Spinning 101

If you’ve been wanting to learn how to spin your own yarn but felt overwhelmed by the process, Spinning 101 by Tom Knisely is a wonderfully encouraging place to begin. Written by a teacher with more than 30 years of spinning experience, this book breaks the craft down into simple, approachable steps that make handspinning feel achievable from the very start.

Tom walks readers through the entire process of turning raw wool into finished handspun yarn — from choosing and setting up a spinning wheel to selecting fiber, drafting, spinning singles, plying, and finishing. Along the way, clear photographs and troubleshooting tips help take the mystery out of common beginner frustrations.

What makes this book especially approachable is its calm, straightforward teaching style. Rather than overcomplicating the craft, Tom focuses on the fundamentals and helps readers understand spinning at its core: adding twist to fiber to create yarn. A practical and welcoming introduction for anyone curious about spinning wheels, fleece, and the art of creating handmade yarn from scratch.