As we start to dye fibre we are getting elbow deep into new terminology. One of my key questions was is there a difference between Sliver, Roving, and Wool Top? Surprisingly, most people I asked said nooo?, or I don't know or I wish I knew! I am starting to notice there is indeed confusion over these terms.
What an interesting topic. Turns out there is a difference, and each is perfectly good to use in spinning your own yarns depending on your intended outcome. So, the difference is good to know ...and be aware, we've realised it is very common to interchange the words Roving and Wool Top when describing fibre.
In spinning, a sliver is a loose, untwisted strand of fibres produced directly from carding, where fibres are roughly parallel but not fully aligned. A sliver is the initial stage of fibre preparation, the out put of the carding machine. Sliver will produce a lofty, woolen spun yarn.
Roving is similar to Sliver but is thicker, peeled off a drum carder (either by hand or machine), drafted out and very slightly twisted. It's a carded preparation that presents similarly to combed top, but is usually fluffier and bouncier, and contains shorter fibres. It will appear slightly rougher or more random in texture than wool top. It too makes a light, lofty woolen spun yarn as air is trapped between the fibres.
Wool Top (combed wool top) is fibre that’s been processed further with the addition of going through a gilling machine and a wool comb. This aligns all its fibres to go in the same direction, removes short fibres - leaving very little air between fibres (more dense). It will appear smoother, shinier in texture than roving. Traditional spinners use top and worsted techniques to spin worsted yarns.
This is probably oversimplified! If you'd like to read more, see this article (with example photos) by Spin Off Magazine.
Please check out our Fibre Club if you're interested in spinning some of Prosper Yarn's hand dyed fibre. Beginning in Feb 2025, Prosper Yarn will be offering different colourways and different fibres once a month as a subscription, as well as a standard product available on our website.
