Pair of Hand Cards, circa 1800

Before wool is spun into yarn, the fibers are untangled and aligned, making it easier to produce a smooth, consistent yarn. In this process, called carding, clean wool fleece is passed between small, bent wire teeth to align the fibers. Hand cards, like this pair, were used in 18th and 19th century American homes to card wool prior to spinning. Younger children were often given this necessary, but monotonous, task.