Wondering How to Spin and Felt Malabrigo Nube Fibers? Here’s 10 Tips

Are you wondering how to spin, felt, or create with Malabrigo Nube fibers? You’re not alone. These hand-dyed merino wool rovings, including popular colorways like Hojas, Archangel, and Pocion, are a favorite among handspinners, felters, and fiber artists. Their soft, lofty texture and vibrant tonal variations make them perfect for art yarns, felted pieces, and mixed-media fiber projects.

In this post, we’ll answer that very question by sharing 10 expert tips for working with Malabrigo Nube fibers. These tips apply to any colorway, so whether you’re drawn to the leafy greens of Pocion, the jewel tones of Archangel, or the earthy neutrals of Piedras, you’ll have practical guidance for your next project.

How Do You Work with Malabrigo Nube Fibers?

Tip 1: Gently Pre-Draft Your Roving

Before starting to spin or felt, gently pre-draft your Nube fiber. This simple step helps loosen the fibers, making them easier to handle and reducing the chance of uneven tension. When you pre-draft soft greens like Pocion or calm neutrals like Piedras, you'll notice how their beautiful subtle color variations become even more lovely.

Tip 2: Use a Light Hand

Nube fibers are delightfully soft and fluffy, making them wonderful to work with. Just a gentle touch is best, especially with colors like Archangel or Diana, to help keep their beautiful vibrancy and feel intact.

Tip 3: Blend for Texture and Depth

Try combining Nube with other fibers to boost strength or add texture. Mixing Persia with natural Merino or a wool-silk blend results in beautiful art yarns that are wonderfully soft and visually captivating.

Tip 4: Protect the Colors

Handle hand-dyed fibers with care! Remember to wash your hands before you start, and try to keep the fibers out of direct sunlight to keep those stunning colors like Candombe or Aquas looking bright and beautiful. Taking these small steps ensures your fibers stay vibrant and lovely for a long time!

Tip 5: Store Properly

To keep your unused roving fresh and vibrant, store it in breathable bags, away from moisture and dust. This simple step helps prevent accidental felting and ensures colors like Diana and Persia stay beautiful and ready for your next creative project.

Tip 6: Spin Thin Singles for Vibrant Colorplay

When spinning Nube fibers into art yarn, try spinning thinner singles to really let those beautiful multi-tonal colorways, like Pocion and Archangel, stand out. It’s a lovely way to highlight the delicate shifts that make hand-dyed merino truly one-of-a-kind.

Tip 7: Experiment with Short Draw Techniques

Short draw spinning is perfect for softly handling lofty fibers. It works wonderfully with Aquas or Candombe, making it easier to craft textured, even yarn without the worry of over-twisting.

Tip 8: Try Wet-Felting

Nube fibers are wonderful for wet felting! Try using warm water and gentle mixing to blend the fibers together — bright shades like Persia or Archangel can bring stunning effects to your felted art. Enjoy exploring the vibrant colors!

Tip 9: Needle Felt Small Projects

For quick and colorful experiments, needle felting is a fantastic choice. Try using Diana or Candombe for small sculptures, embellishments, or decorative fiber art—it's a wonderful way to let the vibrant colors really pop against neutral backgrounds.

Tip 10: Save Leftover Bits for Art Yarn or Embellishments

Don’t overlook utilizing those little scraps! Small bits of Pocion, Piedras, or Aquas are perfect for adding a charming touch to your hand-spun yarns or mixed-media fiber art. Each piece can bring a fun, creative flair to your projects, making them even more special.

Get Creative with Malabrigo Nube Fibers

Malabrigo Nube fibers are more than just merino wool — they’re a beautiful canvas for your creativity. Whether you’re spinning a fine art yarn, wet-felting a decorative piece, or experimenting with needle felting, the techniques above work for any colorway, from the leafy greens of Pocion to the jewel tones of Archangel and earthy neutrals of Piedras.

By understanding how to handle these soft, luxurious fibers, you can create projects that truly showcase their vibrant colors, subtle tonal variations, and incredible loft. These skills will serve you well for years to come, making this post a timeless and inspiring resource for fiber artists at every level.

Looking for the perfect fiber for your next project? Check out our full selection of Malabrigo Nube. With beautiful colorways like the bright Candombe, the gentle Diana, and the bold Aquas, you're sure to find one you'll love.