Spinning Wheel vs Drop Spindle-Which to Choose?
Spinning Wheel vs. Drop Spindle: Which is right for you
Spinning wheels are a staple of the fiber arts, but when it comes to choosing one, you'll likely find yourself overwhelmed. There are so many different types!
Drop spindles vs floor spinning wheels: which one is right for you?
In this blog post, we'll cover the pros and cons of both options so that you can make an informed decision.
I learned on a drop spindle like many people and while it’s great to learn the basics of twist and drafting it can actually be easier I think to perfect your spin on a studio wheel. This frees up both of your hand and lets you spin continuously vs having to stop and start. However once you get the hang of spinning drop spindles can be a fun option for portability and just experiencing the craft in a different way.
Drop Spindles
Drop spindles are portable, inexpensive, and easy to use—a great choice if you just want to get started with spinning. They are also simple in design, comprised of only a few parts: the shaft (which is usually made from wood), the whorl (a weight that keeps the thread taut), and the hook (where you attach your yarn). Drop spindles are ideal for beginners because they are easy to learn how to use and can be used anywhere—at home or on-the-go!
Floor Spinning Wheels
Floor spinning wheels offer more versatility than drop spindles. They come in different sizes and styles, allowing you to tailor them based on your needs. Floor spinning wheels are typically larger than drop spindles and have many more parts: the wheel itself; a flyer (which holds bobbins); treadle (for foot power); and gears and tension mechanism (to increase/decrease tension).
Let me share a little tale from my own journey. Starting on a drop spindle was like being handed a magic wand. There I was, holding this simple, yet profoundly ancient tool, ready to conjure threads out of fluffy clouds of fiber. It's perfect for dipping your toes (or should I say, your fingers?) into the enchanting waters of spinning. It's all about the basics—twist, tension, and the dance of drafting fibers. The beauty of a drop spindle? Its simplicity. A staff, a whorl, and a hook—your portable gateway to creating anywhere your heart desires.
And then, the spinning wheel. Imagine stepping into a studio where your wheel awaits, ready to transform fiber into yarn with the grace of a skilled dancer. Switching to a spinning wheel felt like embracing a powerful ally. It's like it says, "Let me carry some of that weight, darling. You focus on the art." You'll find your rhythm with the treadle, feeling the connection from foot to fiber, as your hands are free to guide and shape. The spinning wheel offers a world of possibilities, from delicate threads to chunky, textured masterpieces.
Drop Spindles: The Traveling Minstrels of the Spinning World
Think of drop spindles as your trusty companions for spontaneous creativity. They’re affordable, straightforward, and oh, so mobile. Whether you're catching a moment of peace at home or spinning tales on the go, the drop spindle is your ever-ready friend. Ideal for beginners, it's a gentle introduction to the spellbinding process of turning fiber into yarn.
Floor Spinning Wheels: The Grand Orchestra
Now, for the floor spinning wheels—these beauties are like the experienced conductors of an orchestra, offering versatility and depth. They may be larger and come with a symphony of parts (from the wheel that weaves the rhythm, to the flyer that holds your growing skein), but they open up a world where your creativity can truly soar. Each piece, from treadle to tension mechanism, works in harmony, allowing you to explore the vast landscapes of spinning with grace and power.
So, Which to Choose?
The choice between a drop spindle and a spinning wheel is a tough decision and most people end up with both eventually. Where do you see yourself in the tapestry of your creative explorations? If the thought of weaving moments of creation into the nooks and crannies of a bustling life entices you, then the drop spindle is calling your name. Or, if you dream of hours spent in the flow of spinning, with the wheel as your co-creator, then the spinning wheel awaits your touch.
Whatever path you choose, remember, this is your adventure So go ahead, pick up that spindle or step up to the wheel. The world of spinning is rich with possibility, and it's all yours to explore.
Module 1 get to know different types of spinning wheel, historic and modern and which would be best for you. Module 2 learn about different spinning fibers for spinning yarn ( So you can plan out your own dream yarn) Module 3 - Learn about some different fiber prep options and how they affect you finial yarn Module 4 - Let’s go over the basics of yarn spinning. This is your foundation to refer back to. Module 5 & Module 6 Reference for fiber types and extensive trouble shooting
After much request I’ve made an online version of my local drop spindle and intro to spinning workshop. This is 12 video online workshop designed to take the student from having never held fiber or a spindle all the way through 2 plying your final yarn. There are also 4 bonus videos covering common troubleshooting that has been covered in local classes as well as how to set your yarn after it’s spun, and how to chain or “navajo ply “ on a drop spindle for beginners.
Since 2016 I've been collecting a vault of info on the fiber arts. Most of this has been limited time exclusives or offered as bonuses for paid courses or material. I'm really excited to have the opportunity to have a permeant place for it to live here on my website as an ever growing resource for our favorite fiber besties. It's free just sign up to log in so you can be notified when new free content or opportunities are added in the future because you never know what will be next.
