Ergonomics for Spinners
With Carson Demers
This program is part of Handwork 2026, presented by Craft in America
Comfortable spinning helps make a beautiful you! Learn how to spin with ease from author, life-long knitter and physical therapist Carson Demers.
In this workshop, we will…
- Work with a variety of wools to focus on how to get the yarn you want when even traditional techniques aren’t keeping you comfortable while you spin.
- Explore various fiber preparation and drafting techniques to reduce strain and still get your ideal yarn.
- Dive deeply into the ergonomics of your spinning environment. You’ll learn how to modify it to keep you spinning comfortably.
- Assess your wheel’s fit to your body. You’ll learn stretches and strengthening exercises that are especially helpful when your wheel isn’t an optimal fit.
This is not a class for people who have not spun on a wheel before. Students must be able to spin consistent singles with both a forward and backward draft even if the yarn is uneven.
Students joining us for this workshop receive free admission to Carson’s lecture, Knitting Sustainably. You will receive details on how to register for the lecture with free admission upon signing up for this workshop.
- Skill level Beginner +
- Age appropriate 10+ (minors must have a parent on site)
- Materials fee None
- Students should bring
questions, a wheel that you’re familiar with and that’s in good working condition, wheel maintenance equipment (oil, spare band,etc.), and a couple of extra bobbins. Hand cards and combs if you have them (Instructor will bring extras). You’re welcome
to bring fibers that you’d like to explore or that you’re having problems spinning.
Instructor
Carson DemersCarson is life-long knitter and a physical therapist with 30-years of experience in musculoskeletal rehabilitation and ergonomics. He literally wrote the book on ergonomics for knitters and fiber enthusiasts, “Knitting Comfortably: The Ergonomics of Handknitting.”
Carson continues to teach knitters, crocheters, spinners, weavers and other textile enthusiasts internationally at events large and small about the ergonomics of their crafts. He has contributed articles to numerous fiber and crafting magazines and has been a consultant to writers for Martha Stewart Living and other publications. Carson has appeared on podcasts and vlogs including Fruity Knitting. His passion and experience in fiber arts combine with his expertise in physical therapy and ergonomics to create a unique skill set that he eagerly shares with the fiber community.
