#49 - The Tension Issue, Summer 2025

PLY Magazine — Tension Issue

Tension might sound like something we’re trying to avoid — in our bodies, our minds, and sometimes even our spinning — but the truth is, we use tension all the time when we spin. From wheel systems to take-up to how we manage the yarn as it forms, tension is one of our most important tools. This issue is all about understanding it, using it well, and letting go of the tension we don’t need.

Inside, you’ll find clear, approachable explorations of how tension works in spinning. There are thoughtful overviews of different drive band materials, including their advantages and drawbacks, and when one might serve you better than another. You’ll also dive into practical, real-world examples of when to increase or decrease take-up depending on the yarn you’re making — plus tips for how to make those adjustments with confidence.

The goal here isn’t just technical clarity (though there’s plenty of that), but ease. By understanding how and why tension works, this issue helps remove unnecessary stress from your spinning — in both body and brain.

As always, learning is paired with making. You’ll find three beautiful, satisfying projects — a cozy cowl, a pair of socks, and a crochet scarf — designed to put that new understanding into practice.

This is one of those quietly powerful issues: the kind that helps your spinning feel smoother, more intentional, and a whole lot more enjoyable.