Carders

Wool carders are simple tools with a big impact on handspun yarn and felting projects, letting you open, blend, and align fibers before you spin or felt. Whether you're working with raw fleece, dyed locks, or leftover roving, the right carders make prep faster and your results more consistent.

Choosing the Right Carders

Hand carders come in different tooth densities. Fine carders, like the Schacht Fine Carder, work well for soft fibers such as cotton or fine wool, while coarser cards handle wool more quickly. If you want to blend multiple colors or fiber types into a single batt, a blending board such as the Louet Blending Board gives you more surface area to layer and mix.

Carders vs. Combs

Carders create airy, lofty batts suited to woolen-spun yarn, while combs like the Louet Double Row Mini Combs align fibers in one direction for a smoother, worsted-style prep. Many spinners keep both on hand depending on the project.

Using and Caring for Your Carders

• Load fiber evenly across the cloth to avoid uneven batts
• Card in light, even strokes rather than forcing fiber through
• Keep carders away from moisture to protect the teeth and backing
• Store with teeth protected to prevent bending or snagging

Once your fiber is carded and spun, put it to use with a project from our knitting patterns or crochet patterns collections, or pick up a set of knitting needles to get started right away.