You are correct in assuming flax contains a natural mucilage (galactin?) that allows the fibers to stick together for spinning. You can also make "flax spit" by simmering one teaspoon of raw flax seed in one cup of water for ten minutes, then straining the mixture and diluting it with water to a good handling consistency. This can also be used to size the linen singles for weaving.
Starting to try to spin flax on my spinning wheel. So far only have experimented with a hand spindle. Thanks for your video. A lot a great info of what to try.
Fibers are smooth so you will have to pull the fibers yourself or you can let a little twist up into the draft zone and back twist a bit to allow you to draft easily and to help pull more fiber out. I spin long line fiber but the technique is similar and it is similar to spinning smooth hair types of animal fibers. Wool has grip but flax doesn't really. I have a few videos on my TH-cam page showing spinning some fine flax long line fiber at my studio. You are doing well spinning from the fold. I have an old video showing spinning flax from the fold.
I am no expert and I think we need to see more non experts trying things. Success or fail is secondary to me. I just want to encourage people to try. It's fun!
Thank you for this. I haven't found a lot of videos showing commercial linen top being spun, and I recently bought some that I'm working up the courage to dig into. This helps!
Very interesting, thanks for sharing. I have a strik (sp) of flax somewhere in my stash, hopefully I will come across it and be willing to try to spin it. lol.
I love your approach to this! ‘I’m not sure I’m comfortable with this so I’ll just get *2lbs!* and just giv’r’…’ LOL Awesome! Looking forward to how see how you process it - I’ve never spun flax so find this all very fascinating 😊
Thank you so much for this video! I'm in Winnipeg, with family in the Ottawa Valley and in Gatineau, so I heard your accent and put you on the map right away! :) I'm going to try spinning some flax right now... I hope it works out as well for me as it did for you! There may be a lot of swearing involved... :) Thanks again!
Swearing is just power words to get it done lol. And yes, my accent does give me away. Flax is an interesting spin and a challenge for when you're ready. Be patient and it'll come!
On another video they made a thin mop like thing and started from the ends of the fiber... this is all very new to me though! The other person said linen likes to be straight. And folding causes it to break more easily...
The mop thing is called a distaff and it's best for flax that is really long fibers. Mine isn't that kind lol. I do want to try using a distaff one day even with this shorter fiber that I have. It does like to break when you fold it but since I was struggling anyways I thought I'd give it a go. It actually wasn't too bad.
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You are correct in assuming flax contains a natural mucilage (galactin?) that allows the fibers to stick together for spinning. You can also make "flax spit" by simmering one teaspoon of raw flax seed in one cup of water for ten minutes, then straining the mixture and diluting it with water to a good handling consistency. This can also be used to size the linen singles for weaving.
You know way more about flax than I for sure. I'd better do some more research lol. Thanks for sharing!
Lovely! You’ve taken the intimidation out of flax. Always learning. Thank you! 🙂
I was intimidated too which is why I tackled it and got lots to work with lol. Thanks for watching!
I would love to see a follow up.😃 I’ve been eyeing the flax for awhile now.
There will definitely be follow up. Once I've spun enough we'll do finished my finishing for sure.
Starting to try to spin flax on my spinning wheel. So far only have experimented with a hand spindle. Thanks for your video. A lot a great info of what to try.
It's still a challenge for me but I'm getting better. You got this! Just be patient.
thank you! First time spinning flax didn't go very well so I am encouraged to see this.
Hey we all have to learn or at least try to learn lol. I'm still trying! Glad it encouraged you.
Fibers are smooth so you will have to pull the fibers yourself or you can let a little twist up into the draft zone and back twist a bit to allow you to draft easily and to help pull more fiber out. I spin long line fiber but the technique is similar and it is similar to spinning smooth hair types of animal fibers. Wool has grip but flax doesn't really. I have a few videos on my TH-cam page showing spinning some fine flax long line fiber at my studio. You are doing well spinning from the fold. I have an old video showing spinning flax from the fold.
I'll have to go check those out. Thank you!
I like seeing you learn and try new things. It helps to see someone else immersed in the learning process.
I am no expert and I think we need to see more non experts trying things. Success or fail is secondary to me. I just want to encourage people to try. It's fun!
Thank you for this. I haven't found a lot of videos showing commercial linen top being spun, and I recently bought some that I'm working up the courage to dig into. This helps!
I'm glad it helps. Just dive in and expect the first bit will be horrible until you get the feel for it.
Very interesting, thanks for sharing. I have a strik (sp) of flax somewhere in my stash, hopefully I will come across it and be willing to try to spin it. lol.
Give it a shot. You never know, you might enjoy it.
I love your approach to this! ‘I’m not sure I’m comfortable with this so I’ll just get *2lbs!* and just giv’r’…’ LOL Awesome! Looking forward to how see how you process it - I’ve never spun flax so find this all very fascinating 😊
Well you have to have lots to mess up with lol.
🙂LOL I like you lady you funny and very informing thank you, so much.
I'm glad you enjoy.
You have done a wonderful job I'm a bit intimidated by flax and cotton so for now I am gonna stick to what I know lol xx
Just try it. You might be surprised.
Thank you so much for this video! I'm in Winnipeg, with family in the Ottawa Valley and in Gatineau, so I heard your accent and put you on the map right away! :) I'm going to try spinning some flax right now... I hope it works out as well for me as it did for you! There may be a lot of swearing involved... :) Thanks again!
Swearing is just power words to get it done lol. And yes, my accent does give me away. Flax is an interesting spin and a challenge for when you're ready. Be patient and it'll come!
“Goals!”
Go big! Lol.
On another video they made a thin mop like thing and started from the ends of the fiber... this is all very new to me though!
The other person said linen likes to be straight. And folding causes it to break more easily...
The mop thing is called a distaff and it's best for flax that is really long fibers. Mine isn't that kind lol. I do want to try using a distaff one day even with this shorter fiber that I have. It does like to break when you fold it but since I was struggling anyways I thought I'd give it a go. It actually wasn't too bad.
That was interesting! Thanks for sharing. Will you leave it natural or dye?
Natural to start. If I get bored I may dye it later.
That looks amazing . So thin . Would you be able to do sewing with it ?? Cheers Pat nz
Because it's a single I'm not sure but I don't see a reason why not too m try it. Probably what the used in the olden days.
where did you get that apron with the cup in it
It's actually just a towel with a candle jar lid resting on it.
What else can you spin for, but weaving?
It works great for knitting but I find crochet is just too stiff and harsh.