Hand Spinning News
When you knit socks, do you work toe-up? If you're more of a top-down person then Roxanne has some instructions for customising your toe for a perfect fit. There are two top-down patterns in the project suggestions.
We have two equipment comparisons. For weavers, Kelly compares table looms from Ashford, Louet and Lojan. If you're interested in e-spinners, SweetGeorgia have compared two models from Daedalus.
If you'd like an email notification of when the free issue goes live each month, I now have a page at patreon.com/handspinningnews where you can become a member for free.
If you would like to receive a longer version in your inbox, earlier than the free edition appears and would like to do more to support the endeavour, find the options here.
So without further ado, read on for all of this and more news, views and reviews for spinners, knitters, crocheters, dyers and weavers. This is the free round-up for April 2026.
Cover photo: Old spinning wheel found in Marrakech © Jborzicchi Dreamstime.com
Contents
In the media
Earth week back to back wool challenge attempt
On 18 April, spinners and knitters of The COA Spinsters will be making their attempt at the International Back to Back challenge as part of their Earth Week celebrations.
If you're anywhere near Bar Harbor, Maine, they are inviting visitors.
The challenge organisers Tarndwarncoort (affectionately known as Tarndie) have confirmed that this is the first entry from a college team which they especially welcome.
Good luck to COA spinners, I'll report their time next month.
www.coa.edu...earth-week-back-to-back-wool-challenge
Innovation in Wool Awards 2026
Campaign for Wool's Innovation in Wool Awards 2026 is open for submissions. Total prize money is more than £30,000.
The goal is to champion new ideas for wool from farm to fibre, manufacturing to end use.
2025 winners were Traditional Garden Growers for their Wooltiliser pellets, Wool Innovation International for their fleecy tree guards and Oxford Biopigments for their colourfast, mordant-free, plant-based dyes.
innovationinwool.com
Handspun stories
A sweater inspired by a family photo
Debbie looks proud in this picture and rightly so. Her jumper is based on one that's sixty years old and was owned and worn by her mother.
She started by choosing and buying the Targhee fleece. She washed, spun, dyed and knitted the jumper and hopes that hers will also last for generations. All details are in this blog post.
plymagazine.com...a-sweater-inspired-by-a-family-photo
Replica sash completed
Carol has cut her reproduction George Washington sash from the frame.
It has yet to be wet-finished, which should tame its desire to curl up.
Congratulations, Carol, it has been amazing to watch this project develop.
www.spranglady.com/blog/replica-sash-completed
Primary shift
Pamela has tried to apply what she has learned about colour theory in a painting class to her handspun yarn, particularly with unusual primary colours.
To that end, she has made a series of knitted 'speedy samples' and quick rigid heddle gamps. You can read about how to make those along with Pamela's conclusions.
spinoffmagazine.com...sampling-a-range-of-handpsun-rainbows
Trusty toe up socks
Toe-up has always been my favourite direction for knitting socks. It seems more logical and also means that you can divide your yarn in two and knit the leg until you've used it all.
Crafty Yarnster has written about her first toe-up experience. It also involves an afterthought heel, in one case literally an afterthought, which required some knitting surgery.
thecraftyyarnster.com...trusty-toe-up-socks
First Fleece wash of the year
I must admit that I don't understand why we enjoy Youtube 'unboxings' but there's something compelling about them.
In this blog post, Guzzisue opens and evaluates two boxes of fleece. One was a recent order, she'd had the other since sometime last year.
travelfibreandthread.blogspot.com...first-fleece-wash-of-year.html
Recent, current and forthcoming events
Tips and tutorials
Diz a roving from your drum carder
In this video, Caitlin demonstrates how to diz a roving from your drum carder. She's using the Ashford e-Carder 30 and it's fun to see one of those in action.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BR0JNzNbSrw
Choosing yarns for the pin loom
You could use anything from laceweight to DK with a Zoom-Loom-style pin loom but it's essential to choose the right weight for the particular project, as Benjamin explains.
littlelooms.com/choosing-yarns-for-the-pin-loom
Praise for the Portuguese knitting pin
The Portugese style involves using a brooch-like pin or simply wrapping the yarn around your neck, which takes the tension off your hands and makes purling a breeze. Nia says that her pin is more like jewellery than a knitting tool.
www.moderndailyknitting.com...praise-for-the-portuguese-knitting-pin
3 Ways to Work the SSK
I've never been quite sure whether the way that I make a SSK (left-leaning version of the K2tog decrease) is correct. It turns out that it is but there are two more variations that give slightly different results.
www.interweave.com...3-ways-to-work-the-ssk-slip-slip-knit
Five top-down sweater styles
If you're new to knitting jumpers then this may be of great interest. It's an extract from Ann Budd's book The Knitter's Handy Book of Top-Down Sweaters in which she outlines five sweater styles and their pros and cons.
www.interweave.com...top-down-sweater-styles
How to customise rounded sock toes
Everyone's feet are different and one of the benefits of knitting socks is that you can customise the shape.
Roxanne gives instructions here for three different versions of the rounded toe which will suit those with shorter, average or longer toes. In a previous article, which she links to, she covers the wedge-shaped toe.
These all relate to top-down socks but if knitting toe-up you could take this on board and modify your usual cast-on and increases.
www.interweave.com...customize-rounded-sock-toes
Demystifying Kitchener stitch
This is a very deep dive into Kitchener stitch.
techknitter begins with a simple duplicate stitch method before explaining the usual Kitchener stitch. Then covers grafting garter stitch, ribbing and double-knit fabric.
www.interweave.com...demystifying-kitchener-stitch
Products and Reviews
My new swift!
Crafty Yarnster received a swift for Christmas and filmed the unboxing and her first experience with it.
As far as I can see, the brand is undisclosed, so this isn't so much a review of the product but an evaluation of using a swift and ball winder vs managing by hand as she has done previously.
Her reaction is delightful and the video on this page is an enjoyable watch, even if you're experienced in the ways of the swift.
thecraftyyarnster.com...my-new-swift
Gallery
Sometimes just a picture is enough
Jaunty
Jaunty by Andrea Mowry has been the subject of a spin-a-long. allisonmarieknits took part and has now finished her first spin-to-knit project.
In this social reel, she talks about the modifications she made and gives the details of her spinning.
www.instagram.com/p/DWjteGjE5U9/
Satisfaction
Jean has finished this wedge-weave wall hanging. She says that it's very satisfying to finish something that's taken five months.
It's entirely naturally-dyed handspun mohair.
onesmallstitch.wordpress.com...satisfaction-3
Malabrigo nube braid
teakdecks has finished this skein of Malabrigo nube and loves it. No yardage is given but it's 3-ply, approx DK-weight.
She began using ply-on the fly, but switched to singles when it became too heavy, then chain-plied those singles.
"so much beautiful variation!", she says.
www.ravelry.com/people/teakdecks/handspun/malabrigo-nube
Free patterns and projects
A selection of free seasonal patterns which will work well with handspun yarn.
Nevada Kimono Cardigan by Kyla Zoran
I do love an interesting construction and this one is deceptively easy. It's a rectangle of garter stitch, made using two yarns held together. It'll be very quick and simple enough for travel or TV knitting.
It calls for around 550 yards, I assume that's total. DK+DK=Bulky (7 wpi).
The pattern is on this page with a refreshing lack of advertising.
kylazoran.com...free-knitting-pattern-nevada-kimono-cardigan
Pattern and project suggestions
But is it art...?
Nicola Turner: Time's Scythe
Nicola Turner has used recycled wool and horse hair stitched into mesh to create tendrils that spill from a chapel bell tower and over a gallery.
The work, installed at Yorkshire Sculpture Park's chapel, is entitled Time's Scythe and will be on display from Easter to the end of September.
Her work appeared in the recent adaptation of Wuthering Heights.
ysp.org.uk...nicola-turner-times-scythe
UK Events
2026
Natural Fibre Weekend, RHS Garden Rosemoor
18 - 19 April 2026, RHS Garden Rosemoor, Great Torrington, Devon
Exhibitors, demonstrations and a list of workshops, some mixing fibre crafts with flowers and plants.
Entry will be free for RHS members, normal garden admission for non-members. Workshops obviously have to be booked and paid for separately and includes garden admission.
www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor/viewevent?EFID=1400&ESRC=CMS
The Woolly Good Gathering
17 - 18 April 2026, Edinburgh Academy
Since 2019 Edinburgh been missing an important festival: a yarn festival!
A new event to celebrate knitters, crocheters, weavers, spinners and fibre lovers with a festival of crafts, workshops, talks, food, music and good company.
www.woollygood.co.uk
The Sodbury Yarn Over
18 - 19 April 2026, venue tbc
Yarns, fibres, weaving, crochet, knitting, spinning, accessories and workshops and more.
thesodburyyarnover.co.uk
Wonderwool Wales
25 - 26 April 2026, Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells
2026 is the 20th Anniversary. First held in 2006 to promote the market for Welsh wool and add value to product for small wool & fibre producers in Wales, the festival celebrates the green credentials of Welsh wool and its versatility as a material for creative crafts, designer clothes, home furnishings and more.
Wonderwool Wales has grown year on year. It covers everything from the start to the end of the creative process.
A list of accommodation and camping in the surrounding area is available on the Wonderwool website.
www.wonderwoolwales.co.uk
Yarnies at the Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings
May 2, 2026, Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings
Celebrate the art of wool. A fantastic day for enthusiasts to showcase talents and connect with fellow yarn lovers.
yarniesattheflaxmill.co.uk
Buxton Wool Gathering
16 - 17 May 2026 Pavilion Gardens, Buxton
Exhibitors will be displaying the best of yarn, knitting, and crochet in the gateway to the Peak District. The website contains an exhibitor list and ticket information.
The event's home page contains some charity patterns raising money for Macmillan.
buxtonwool.co.uk
Threads Textile Festival
16-17 May 2026 Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley, Pudsey, LS28 5UJ
Celebrating textiles through a series of talks, workshops and a market featuring 50+ textile stalls each day
www.sunnybankmills.co.uk...threads-textile-festival-2026
The Big Flock
16 - 17 May 2026, University of the West of England, Stoke Gifford, Bristol
A curated yarn festival, aiming to celebrate diverse makers and designers of high-quality yarn, fibre, garments and accessories
www.thebigflock.com
Tangled Galashiels Fibre Festival
Fri 29 May - Sat 30 May 2026, Galashiels, TD1 3JX and tba
The two-day festival isn't just a yarn festival, it's a celebration of independent textile artists, crafters, dyers and spinners, as well as its local community.
Textile exhibitions, interactive activities, workshops, a brand new Fleece Market and over 30 craft stalls
www.tangledgalashiels.com
The Great British Fibre Festival
30-31 May 2026 Coldharbour Mill, Uffculme, Devon
A yarn and fibre show with a twist - it's aimed to educate and connect people with the origin of their yarns, wool fibre and more...you'll find flax, leather, nettle, wood, ceramic and more at the show!
Brought to you by the organisers of Stitch Fest South West.
www.thegreatbritishfibrefestival.co.uk
Mill Open Weekend, John Arbon Textiles
6 - 7 June, 2026, The Assembly Rooms, South Molton Town Hall with tour of JAT Mill
A weekend of woolly shenanigans in North Devon.
Tickets for tours, talks and workshops are now available for booking.
www.jarbon.com/mill-open-weekend
The Wool Monty
13-14 June 2026 Magna, Magna Way, Sheffield S60 1FD
Accessible, inclusive, welcoming.
thewoolmonty.co.uk
Cumbrian Wool Gathering
20 - 21 June 2026, J36 Rural Auction Centre, Cumbria
A gathering of people with a love for wool and yarn, and the associated crafts. The first Cumbrian Wool Gathering is organised by the same team responsible for Bakewell Wool Gathering and Buxton Wool Gathering.
cumbrianwoolgathering.co.uk
Midlands Wool Festival
11 - 12 July 2026, Wolverhampton Racecourse
70 top class exhibitors from all over the country in an accessible venue, great food, free parking, workshops, free demos from local guilds, charity magazine stall
www.midlandswoolfestival.co.uk
Summer Wool Festival
25 - 26 July 2026 Redborne School, Ampthill, Bedfordshire, MK45 2NU
over 100 of the very best stalls from all over the country, a great range of workshops, a street food area, lots of room to sit and chat, free demonstrations and advice from several local guilds.
Picks up where Fibre East left off.
summerwoolfestival.co.uk
Eden Wool Gathering
1 Aug 2026 Whithorn Roundhouse, Dumfries & Galloway
A new event to promote and showcase wool and wool-related crafts. All proceeds to Stranraer Cancer Drop In Centre.
www.facebook.com/EdenWoolGathering
North East Wool Show
8 - 9 August 2026, Newcastle Racecourse
90 amazing stalls plus a great range of workshops. cafe, demonstrations.
www.northeastwoolshow.co.uk
Pop Up Wool Show
15 August 2026, Hulme Hall, 23 Bolton Rd, Bebington, Wirral
A selection of vendors selling everything from hand dyed yarns and fibres to felting kits and needles
Entry £4 per person, available on the door or online.
www.coastal-colours.co.uk/pop-up
Southern Wool Show
22 - 23 August 2026, Newbury Racecourse, Berkshire
A festival of woolly goodies. The perfect event for all lovers of knitting, crochet, feltmaking, weaving, spinning, dyeing, and all things woolly!
www.southernwoolshow.co.uk
The Scottish Yarn Festival
12 - 13 September at Perth Concert Hall
The Scottish Yarn Festival is the new name for Perth Festival of Yarn.
The Vendors' Gallery Marketplace is the place to find materials and inspiration for your future crafting projects, the chance to meet and talk with the makers behind your favourite independent brands, to indulge in a little celebrity spotting.
Past tutors and lecturers have included Jeanette Sloan, Françoise Danoy, Andre de Castro, Di Gilpin, and Amy Palko
A fringe programme of social events has included books signings, gala dinners and fashions shows, and Perthshire gin flights
thescottishyarnfestival.com
unravel... autumn
Fri 11 - Sat 12 September 2026, Farnham Maltings
unravel... autumn is a celebration of all things yarn making from knitting and crochet to spinning and weaving
At the core of unravel... autumn is the curated marketplace which showcases independent producers, well established makers alongside first-time yarn show exhibitors from around the UK. In addition, on each day of the festival, there is an inspiring programme of bookable workshops.
farnhammaltings.com...festivals/unravel-autumn
Yarndale
26 - 27 September 2026, Skipton Auction Mart, North Yorkshire
Over 180 makers, craft workers, retailers, and artisans in the picturesque market town of Skipton, North Yorkshire.
yarndale.co.uk
Shetland Wool Week
27 September - 6 October 2026
Shetland Wool Week is a world renowned celebration of Britain's most northerly native sheep, the Shetland textile industry and the rural farming community on these islands.
Includes classes, talks, drop-ins, art. See website for the full events listing.
shetlandwoolweek.com
Yarnstock
2 - 4 October 2026
A cosy weekend festival for crochet lovers, yarn crafters, and wool enthusiasts. Camp or visit for the day.
www.yarnstock.co.uk/index.php
West Wales Wool Show
Saturday 3 October 2026, Queen's Hall and Plas Hyfryd Hotel, Narberth, Pembrokeshire
A celebration of all things woolly. From beautifully hand crafted items, clothing and footwear to knitting wool, fleece and all the equipment needed to make at home. Demonstrations run throughout the day with stall holders sharing their skills and knowledge with visitors plus wool skill workshops such as felting.
westwaleswoolshow.weebly.com
Stafford Wool Gathering
17 - 18 October 2026 Staffordshire County Showground
Bakewell Wool Gathering has moved to Stafford.
Over 100 exhibitors showcasing their skills and offering everything you need. Or take part in workshops to learn and improve on your own skills.
Whether you enjoy spinning, felting, weaving, knitting, or crochet, it's an event you won't want to miss.
staffordwoolgathering.co.uk
Knit + Stitch Show Northern Ireland
12-15 November 2026, The Eikon Exhibition Centre
Meet up with like-minded crafters, discuss ideas, learn new skills, find inspiration and shop for your annual craft supplies, including wool, fabric and beyond from big brands and specialist suppliers.
www.knitandstitchshow.co.uk/northernireland
Christmas Wool Show
14 - 15 November, National Conference Centre, Birmingham
80 amazing exhibitors from all over the country in a fabulous venue. Free parking, café, free demonstrations from local guilds, charity magazine stall, yarn winding service and plenty of room to sit and chat.
www.christmaswoolshow.co.uk
Knit + Stitch, Harrogate (previously The Knitting and Stitching Show)
19 - 22 November 2026, Harrogate Convention Centre
Meet up with like-minded crafters, discuss ideas, learn new skills and shop for your annual craft supplies, including wool, beads and beyond from household name brands and special suppliers alike including Fabric Godmother, Toft and more.
www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com/harrogate
All that remains is for me to thank everyone who blogs, writes articles or posts pictures on the subject of spinning, knitting, crochet or weaving. This newsletter wouldn't exist without them.
Nor would it exist without your support, so thank you for that.
Please share a link to hand-spinning-news.com with anyone who may be interested.
Alternatively, share a link to the new Patreon page. New readers can become a free member and receive a notification when each free issue is available. It's also an alternative way for people to become paying supporters.
It's always good to hear from readers for any reason and I'd particularly like tip-offs about about any relevant stories, websites or social media accounts that I should be following.
Happy spinning!
Shiela Dixon - Editor / curator
shiela@hand-spinning-news.com
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