Carding
Carding is the process which most be
done to align the the fibers. Cards have sharp fine wire teeth that are
closely spaced and create a fluffier fiber preparation without perfect alignment
of fibers. (Left is hand carders and Right is a drumcarder)
When to Card:
For a woolen style yarn, with the fiber fluffier and less parallel.
For blending fibers of different color and length. For
For removing debris, especially small particles that are not able to be removed by hand.
Carding:
Draw wool across the bottom of the hand card to lay a foundation for the rest of the wool. Make sure to make these layers uniform
Hold one card with the teeth facing up and the other with the teeth facing down. Holding the handles of the cards in opposite directions and in opposite hands.
With the top card stoke the wool several times with a slight rocking motion.
Switch cards in each hand and repeat as to make the same motion in the opposite direction.
Repeat this process back and forth until the fibers are nicely aligned.