Spindle spinning is compatible with meditation because it incorporates repetitive motion and invites contemplation. With practice and dedication, the spinner can achieve benefits such as:

• increased focus and concentration
• stress reduction
• reduction of inflammation
• decreased resting heart rate
• increased neuroplasticity
• a capacity for compassion and empathy
• a sense of personal achievement and fulfillment

In order to begin, you will need:

• a drop spindle weighing between .75 ounce to 1.5 ounces (about 25 – 45 grams)
• spinning fiber with a staple length of 2.5 to 4.5 inches
• one yard of yarn (preferably spun from natural fibers)
• a pillow or cushion if the floor doesn’t have a rug or carpet
• comfortable, non-restrictive clothing

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Types of Spindles:

Suspended spindles are spun in mid-air by the spindler, and drop toward the ground as the fiber is drafted. A spindler may flick  or snap the spindle with her hand, or get the spinning motion started by rolling the shaft of the spindle against her outer thigh. Spun fiber is then wound onto the shaft of the spindle and stored there for plying.

Top (high) whorl

Mid (center) whorl

Bottom (low) whorl

Turkish — a variety of bottom whorl spindle with cross arms

Supported spindles rest with their tip on the floor, the thigh, or in a shallow cup or bowl.

Navajo

Russian

Tibetan

Key Terms

batt: a preparation of fiber made with a drum carder or hand carders

cop: the accumulated (often conical) ball of yarn wound around the shaft of a spindle

distaff: a staff or stick that holds fibers (particularly flax) in preparation for spinning

draft: the act of aligning and elongating fibers in preparation for spinning

draft zone: the space between already spun and unspun fiber

ply: the action of twisting two or more singles together to create a usable and balanced yarn; or, the number of singles plied together to form a yarn, as in 2-ply, 3-ply, etc.

rolag: a roll of carded fiber, ready for spinning

single: a thread or single ply of fiber

spindle: a hand-held tool for making yarn out of plant or animal fiber

staple: the length of a single strand of fiber

twist: either clockwise (Z) or counter-clockwise (S) depending on the motion of the spindle; to achieve a balanced yarn, spin singles in one direction and ply in the opposite direction.

whorl: the part of a drop spindle that gives it weight and allows it to spin

woolen–spun: a type of yarn in which fibers are un-aligned, resulting in a softer, loftier yarn; in spinning, the spindler allows twist to enter the draft zone

worsted–spun: a type of yarn in which fibers are aligned, resulting in a sturdier, firmer yarn; in spinning, the spindler does not allow twist to enter the draft zone

Consult the Joy of Handspinning glossary for additional terms.

 Tips for Beginning Spindlers

• try a variety of spindle styles and weights
• test light weight (.75 – 1.23 oz.) spindles, which are not typically recommended for beginners
• work over carpet or a pillow to protect your spindle
• store your spindles carefully
• remove the shaft from a Turkish spindle before storing
• select natural fiber with a medium staple length (3-4 inches)
• experiment with fiber preps such as rolags or punis
• spin frequently, but for short durations; 15 minutes a day is a good target and will help you build your skills and confidence
• ply, finish, and use your yarn right away

Links & Resources

New York Times article: The New Spinners: Yarn is the Least of It by Elizabeth Olson

On Handcraft video featuring Renate Hiller

The Basics of Drop Spindling video featuring Abby Franquemont; also spinning video 1 and video 2.

A video explaining the types of hand spindles.

Links to videos on the Jenkins Yarn Tools site.

An article by Fania Letoutchaia about traditional supported spindles.

An article about the history and evolution of hand spinning.

A Preamble about the Crafts

Consider the colors that correspond to your body’s chakras or energy centers. This link contains helpful information about color therapy.