Art of Spinning (Making of Thread from cotton)by Madhav Sahasrabudhe

Summary

This video demonstrates the process of transforming cotton from the farm into yarn suitable for fabric production. It begins with the removal of seeds from cotton, followed by straightening and opening the fibers. The hand-spinning technique, using a bamboo stick and a drop spindle, is explained to create yarn by twisting and pulling fibers. Modern tools, like the box charka, are also introduced to speed up the process. The video covers how yarn is measured, wound, and prepared for weaving, detailing the production of one kilometer of yarn and how it’s used in fabric creation.

Takeaways

• 🌱 Cotton is harvested from the fields containing seeds that need to be removed.
• 🔧 The process of removing seeds from cotton is called ginning.
• 🎋 Fibers are straightened and opened while removing seeds, then further aligned by pulling them apart.
• 🧵 The open fibers are rolled using a bamboo stick to create a 'sliver' or 'buoy' in Hindi, which is used for yarn production.
• ⚙️ Yarn is formed by twisting and pulling fibers, but this process is slow when done by hand.
• 🌀 A tool called a takli (drop spindle) speeds up the yarn-making process by rotating at high speed to twist the fibers faster.
• 🔄 There is a difference between yarn and thread: thread is made by combining two or more yarn strands.
• 📦 The spinning wheel, or 'box charka,' is an improved version of traditional spinning devices and accelerates the spinning process.
• 🔍 Proper spindle assembly ensures smooth operation, with components like leather washers and cotton cords reducing friction.
• 📏 Yarn quality is measured in terms of its count, which refers to the number of hanks needed to weigh 1 kg. For example, 40-count yarn means 40 hanks make 1 kg.

Q & A

What is the first step in the cotton processing mentioned in the video?

The first step in the cotton processing is removing the seeds from the cotton plug. This process is called 'ginnery.'

What happens to the cotton fibers after the seeds are removed?

After the seeds are removed, the cotton fibers are straightened and opened by pulling them apart gradually in a uniform direction.

What tool is used to roll the straightened fibers, and what is the product called?

A bamboo stick, tapered at one end, is used to roll the straightened fibers. The resulting product is called a 'buoy' in Hindi or a 'slaver' in English.

What are the two main components involved in forming yarn by hand?

The two main components in forming yarn by hand are twist and pull. By combining twisting and pulling, a continuous yarn of uniform thickness is produced.

What tool is used to accelerate the process of making yarn, and how does it work?

A tool called a 'takli' is used to accelerate the process. It has a steel rod and a brass washer, which allows it to rotate at high speed, speeding up the twisting of the yarn.

What is the difference between yarn and thread according to the video?

Yarn consists of individual fibers twisted together, while thread is made by applying two or more strands of yarn together.

What is the role of the spindle in yarn making, and how many times does it rotate with one rotation of the main wheel?

The spindle is responsible for twisting the fibers into yarn. It rotates about 150 times for every one rotation of the main wheel.

What is a key consideration when assembling the spindle for smooth operation?

The spindle should rest on a cotton cord, which lubricates it and prevents it from rubbing against the wood. Additionally, a leather washer should be placed between the aluminum disc and the pulley to prevent friction.

How is the yarn prepared for the weaver, and how much yarn is produced in one hank?

The yarn is wound over a winder, which can rotate about 200 turns, producing five bunches of 200 turns. One hank equals one kilometer of yarn.

What is the 'count' of yarn, and how is it measured?

The 'count' of yarn refers to the number of hanks required to weigh 1 kilogram. For example, if 40 hanks make 1 kilogram, the yarn's count is 40.