Tutor: Jackie Thomas

Date: 23 October 2026 10am – 4pm

Venue: Devon Weavers Workshop

Long Draw Spinning & Hand Carding: Create Lofty, Bouncy Winter‑Warm Yarns

Do you dream of making soft, airy, beautifully elastic yarns for knitting or weaving? Have you tried before but struggled to get the results you hoped for?

This course is designed for spinners who already know how to use a wheel but are new to woollen spinning with the long draw technique or want to improve the yarn they’re producing. You’ll learn how to create those classic lofty, bouncy, light, warm yarns that only long draw can deliver.

We begin with the foundations: hand‑carding short‑staple fleece into smooth, even rolags. You’ll discover how fibre preparation shapes the final yarn, and how to get consistent results using simple tools.

From there, we move to the wheel. You’ll be guided through the long draw technique step by step — building confidence, control, and an understanding of how twist, drafting, and fibre preparation work together.

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:

• Card beautiful rolags using hand carders
• Spin soft, airy long‑draw yarns with improved consistency
• Understand how fibre choice and preparation affect your final skein

Perfect for anyone wanting to expand their spinning skills and produce truly delightful light warm yarns.

About Jackie

Jackie Thomas lives locally in Ivybridge and has been an active member of the Devon Weavers Workshop for 18 years. She is currently a trustee and treasurer. Jackie has been spinning for over 30 years and is involved with several Guilds and spinning groups in the region. With a strong interest in the technical aspects of spinning tools, she enjoys understanding how and why they work. She has been teaching and demonstrating informally for many years.

Course Costs: £50 + small charge for fleece (There are no member discounts on this workshop)

Note: This payment includes a £10 non-refundable deposit.

Reserve List: If a course is oversubscribed, there may be a reserve list available – please contact us for details.

Accessibility: If you have any specific questions regarding the demands of the course please contact us prior to booking.

Infectious diseases: We take the well-being of our members and students very seriously. We ask that you do not attend a course at the Workshop if you test positive for Covid, have an infectious disease or have recently been in contact with someone who has.