fiber is best for hand dyeing?
Natural white fibers are the most versatile. Natural White Polwarth, White Merino, silk and flax all provide excellent bases for creating vibrant, custom colours.
Can every fiber be spun on a drop spindle?
Yes. Every fiber presented in this guide can be spun on either a drop spindle or a spinning wheel. Some fibers, such as silk, mohair and many plant fibers, simply require a little more experience and control.
How should I store my spinning fibers?
Store your fibers in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight. Closed containers or breathable storage bags help protect them from dust and insects.
How do I know which fiber is right for me?
Start by thinking about the project you want to make, then choose a fiber that matches both your experience and your goals. If you're unsure, we'd be happy to help you choose the best fiber for your next project.
What's the difference between carded fiber and combed top?
Carded fiber and combed top are prepared differently and therefore offer different spinning experiences.
Combed top is prepared so that the fibers are aligned in the same direction. This makes it ideal for spinning smooth, consistent yarns with excellent drafting control.
Carded fiber, on the other hand, has a loftier preparation with fibers arranged in multiple directions. It is often chosen for spinning airy, woollen yarns or for creating colourful fiber blends and textured batts.
Most of the fibers featured in this guide are available as combed top, making them an excellent choice for learning how different fibers behave while developing confident drafting skills.
Most Importantly: Don't Be Afraid to Experiment
Choosing a spinning fiber is an important step, but there is no single "perfect" choice. Every fiber has its own personality, strengths and unique challenges. That's exactly what makes spinning such a rewarding craft.
As your skills develop, you'll probably discover that your preferences evolve as well. A fiber that seems challenging today may become your favourite in a few months, while the wool you learned on will naturally find its place in new and different projects.
Don't hesitate to experiment. Try different sheep breeds, discover other animal fibers, explore plant and cellulosic fibers, have fun with fiber blends and—why not?—add a touch of Angelina to bring a little sparkle to your creations.
One of the greatest joys of hand spinning is that there is never just one right way to do things. Two spinners can work with exactly the same fiber and produce completely different yarns, each perfectly suited to the project they had in mind.
We hope this guide has helped you better understand spinning fibers and inspired you to discover new ones. Whether you're just beginning your spinning journey or you've been spinning for many years, there will always be another fiber to explore and another technique to master.
Need a Hand Choosing?
If you're unsure which fiber is best for your next project, we'd be delighted to help. Whether you're choosing your very first spinning fiber or looking for something new to explore, we're always happy to share our experience and help you make an informed decision.