Drop Spindle Spinning: Learn How to Spin with Drop Spindles | Free eBook

Learning how to spin is learning the process of drawing out the fibers and adding twist until you have created a continuous thread of stable yarn. Starting out on a handspindle is a great way to master the craft with a minimum of expense and equipment.

Drop spindles are ancient tools that were a necessity in ancient times and are still used in many parts of the world to produce thread and yarn. If you're thinking about picking up drop spindle spinning for the first time, grab a copy of this eBook for all the information to help you get started. Inside you'll find:

• Make Your Own Hand Spindle - Follow these instructions to create your own spindle using recycled compact disks, a grommet, a small eye hook, and a dowel. Once you learn, you can experiment with different spindle whorls to customize your spindle to your preference.

• High Whorl, Low Whorl - Some spinners only spin with top-whorl drop spindles, while others swear by bottom-whorl drop spindles. It's a matter of preference and the type of yarn you're spinning. Get more tips from this eBook to discover which spindle whorl is best for you.

• Spindle Spinning - Maggie explains each step of the drop spinning process starting with choosing a spindle that's best for you. She explains different techniques depending on the whorl you've chosen.

• Drafting for Woolen and Worsted-Style Yarns on a Spindle - Follow Carol’s instructions to select the ideal drafting method for the type of yarn you want.

• Managing Your Yarn - After you’ve spun yarn on, you have to decide how to manage it so that you can ply the yarn and wash it. What you do depends partially on the fiber and the amount of twist in it and partially on what equipment you have on hand.

• Tying a 2-Yard Skein - What is the proper way to tie on a skein? It's a good question becuase a properly tied skein helps avoid tangles and frustration when you process the yarn to set the twist. Give it a try and don’t get tied up!

• Plying on a Spindle - Plying on a spindle is easy! In fact, there are many ways to do it: Andean plying, multiple spindles, center-pull ball, etc. Maggie tried them all and found the way to get the best yarn is when she transfers the yarn from the spindle to a storage device before plying.

Drop spindle spinning doesn’t mean that you’re limited to one type of yarn, and you'll be ready to spin and explore with the advice in this free guide.

All items in the library are intended for personal use. Please do not distribute without written approval.