Two ways to spin a story.
Worsted-spun and woolen-spun describe how fibers are prepared and spun into yarn. Each approach creates a different character.
In traditional worsted spinning the fibers are combed into a parallel arrangement. The spinner draws them out before allowing twist into that section, helping preserve their alignment. The resulting yarn tends to be smooth and dense with clear stitch definition.
Traditional woolen spinning uses carded fibers arranged less uniformly. Twist enters the fibers as they are drawn out helping create an airy, lofty yarn with a softer outline.
Handspinning also leaves plenty of room between these approaches. A spinner can combine preparation and drafting methods to create yarn with qualities of both.
Neither method is better for every project. Fiber choice, twist and construction all contribute to how the finished yarn feels and behaves.
Curator’s Note: Worsted-spun describes a method. Worsted weight describes a thickness category. A worsted-spun yarn can be fine or bulky, and a worsted-weight yarn can be spun using either approach.
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