Many of us stick to the same fibres, spinning them over and over again. But wouldn’t it be great to break the cycle? In Kim McKenna’s Spinning Bast Fibres: Tow Tops & Bast Blends course, she shows how simple and comfortable it can feel to sample and spin something new. Her gentle approach is why we chose it for our Fibre Prep February 2026 theme.
Spinning Bast Fibres: Tow Tops & Bast Blends
In this course, Kim guides us through basic sampling with four bast fibres. These include flax, hemp, ramie, and Himalayan nettle. The focus stays on combed top and tow fibres because they feel more manageable for beginners, and blend beautifully with wool.
Featured Fibre-Prep-Along Essentials
Materials
For this spin along, please gather combed-top tow fibres in:
- Bleached flax
- Hemp
- Ramie
- Himalayan nettle
- Hand-dyed wool that feels familiar to you
Equipment
You will also need the following tools and equipment:
- Diz
- Digital scale
- Hand carders (choose the tines per inch best suited for your wool)
- Your preferred spinning tool, such as a wheel, spindle, or e-Spinner
Additional Notes on Equipment:
For a full list of tools, visit the materials tab on the main page of the Spinning Bast Fibres: Tow Tops & Bast Blends course. The main page is open for everyone. Kim demonstrates many tool options, so feel free to use what you already have.
The course also explores other techniques like scouring, but we will only be focused on the sample spinning and bast blending.
You are not required to be a School of SweetGeorgia member to join the fibre-prep-along, but having access to the lesson will make the experience smoother with the techniques and tips Kim provides.
You can source your own materials, or preorder the SweetGeorgia Bast Fibres Kit. Preorders are available now with limited quantities. You may also contact the shop in January 2026 to ask if any extra kits are in stock.
Important Dates
Fibre-Prep Schedule
Each week begins with spinning a small 2- to 5-gram sample of the featured bast fibre. Once you get a sense of how each fibre behaves, you can start blending with wool you already enjoy. Choose a wool that feels familiar to you, so you can notice the difference when you add bast fibres. Even small blends such as 5, 10, or 20 percent can shift your spinning experience and the qualities of your finished yarn. Then share your handspun samples with the group!
- February 2nd: bleached flax
- February 9th: hemp
- February 16th: ramie
- February 23rd: Himalayan nettle
Virtual events
Besides posting pictures, meeting up virtually is a fun way to share your experience!
- February 2nd: Multicraftual Meeting
- February 23rd: SOS Fibre Prep Meeting
How to Fibre-Prep-Along With Us
1. Get on the List!
Sign up with your name and email to receive updates and reminders. Even if you joined last year’s fibre-prep-along, please sign up again for 2026.
2. Join Us on the SweetGeorgia Community
This is where all conversations, inspiration, and sharing take place. Join us on the SweetGeorgia Community!
3. Share on Social Media
Post your progress and finished handspun using the tags #fibreprepfebruary and #sweetgeorgiayarns so we can cheer on your fibre making. Please also tag us @SweetGeorgia.
4. Share your Finished Handspun Photos
Send us photos of your completed handspun for the Fibre Prep February gallery, which will appear in a wrap-up blog post on March 2nd. Each submitted photo will be entered for a chance to win a $50 SweetGeorgia gift card. Photos must be submitted before Feb 28th.
Submit Your Finished Photos Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeqkJwfJUYuWSrJzqijuPuYqMKHYQ4kIscyOmgoSsznvEAK0w/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=110733593811928222568
We are looking forward to exploring these bast fibres with you. If one of them captures your interest, feel free to spin a full braid. These make-alongs help us discover new approaches to spinning, and show how fibre and fibre prep shape our work. The fun does not end when the month is over. Keep experimenting!
Read how Kim created her beautiful Tanzanite Flax Brunch: Spin This Delicious Wool & Flax Blend Yarn, and how her own exploration continued after the course into all sorts of blends, which she shared in her From Spark to Skein: Exploring Kim McKenna’s Handspun Blends article. This course and Fibre Prep February are only the beginning!
