If you love knitted clothing and other products, you will love learning how to produce your own yarn. Whether you begin with wool in its natural, original state, or start with ready-prepared materials, you will soon see spinning as an exciting adventure. The process of making Air Textured Yarn depends upon the type of wheel you have purchased. If you have decided to try a drop spindle first, you will be amazed at how quickly and easily yarn can be produced. The process of using a drop spindle is as follows: Tying the leader: The leader is a piece of yarn that is approximately eighteen inches in length. You begin by tying this piece of yarn onto the spindle. It is then wrapped around the spindle and looped, so that it will hold securely Spinning: Slowly and carefully spin clockwise, while rotating the spindle, holding the fiber in one hand and the spindle in the other hand. Winding On: This is the process in which the newly-formed fiber begins to wind up the spindle. It should proceed smoothly, without any gaps or looseness. Joining Fiber: You can add on additional fiber by overlapping fresh wool over the newly-made yarn. As it twists into the original leader thread, it will become securely attached as if it were one piece. With this easy, quick method, you are learning how to make your own yarn! If you have decided to use a traditional spinning wheel to make yarn, the process is also quite simple. The exact process depends upon the specific type of spinning wheel that you have chosen. You may also choose between "spinning in the grease" or using wool which has already been washed and carded. Carding is the process of combing the fiber to make it smooth and consistent. Spinning in the grease means that the wool has not yet been cleaned, and still contains natural lanolin. Whichever form you use is basically a matter of personal preference. A single-drive spinning wheel is the form of traditional spinning wheel easiest for a beginner to operate. If you already know how to use a sewing machine, you will find a single-drive spinning wheel to be quite similar. When using a single-drive spinning wheel, the speed is controlled by a separate bobbin brake. All it takes is a little practice to determine if the speed is accurate. An additional benefit to using a single-drive spinning wheel is that it allows you to set the bobbin and flyer tensions separately. If you do not yet have any practice with operating a spinning wheel, this can prove to be very useful. When using a spinning wheel which requires treadling, it is important to keep the motions of your feet even and consistent. If you are not familiar with the term, treadling refers to the use of foot pedals. Each rotation of the flyer twists the fiber, and adds a twist to the completed piece of yarn. This process adds to both the strength and the consistency of the finished product. When it is twisted evenly, the finished yarn will be smooth, and free from imperfections. If you wish, yarn can be dyed before you begin spinning, or after it is finished. You may prefer it in its original state. Natural yarn can be quite beautiful, and even more so when you have created the finished product yourself!