Knitters are discovering the pleasure and satisfaction of spinning their own yarns. Master craftsman Priscilla Gibson-Roberts guides readers in the fast-track, low-cost, high-quality approach to spinning. No spinning wheel required.

ou can master the timeless craft of spinning with this clear, easy-to-follow manual. Everything you need to know from set-up to finished product in order to create distinctive yarns for use in knitting, weaving, crocheting, needlepoint, embroidery, and macrame. Author’s preface. 33 illustrations, 10 black-and-white photographs. Bibliography. Sources of Supply.

This big, beautiful book with 435 illustrations is the clearest and most comprehensive ever published on the subject–explains everything the expert or beginner needs to know on how to weave, spin, and dye.

Beautiful works of fabric art are easily achieved using the magical hand weaving techniques presented in this exciting new book—the second in the Tradition in the Making series.

Author Sigrid Piroch expertly guides readers through everything they need to know about the art of hand weaving, including the history and heritage of this timeless art, how looms work, what tools and equipment to use, the basics of good technique, how to plan projects, analyzing cloth, reading and drawing patterns, and designing fabric for practical and art purposes. She then guides the weaver step-by-step through more than 10 gorgeous projects, including mug rugs, a scarf, napkins, pillows, towels, and clothing.

The rigid Heddle loom is a very good way to learn the basic concepts of weaving prior to moving to a multi-harness loom. This book provides a good hands on introduction to the rigid heddle loom.  This is a great book for anyone who is curious about rigid heddle weaving.

Alden Amos shares his deep knowledge of wheel mechanics, spinning fibers, wheel construction, and yarn, as well as a wealth of spinning history and traditions. Every aspect of handspinning is explored, including dissolving lanolin, washing fleece, rotating wheel position, and choosing types of wool. Also discussed are various hand positions, which can result in everything from smooth, fine thread to funky, bulky yarn.

Laura’s Review

This is one of the most comprehensive books on handspinning that I have ever read. The author goes into great detail on many subjects including how spinning wheels work, and how fiber “works” during spinning and plying, and how to best employ various techniques. While the author does tend to use some lame humor and has some strong opinions (the one that seems to draw the most ire is his adamant opinion about single treadle vs double treadle wheels), the book still contains mountains of information that are great for reference. This may not be a beginner’s book, unless one is very technically minded. But intermediate and advanced spinners or those wanting a depth of knowledge in one place will find this book invaluable. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

Since it’s first printing a decade ago, Learning to Weave has become the standard text book for both teachers and self-taught weavers. All you need to know is here including warping, reading and designing drafts, and the basics of weave structures. Warping back to front is included as well as updated resource lists.

Laura’s Review: If you want a single book that is comprehensive but will not overwhelm the novice, this is it. I use it for reference again and again. As I expand my weaving repetoire, I am sure I will continue to consult this text. For example, I had always wondered how double weave worked; it sounded like a trick of smoke and mirrors to me. Then after I read the section on double weave, the explanation was so clear, that the method was obvious and the mystery disappeared. This book has given me that “ah-hah” sensation on several occasions. If you must learn from a book rather than a class, start with this book. It is destined to be a classic, if it is not already.