Spinning from the fold is a technique for holding the fiber supply while drafting. The main advantage is that the fibers are farther apart as they feed into the drafting triangle which allows them to draft easier and which allows more air to be trapped within the yarn. This method also allows sticky fibers to draft easier and makes it easier to control slippery fibers. Yet another advantage is, that since the spinner is only dealing with a short piece of fibers at once, the supply of fibers to be drafted is safe from curious cats, playful puppies, breezes, and being stepped or sat on. The disadvantage is that, since only a small handful of fibers can be held for drafting at once, the spinner must stop frequently for a new supply of fibers.
Both short and long staple fibers may be spun from the fold, the only difference in technique being in how the fibers are held. Long staple fibers are folded over the index finger and spun off the tip of the finger while short staple fibers are folded in half and held between the index finger and thumb for spinning. Either method gives excellent control over the draft and the drafting triangle is highly visible.
Fiber preparations for spinning from the fold include everything except woolen rolags. As a spinning preparation, woolen rolags are already configured to trap air so using them would be counter productive to spinning from the fold. Worsted rolags (worlags) could benefit from being spun from the fold. Diagrams of both woolen and worsted rolags are given here:
(Rolag Diagrams)
To start, take some roving or top and tear off a piece that is slightly longer than one staple length. To prepare it for spinning, gently expand the fibers over the width of the piece but do not attenuate it length wise.
Have your wheel ready for spinning and use a leader which has a loop tied in the end for attaching the fibers.
Now, consider the staple length. Is it short or long? If it's short – 3 inches (7 or 8 cm) or less, fold it in half lengthwise so the ends are even. Hold this piece in your drafting hand, fold up. By hand, pull some fibers from the side of the fold, pull these through the loop in the leader, and start spinning. Any of the short drafts will work well with this spinning method, as will point of contact long draw.
For longer stapled fibers, wrap the fold over your index finger, attach them to the leader as above, and spin off the tip of your finger.
For smooth drafting with either length of fiber, the fibers must be held with a gentle grip to allow them to draft easily. Think of the fiber supply as a baby bird – you want to contain hold it but not hurt it.
