How much yarn can you spin on a drop spindle?

Yes, you can spin on a three ounce spindle. It just feels heavy! And, at 3 ounces, it really pulls, even against thick yarn — so once again, you’re using shortdraw and paying attention to staple length, to stop the spindle from dropping. As for me, I usually plan to pack about 1 ounce of fiber onto a spindle.

What is the best drop spindle for beginners?

For a beginner We would suggest a medium-weight top whorl spindle, of about 50g to 75g (2 to 3oz). If you continue to explore spinning, it is worth experimenting with different spindles to find which style you prefer.

Can you spin yarn without a spindle?

It’s called Plotulopi. You can easily make your own using the finger twisting method or simply by pulling some combed wool through a diz. I used my handcards to make some rolags which I then pulled out into a long, thin rope. You can knit right away, adding a little twist with your fingers as you go.

How heavy should a drop spindle be?

2 to 3 ounces
“Your first drop spindle should weigh 2 to 3 ounces. Many beautiful lighter-weight spindles are available, but wait before you try one, because a medium-weight or heavier spindle will spin longer while you learn to draft out the fibers.

How do I choose a drop spindle?

When you’re choosing a drop spindle, two things are important – weight and speed. If you are interested in spinning fine yarns, you will need a spindle that won’t put too much strain on the yarn as it adds twist, so a lightweight spindle is probably best. You’ll also need to consider how fast it is likely to spin.

How long does it take to spin yarn?

Plying a bobbin takes about another half an hour. An average sweater, depending on the size, uses approx 700 grams – 1000 grams of yarn. So to spin enough yarn to knit a sweater would take about 10-15 hours to spin, in the weight that I use for my handknits.

How do you spin wool in a drop spindle?

Before using a drop spindle, practice drafting out the fibers. Take a handful of wool in one hand and with the other hand, gently pull some of the fibers away from the mass and then add some twist by twisting the fibers in one direction between your fingers.

Which is the best drop spindle to use?

Many beginners start with a relative heavy (2 ounces or more) bottom whorl spindle, but you can also learn easily on a top whorl. Top whorl drop spindles, our most popular spindles. With a little bit of practice the top whorl spindle can spin a lot faster than a bottom whorl, thus putting more twist in your yarn.

How big is the shaft of a drop spindle?

Each spindle weights about three ounces with a shaft length of 12′ and a whorl diameter of 4″. The shaft slips out of the whorl for easy transport and or storage. These spindles can be used as top or bottom whorl spindle and are great for spinning heavier yarns and plying.

What happens when you drop a spinning spindle?

When it stops of its own accord and starts to twist counterclockwise, add more clockwise twist. If the spindle keeps going backward, the twist will come out of the yarn, it will turn it back into fluff, and the spindle will drop. Soon you will have a spindle full of yarn.