Low-whorl and mid-whorl drop spindles often have a simple, straight shaft without a hook to secure the yarn. Traditionally, these suspended spindles might have a notch cut near the top of the shaft; they might have a tapered, pointy tip; they might have a rough shaft that doesn’t change diameter; or they might have some combination of these elements. In the archaeological record, spindle whorls often outlive their shafts, so we don’t always know how different spinning cultures solved this perennial spindle issue.
Spinner using a cross-arm, mid-whorl spindle (LC-M36- 636). A close look shows a shallow notch carved into the top of the spindle, but the yarn is secured with a single backward loop—a half hitch. Identified as circa 1898–1919, Rām Allāh, West Bank Courtesy of Library of Congress, Matson Photograph Collection
We do know that many spinners around the world have long used a half hitch to secure yarn to the suspended spindle. This quick backward-loop technique is easy to memorize and adaptable to your hands and spindles. If your spindle starts to get too heavy for the half hitch to support the spindle, add two half hitches as they sometimes do when plying in Peru.
I see people use two main half-hitch methods, but there are others—see what you like best! I’m right-handed, but these work equally well with hands reversed.
Thumb Method
To see this method in action, check out Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez’s Andean Spinning video. You’ll have to rewind the video several times to watch Nilda do a half hitch; it’s that fast and fluid!
1 After winding your yarn up the spindle shaft almost to the tip, hold the spindle with your fingers and position your thumb an inch or two away from the shaft.
2 Wrap the yarn around the front of your spindle shaft and thumb, around to the back, and then between thumb and spindle.
3 Place the tip of your thumb against the spindle tip and slip the newly formed loop onto the shaft.
4 Pull tight to create a half hitch.
Index-Finger Method
1 Wind your yarn around the spindle shaft a rotation or two and place your index finger under the yarn.
2 Move the tip of the spindle along your finger and into the loop that has formed.
3 Drop the loop of yarn off your finger and onto the shaft. Pull the loop tight.
I use this method much of the time. What works best for you?
Kate Larson, editor of Spin Off, teaches handspinning around the country and spends as many hours as life allows in the barn with her beloved flock of Border Leicesters.
Originally published February 3, 2021; updated August 5, 2024.