How to Wet Set Handspun Yarn

I'm continuing my Fiber Arts Video series with this example of wet-setting handspun yarn. Watch how I set two skeins of handspun yarn via soaking. I spun the smaller skein to show what happens when the yarn is spun unbalanced but then wet set.
This technique is for setting the twist of wool yarns. It’s customary to soak handspun yarn in warm to hot water as part of the setting process. I typically soak larger skeins of yarn or if they need a light cleaning.
The steps:
Add extra ties to your skein to keep it from tangling. I use ribbon or highway tape (marking tape)
Fill your sink with hot tap water and a soap such as Synthrapol or blue Dawn Dish soap
Slowly add your skein to the soapy water. Let sit for 20 - 30 minutes. Don't worry about the time. Feel free to go off and do other tasks and come back later
Drain the water, and thoroughly rinse your skein with clean water. You could also soak it again in clear water if you wish
Give your skein a gentle squeeze
Take outside to thwack on a surface if needed
Hang to dry
Remove excess water with an absorbent cloth to help speed up the drying process, if desired (some roll their skein in a towel but I just use a cloth and gently squeeze it over the areas at the bottom where the water is gathering).
It's imperative to set your yarn before use so that you don't have any surprises when you wash your final knitted/crocheted/woven textile. Setting also takes out extra kinks and aids in your yarn hanging straight. Your handspun will, by far, look more finished and even once set. This is why I always reserve judgment of my handspun until it's set.
You can check out my other videos for other ways to set handspun yarn.
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Thanks for watching!
About Me
I'm making quick little videos to support the fiber arts community esp. those getting started spinning & dyeing.
I'm an autodidact at heart. I've been making jewelry for over two decades and added spinning and dyeing to my creative endeavors in 2012. Being completely self-taught, I figured out how to achieve the results I want with my finished yarn through lots of trial and error. It may not be the "proper" or "technical" way, but it's the way it works for me, and therefore, it makes me happy to create.
I hope these videos, as well as my blog posts, inspire you to advance your skill set or encourage you to try a new hobby or interest. Working with my hands completely changed my life and gave me an outlet that is so necessary in today's hectic and stressful world.