The Wiltshire Guild of
Spinners, Weavers & Dyers
Spinning Classes
Our popular Spinning classes are held at our workshops in Steeple Ashton. We offer a one day spinning class for those wishing to try out spinning. We also have days dedicated to teaching the more advanced spinning techniques, our next one being Longdraw Woollen Spinning, details of which can be found below. The fibre preparation workshops are suitable for those who have completed the beginners course and members who wish to refresh their skills.
One Day Beginner Spinning Course
This is perfect for those who wish to try spinning. Our instructors will guide you through the process teaching you the necessary techniques and skills to get you started. Beginning with an understanding of the characteristics of wool, and how a spinning wheel works, you will then be instructed on how to hand card a fleece and to spin this prepared fleece on a spinning wheel. You will finish this day with your first skein of hand spun yarn.
The day starts at 10am and finishes at 3pm. The cost is £65 which includes all materials and use of equipment.
Dates: October 2025 - Date to be confirmed
Booking is essential. For further information and to check availability please contact Liz, Kathy, Victoria and Caroline by emailing beginspinwilts@gmail.com
English Longdraw Spinning Workshop
This one day class teaches the woollen technique of spinning; also called (English) 'Longdraw,' which is a particularly useful method for spinning short fibres. We will look in detail at fibre choice and the preparation of hand carded rolags. The longdraw technique will then be taught and practiced, and we will spin samples of 3 ply yarns and talk about finishing woollen spun yarns. There will be many different wool fibres to try.
Spinning skill level - intermediate.
You may have been spinning for some time but need help with preparing and spinning shorter fibres, or would like to vary the type of yarn you produce. You need to be able to spin a continuous thread on a spinning wheel.
This one day workshop costs £40, payable to the Wiltshire Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers. Sessions are held when there is sufficient uptake to run a group. Group size is kept to a maximum of 6 learners.
To register your interest for the next session, please email Liz at spinwiltsswd@gmail.com
Fibre Preparation Workshop
Tutor: Kathy Davis
This workshop will take you through the steps from grading and sorting your raw fleece, through to how to wash it and then consider the best preparation methods to spin it. You will learn techniques which include hand carding, hand combing, flicking and drum carding. A demonstration of the use of the English combs will be given (this is covered in more depth in the Worsted Spinning workshop).
The Fibre Preparation workshop would suit those who have completed our ‘Introduction to Spinning’ workshop or those who would like a refresher on the techniques offered.
Equipment: Bring your own spinning wheel or arrange to use one of the guild wheels (please let Kathy know).
This one day workshop which will run from 10am - 3pm costs £40, payable to the Wiltshire Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers. Sessions are held when there is sufficient uptake to run a group. Group size is kept to a maximum of 6 learners.
