Fiber Process Overview

Raw Fiber to be Processed
Raw Fiber - notice how the fibers cling together and contain dark bits of contaminants.
Washed Fiber
Fiber that has been Washed and Picked is now separated and ready for carding.
Fiber before Dehairing Process

This fiber has been washed but has a significant amount of guard hair (the dark thick fibers in the image) mixed in with the finer fiber. Continued processing would result in a very coarse yarn.
Fiber after Dehairing Process
The same fiber lot after dehairing. Note the significant reduction in guard hairs. This process also removes vegetation providing quality fiber for further processing.
Fiber after Carding Process
Carding begins the alignment of fiber. This makes hand spinning easier but is not sufficient for machine spinning.
Fiber after Drafting Process
Fiber that has been Drafted shows a significant increase in alignment. This is needed for machines to spin quality yarn.
Spun Yarn
Fiber is twisted in the spinning process to create strength. However, if it is to tightly twisted, the yarn becomes coarse and elastic. The displayed, single ply yarn (left) is six (6) turns per inch and the two ply was done at three (3) turns per inch to create the finished yarn.
All images are magnified to help illustrate fiber changes in the process.
Last Update: Sunday, March 9, 2003