Kim McKenna has taught many courses at the School of SweetGeorgia, with a focus on fine-tuning techniques that help spinners get the best possible results. Whether it’s making small adjustments at the wheel in her Tension Systems course, exploring wet-finishing in Nuances to Spinning Better Yarns or playing with colour in How to Spin a Hand-Dyed Braid Five Ways, Kim brings insight and clarity to every lesson.
In this short video tutorial, Kim demonstrates how she creates a plyback sample using a controlled release technique. You’ll also find a written explanation just below the video.
What is a Plyback Sample?
A plyback sample offers a quick snapshot of what a balanced yarn could look like. By folding a length of singles back onto itself, we can see how it might behave as a 2-ply yarn. While there are ways to explore 3- or 4-ply samples and identify bumps/twists per inch or unbalanced yarns, this tutorial keeps the focus on balanced 2-ply yarns.
What Makes a Controlled-Release Plyback Sample Different?
This simple method helps distribute the twist more evenly, giving you a clearer, more consistent result, and it takes no more effort than the standard approach.
In the side-by-side comparison, you’ll notice that although the second sample (top) was spun a little thicker, simply letting go before wrapping caused the twist to become uneven along the length of the sample; Kim points to a little pigtail that popped out. The controlled release is more uniform.
Make a Controlled-Release Plyback Sample
Equipment
- 1 Spinning Wheel
Materials
- 1 braid SweetGeorgia Corriedale Fibre
Instructions
- Take a length of singles from your wheel and fold it back on itself. One hand pinches at the fold, while the other holds the two strands together.
- With both hands in place, wrap the yarn around your remaining fingers on the hand holding the two strands.
- It is not necessary to go to the very end of the yarn. Just this allows the twist to move along the strands evenly.
- Straighten the yarn back out, just as it was before wrapping.
- Now let go and you’ll see a smooth, even plyback sample.
Notes
More About Kim McKenna
- Kim’s Instagram
- Kim’s Website: Claddagh Fibre Arts
- Explore Kim’s courses at the School of SweetGeorgia
- Browse Kim’s articles to discover new techniques, refine your skills, and spark creativity.
Need More Help?
Do you have questions about controlled-release plyback samples? If you’re an All-Access School of SweetGeorgia member, join us in our Community Forums! One of the great perks of being an All-Access member is the opportunity to ask Kim McKenna questions about their articles and courses and connect with fellow members.
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Original publication: September 30th, 2022; Refreshed: June 24th, 2025
