Why Corriedale, Rambouillet, and Polwarth Are Perfect for Spinners
When it comes to spinning fibre, few breeds offer the versatility, texture, and beauty of Corriedale, Rambouillet, and Polwarth. At Skein and the Stitch, we’re proud to offer exclusive colourways for spinners on these remarkable fibres, perfect for all skill levels. Whether you’re new to the craft or an experienced spinner, here’s why these are the best fibres for spinning and should be on your wheel next.
Corriedale: Balanced and Beginner-Friendly
Corriedale is a favourite among spinners for its balanced qualities. It’s soft enough for next-to-skin wear yet durable enough to hold up in projects like outerwear or accessories. Here are a few key traits that make Corriedale a spinner’s dream:
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Staple Length: Corriedale boasts a staple length of 3-5 inches, making it easier to draft consistently. This is especially helpful for beginners looking for the best spinning fibre to develop their drafting rhythm.
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Texture: Its medium crimp and bounce add elasticity and character to your spun yarn, creating a satisfying texture that’s easy to work with.
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Uses: Spun Corriedale works beautifully for garments, accessories, and even light home decor items. It’s a fantastic all-rounder fibre.
At Skein and the Stitch, our Corriedale fibre is dyed in exclusive colourways for spinners that allow you to play with shading and gradients in your spinning projects, making each skein a true work of art.
Rambouillet: Luxuriously Soft and Springy
For those who crave softness without sacrificing resilience, Rambouillet is an exceptional choice. Often compared to Merino, Rambouillet adds its own distinct personality to your spinning experience:
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Staple Length: With a slightly shorter staple length of 2-4 inches, Rambouillet requires a bit more control but rewards you with buttery smooth drafting. Learn how to spin Rambouillet wool smoothly by taking your time with drafting.
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Softness: Rambouillet is incredibly fine and soft, making it perfect for spinning yarn that will be used in shawls, scarves, and other delicate garments.
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Elasticity: Its fine crimp structure provides excellent elasticity, ensuring your finished projects maintain their shape and drape beautifully.
Our exclusive Rambouillet spinning fibre colourways feature subtle gradients and tonal shades, enhancing the fibre’s natural sheen and depth. These fibres are perfect for creating unique hand-spun yarns for special projects.
Polwarth: Versatile and Smooth
Polwarth offers a fantastic blend of softness, durability, and a smooth spinning experience. A cross between Merino and Lincoln sheep, Polwarth combines the best of both breeds:
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Staple Length: Polwarth has a staple length of 4-6 inches, making it easier to draft smoothly, especially for intermediate spinners. It’s an excellent choice if you’re exploring how to spin Polwarth wool.
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Softness and Shine: Polwarth is softer than many medium wools and has a natural sheen that adds elegance to your spun yarn.
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Uses: Its softness makes it ideal for next-to-skin projects, while its durability ensures longevity in garments and accessories. Polwarth’s versatility also lends itself well to both fine and bulkier yarns.
Our Polwarth spinning fibre is dyed to highlight its natural lustre, creating stunning, rich colourways that will inspire your next project. Hand-dyed Polwarth fibre is perfect for gradient yarns or bold colourwork.
How to Spin These Fibres
Corriedale Tips:
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Use a medium tension on your spinning wheel to let the natural crimp guide your draft.
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Try experimenting with 2-ply or 3-ply techniques for balanced, versatile hand-spun yarns.
Rambouillet Tips:
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Draft slowly and steadily to manage its shorter staple length and fine texture.
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Opt for a higher twist to enhance durability while preserving its cloud-like softness.
Polwarth Tips:
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Keep a consistent draft to make the most of Polwarth’s smooth, long fibres.
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Experiment with both high and low twists to see how the fibre’s sheen and softness transform.
Exclusive Colourways to Spark Your Creativity
Our Corriedale, Rambouillet, and Polwarth fibres are dyed in small batches, ensuring unique and vibrant colourways for spinners. From earthy tones inspired by nature to playful gradients, each bundle is crafted to bring joy to your spinning process. Whether you want to create a gradient shawl or a cosy sweater, the possibilities are endless with these luxurious fibres.
Pairing with Your Stash
Hand-spun Corriedale, Rambouillet, and Polwarth yarns are incredibly versatile and pair well with other fibres. Combine them with your favourite yarns for colourwork projects, or let them shine on their own in simple stitches that showcase their texture and hue. Use them to create yarns perfect for colourwork or gradient effects in your stash.
Ready to Spin?
If you’re ready to elevate your spinning, explore our exclusive Corriedale, Rambouillet, and Polwarth spinning fibres. Whether you’re creating yarn for a cherished project or spinning just for the joy of it, these are the best fibres for spinning that are sure to delight.
Shop now and bring the magic of hand-dyed, luxurious spinning fibres to your wheel.