Plying reduces twist energy in the yarn. Ideally it balances the energy and the yarn becomes "twist neutral". I'm getting better at managing the "ideal", but it's not always perfect.
If you put yarn into hot water (120°-160°F) it relaxe. Well, no it doesn't, actually, but the effect of the cross-linking which happens in the mild agitation gives that impression.
Combined with the contraction that the hot water causes, any over/undertwist in plying is greatly reduced, as is any interest the yarn might have in unplying (which a single will do, unless it's contained by being knit/crocheted).
So, the short answer is no, but it's usually better to dip it into some really hot water, lay it on a towel, roll it up, twist it, and hang it to dry.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2013-10-20 06:29 pm (UTC)Plying reduces twist energy in the yarn. Ideally it balances the energy and the yarn becomes "twist neutral". I'm getting better at managing the "ideal", but it's not always perfect.
If you put yarn into hot water (120°-160°F) it relaxe. Well, no it doesn't, actually, but the effect of the cross-linking which happens in the mild agitation gives that impression.
Combined with the contraction that the hot water causes, any over/undertwist in plying is greatly reduced, as is any interest the yarn might have in unplying (which a single will do, unless it's contained by being knit/crocheted).
So, the short answer is no, but it's usually better to dip it into some really hot water, lay it on a towel, roll it up, twist it, and hang it to dry.