If you're looking to create yarn that pops with character and contrast, the barber pole technique is one of the most exciting techniques to master. In this post, I'll walk you through how to spin high-contrast plying pairs to achieve that iconic spiral effect where two colors wrap around each other in a visually dynamic way. Using my Conjure Animals plying pair from the Spell Components Collection, I'll share tips on managing tension, controlling color placement, and creating stunning yarn that stands out in your projects.
What is Barber Pole?
Barber pole happens when you ply two contrasting singles together, causing them to spiral around one another in a way that keeps each color distinct. In this case, we're working with a 2oz braid of solid regal purple and a 2oz multi-colored sparkle braid from the Conjure Animals plying pair. The contrast between the deep purple and the vibrant sparkle adds life and movement to the yarn, creating a textured and visually exciting effect that’s perfect for knitting, crocheting, or weaving projects.
Step-by-Step: Spinning the Barber Pole Yarn
Prepare Your Plying Pair
Let’s get started by prepping the fiber. You’ve got some flexibility here—whether you want to spin the entire braid as-is or split it up for more control over color placement is up to you. For my sample, I decided to split off ¼ of each braid and spin them from end to end. This approach keeps the colors distinct and maximizes the contrast between the solid purple and the vibrant sparkle, giving the final yarn that bold barber pole effect we’re aiming for.
Feel free to adjust the splitting method to suit your style, but keeping the colors clear and separate will give you the most dramatic result!
Spin the Singles
Start by spinning the multi-colored sparkle braid. Since the texture from the sparkle may affect how thick you can comfortably spin, take your time finding a weight that works well. Once you're happy with the weight, move on to the solid purple roving and aim to match the thickness as closely as possible. The key here is consistency—although slight variations add character to handspun yarn, keeping the singles even will make your barber pole clean and striking. For the Conjure Animals pair, the vibrant sparkle will contrast beautifully with the deep purple, giving the yarn dynamic visual appeal.
Mind the Tension
Tension plays a huge role in the success of the barber pole yarn. If your tension is too loose or too tight, the twist won’t sit right, and the colors may not spiral evenly. Keep adjusting the tension on your wheel or spindle until you hit that sweet spot where the two singles twist around each other in a smooth, balanced way. This will ensure the colors alternate smoothly for a clean barber pole look.
Ply with Purpose
When you start plying, it’s important to take your time. Think of the classic barber pole as you ply—when your twist mimics that smooth, spiraling effect, you’re on the right track. Personally, I like to add a higher twist for a bold, tight spiral without over-twisting. Watch out for any shifts where one color starts to dominate, and adjust as needed to keep a balanced color spiral. The goal is to let both the solid purple and the sparkle braid shine through equally, creating a vibrant, balanced yarn.
Final Result: The Bold Barber Pole
Once you've finished plying, you’ll see a stunning barber pole yarn emerge, with each twist highlighting the contrast between the two colors. The high-contrast braids in the Conjure Animals plying pair ensure that each turn of the yarn stands out, resulting in a vibrant, character-filled yarn. This bold effect is perfect for projects that need extra texture and excitement, like hats, scarves, or even accent pieces in larger projects.
Why This Technique is So Versatile
The beauty of the barber pole effect is its versatility. Whether you're aiming for a playful and bold yarn or something a bit more subtle, this technique lets you experiment with color in endless ways. The contrast keeps things interesting, and because you're handspinning, each yarn is completely unique—something you won’t find in mass-produced commercial yarns.
Try It with Your Own Plying Pairs
The Conjure Animals plying pair is just one of many examples where color contrast creates magic in your spinning. The Spell Components Collection is full of high-contrast plying pairs perfect for the barber pole effect, but don’t hesitate to dive into your own stash and see what color combos you can create. Whether you’re working with bold, striking hues or more complementary tones, spinning for the barber pole effect opens up a world of creative possibilities.
If you haven’t tried this technique before, now’s the time! Whether you’re going for dramatic contrast or a more subtle blend, the barber pole technique makes your handspun yarn come to life in a way that commercial yarns simply can’t.
Final Thoughts
Spinning for a barber pole yarn is a dynamic way to bring color contrast to your handspun yarn, offering something truly unique that mass-produced yarns don’t have. The interplay of colors creates personality, depth, and a handcrafted charm that you can’t replicate with commercial options. High-contrast plying pairs like Conjure Animals take this technique to the next level, adding bold texture and visual interest to your projects. By mastering tension, controlling color placement, and plying with purpose, you’ll create yarn that’s full of character, perfect for any project. Whether you’re new to spinning or a seasoned pro, this technique is sure to add some extra magic to your spinning journey.
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