COMING SOON – Workshop – How to Spin Cotton on a Wheel and on a Supported Spindle, Mar 1, 2027

A half-day introduction to the world of spinning cotton on a tahkli-style spindle followed by a half day learning the basics of spinning cotton on a spinning wheel. In the morning, students will learn the basics of spinning cotton on a tahkli-style spindle. Students will be instructed in how to spin long draw cotton on a supported spindle, how to manage a long draw drafting method and ensure that you’ve created a stable single with an appropriate amount of twist. In the afternoon, students will learn the basics of spinning cotton on a spinning wheel and how it differs from spinning on a supported spindle. Students will be instructed in how to setup their spinning wheel for successful cotton spinning, how to long draw cotton on a spinning wheel, how to manage a long draw drafting method and ensure that you’ve created a stable single with an appropriate amount of twist. We will try out a variety of different cotton fiber preparations as well as have the opportunity to try out different cultivars of cotton. Students will be provided with a HipStrings tahkli style supported spindle and spinning dish, as well as a sampler of different cottons, to keep and take home. Everything to help you get started with spinning cotton!

Requirements: Any skill level. Students must bring a functional spinning wheel set up in either flyer-led (Scotch) tension or double drive with a 15:1 ratio or a functional e-spinner with flyer-led (Scotch) tension; 3 bobbins; lazy Kate; niddy noddy Students are welcome to bring a supported spindle and spinning surface, if they have one but all students will learn on the spindle provided.

Materials Fee: $60 to cover spindle, bowl, and cotton sampler. Instuctor will provide Hipstrings Tahkli-style supported spindle, spinning bowl, fiber.

Maximum: 16

About the Artist:Jill Duarte spends their days geeking out about all things fiber, diving into the nuances of fiber preparation, color, and the act of spinning. As co-owner of HipStrings, Jill is dedicated to the resurgence of modern craft that is based on a foundation of technical and historical knowledge. This approach is reflected in the fiber, yarn and tools they’ve developed and produce. Jill shares their insights as a regular contributor to PLY magazine, with the goal of making the technical aspects of craft accessible to all.

Artist’s website:hipstrings.com