Try a Controlled Release to Improve Your Plyback Sample Results

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.

Controlled release comparison

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.
Print

Make a Controlled-Release Plyback Sample

Equipment

  • 1 Spinning Wheel

Materials

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

We hope this small tutorial helps you achieve a more even, balanced plyback sample so you can spin with even more confidence and success.

More About Kim McKenna

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.

Not yet a member of the School? We invite you to come and see what it is all about! Use the code: EXPLORETHESCHOOL to save 15% on an All-Access monthly membership!

You’re also welcome to join us on the SweetGeorgia Yarns Discord server. Our community has discussion threads on knitting, spinning, weaving, crocheting, dyeing, and much more. Feel free to start a conversation, get inspiration from fellow SweetGeorgia Yarns members and ask any questions you may have. 

Together, we share, learn, and grow as a community. We would be happy to have you join us!

Original publication: September 30th, 2022; Refreshed: June 24th, 2025  

The post Try a Controlled Release to Improve Your Plyback Sample Results appeared first on SweetGeorgia Yarns.



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