Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Spindles and Wheels
Drop spindles are so simple that you can make your own with a CD and a dowel. There are
variations in hand spindles, but the drop spindle itself will hang suspended, spinning in the air,
as you use both hands to draft and control the fibers and yarn. You can find them inexpensively
with some roving online. This makes them a good choice for a beginning spinner to get the feel for
drafting. Yarn shops will often hold beginning spinning classes that cover using drop spindles.
For bigger or more frequent projects, or simply because you are hooked and want to take the next
step, a wheel is in your future. Surprisingly enough, you can find tutorials to make a wheel, so the
DIY aspect is not limited to spindles. If you are purchasing a wheel, you will need to take many
factors into consideration and take your time deciding. WorldinaSpin.com has a lot of tutorials for
specific fiber art techniques.
Try them out at the store. Use a friend's. Rent one. Borrow one or two. Try as many as you can
before purchasing to make sure you are comfortable with the one you settle on. Not only are there
budgets to consider, but size, shape, whether you are left-handed or right-handed, and the type of
yarn you expect to spin on it are all important to consider as well.
Try out several wheels before buying one so that you get a feel for what will work for you.
(Photo courtesy of Chris McLaughlin)
