A Guide to Carding Wool

Before transforming wool into yarn, we must prepare the fibers for spinning. After scouring, wool fibers clump together, making the spinning process difficult. There are two primary methods of fiber preparation: carding and combing. This guide will focus on carding, as it requires more accessible equipment—handcards—making it ideal for educators and hobbyists alike.
Published:
March 27, 2025

What is Carding?

Carding is the process of opening wool fibers and arranging them into a diffuse mass, ready for spinning. It aligns the fibers, removes tangles, and ensures an even texture. Using handcards, this method is both traditional and effective.

Step-by-Step Carding Process

1. Positioning Your Handcards

Both handcards will move during the process, but one remains relatively passive while the other is more active. For right-handed individuals, the left hand holds the ‘passive card,’ while the right hand holds the ‘active card.’

2. Loading the Passive Handcard

  • Take a small amount of wool and distribute it evenly over the passive handcard using your thumb.
  • Avoid pressing the fibers too deep into the teeth, as this will hinder the carding process.
  • Do not overload the handcards; too much fiber makes it difficult to card effectively.

3. Carding the Wool

  • Hold the passive handcard with teeth facing up, resting it on your leg.
  • Take the active handcard with the teeth facing downward.
  • Lightly touch the teeth of both handcards together, ensuring they slide smoothly.
  • Move the active handcard in the opposite direction of the passive card, allowing the fibers to separate and align.
  • Repeat this movement a few times until the fibers open up and distribute evenly.
  • Ensure that the carding happens between the teeth of the handcards, not beneath them.

4. Removing the Wool from the Handcards

  • Over time, fibers may settle too deep into the teeth, requiring removal before further carding.
  • Turn the active handcard upward so both cards face up.
  • Align the ends and use one handcard in a curved motion to lift the wool from the other.
  • Remove fibers from either the passive or active handcard as needed.

5. Completing the Carding Process

  • Carding is complete when fibers are evenly distributed with no clumps.
  • Avoid over-carding, as excessive processing can break the fibers.
  • When finished, remove the wool using the technique from Step 4. The wool is now ready for spinning.

Common Carding Issues and Troubleshooting

1. Struggling to Remove Fibers from the Handcards

  • Ensure the handcards are not rubbed together parallelly; use a curved motion.
  • Check if too much pressure is being applied while carding. Lighten your touch and try again.

2. Fibers Accumulate Near the Handle of the Passive Handcard

  • Ensure that the active handcard is positioned directly above the passive one at the start of the carding movement.

3. Fibers Accumulate at the Upper Area of the Active Handcard

  • The active handcard may be inclined incorrectly. Keep the handcards parallel to each other.

4. Fibers Rolling Instead of Separating

  • Ensure the active handcard moves far enough away to allow fibers to separate during each stroke.
  • Avoid bringing the active handcard back too quickly before the fibers have fully separated.

5. Persistent Uncarded Fibers

  • This may indicate an overloaded handcard. Remove excess wool and try again.

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Carding is a fundamental step in wool processing that prepares fibers for spinning. By following these steps and troubleshooting common issues, you can efficiently create smooth, aligned wool ready for your textile projects. With practice, the carding process becomes a rhythmic and satisfying part of wool preparation, ensuring high-quality results every time.

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