First Thoughts on Learning to Use a Spinning Wheel

I am no expert when it comes to using a spinning wheel, but I can make a decent yarn, beginning from the sheep (or whichever animal!) all the way to a knitted pot holder. There is still a lot for me to learn, but if you are thinking of learning to use a spinning wheel, please listen to these first simple tips.

#1 Learn to finger spin first, even if you only do a little bit. By finger spinning, I mean getting some kind of brushed or carded fiber, grasping a small pinch and pulling it out about an inch but is still attached to the larger piece of fiber... just sort of making a little triangular poof...then rolling it in one direction between your thumb and pointer until it forms a tiny bit of yarn. Then, gently pull on your new little piece of yarn to tease out a little more of the brushed/carded fiber, and twist your little piece of yarn in the same direction as before to make the yarn a little longer. That is spinning...that is all there is to it. But...with a spinning wheel, it goes a lot faster, and it helps to understand the mechanics of spinning before jumping on the wheel.

#2 Do not purchase an antique spinning wheel. Usually, these are wobbly and temperamental, and a nightmare to try to learn on. Only if you know an experienced spinner who can try it for you to see how it spins should a beginner buy an antique spinning wheel to use! My favorite wheel so far is the traditional wheel by Ashford. You can check local spinning guilds and Craigslist to find new or gently used wheels.

#3 Learn the parts of a spinning wheel, what things are called and what they do. It makes asking questions a lot easier, and helps you to understand the answers! Also, if assembly is necessary, knowing the names of the pieces will help you to know how things are put together. And...spinning wheel parts have some GREAT names!!