Choosing a spinning wheel involves understanding your spinning goals and matching them with the features and capabilities of different wheel types. The ideal wheel empowers you to create the yarns you envision with comfort and efficiency.
When selecting a spinning wheel, consider a range of factors that influence its performance, portability, and user experience. From the drive system to available accessories, each element plays a role in your spinning journey.
Key Considerations for Selecting Your Spinning Wheel
The vast array of spinning wheels available means there's a perfect match for almost every spinner. Here are the crucial aspects to evaluate:
1. Drive System
The drive system dictates how your wheel functions and the types of yarn it excels at producing.
- Scotch Tension: This is a very common and versatile system, often found on beginner-friendly wheels. It uses a brake band that applies friction to the bobbin, allowing for fine control over twist and take-up. It's excellent for a wide range of yarns, from fine to bulky.
- Irish Tension (Bobbin-Lead): In this system, the drive band turns the bobbin directly, while the flyer is braked. This creates a strong take-up, making it ideal for spinning bulky, art, or textured yarns quickly.
- Double Drive: Both the flyer and the bobbin are driven by the same drive band, but at different speeds. This system creates a consistent, balanced yarn and is often preferred by spinners producing very fine or consistent yarns, as it offers the smoothest operation with minimal adjustments needed once set.
2. Treadle System
The way you power your wheel influences comfort and rhythm.
- Single Treadle: One foot operates a single treadle to turn the wheel. While effective, it can take a bit more practice to maintain a smooth, continuous motion, especially for beginners.
- Double Treadle: Two feet operate two separate treadles, alternating their motion. This system generally provides a smoother, more rhythmic spinning experience and is often easier for new spinners to learn, as it balances the effort and reduces fatigue.
3. Wheel Design and Portability
Spinning wheels come in various designs, impacting their footprint and ease of transport.
- Castle (Upright) Wheels: These wheels are typically more compact, with the flyer assembly located above or below the wheel, making them excellent for smaller spaces or for travel.
- Saxony (Horizontal) Wheels: Featuring a traditional, elegant look, Saxony wheels have the flyer assembly positioned horizontally beside the wheel. They tend to have a larger footprint but often offer a very stable spinning platform.
- Folding/Travel Wheels: Many manufacturers offer compact models that fold down for easy transport, perfect for taking to workshops, fiber festivals, or on trips.
- Wheel Diameter: A larger drive wheel diameter typically allows for higher ratios and can sustain momentum more easily, which can be beneficial for specific types of spinning. Consider how much space you have and whether you plan to move your wheel frequently.
4. Materials and Aesthetics
The type of wood used (e.g., maple, oak, cherry, or exotic woods) affects not only the wheel's durability and weight but also its visual appeal. Some wheels are made with modern materials like MDF or plastics, which can offer different price points and maintenance needs. Choose a material that you find aesthetically pleasing and that suits your budget.
5. Orifice and Bobbin Size
These features directly impact the type and quantity of yarn you can spin.
- Size of Orifice: The orifice is the opening through which your yarn passes onto the bobbin. A larger orifice is essential for spinning bulky, art, or textured yarns with inclusions, while a smaller one is suitable for fine to medium yarns. Many wheels offer interchangeable flyers with different orifice sizes.
- Size of Bobbin: Larger bobbins can hold more yarn before needing to be emptied, which is a great advantage for spinning large projects or consistent skeins. Consider if extra bobbins are included or easily available, as having several allows you to spin different singles before plying, or to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
6. Ratios and Speed Control
Ratios refer to how many times the flyer rotates for each rotation of the drive wheel.
- Additional Speed Control Whorls: Many wheels come with interchangeable whorls (pulleys) that change the drive ratio, offering a range of speeds from slow (for bulky yarns) to fast (for fine yarns). Ensure the wheel provides the ratios you need for your desired yarn types.
- High-Speed vs. Low-Speed Spinning: If you plan to spin very fine yarn, a wheel with high ratios is crucial. For very bulky yarn, lower ratios are more suitable.
7. Accessories and Features
Beyond the core components, consider what additional features enhance your spinning experience.
- Distaffs: A distaff is a tool used to hold prepared fiber (like flax or cotton) while spinning. If you plan to spin these types of fibers, a wheel with an integrated distaff or the option to attach one can be very convenient.
- Flyers: Interchangeable flyers (standard, bulky, lace) expand your wheel's versatility for different yarn weights.
- Built-in Lazy Kate: A lazy Kate holds bobbins for plying, and having one built into the wheel or easily attachable is a great convenience.
- Maintenance: Consider how easy the wheel is to clean and maintain, and the availability of replacement parts.
8. Budget
Spinning wheels range widely in price, from entry-level models to high-end artisan pieces. Set a budget, but remember that a good quality wheel is an investment that can last a lifetime. Sometimes, a used wheel can be an excellent, more affordable option.
Practical Steps to Choosing Your Wheel
- Define Your Goals: What kind of yarn do you want to spin? Fine, bulky, art, consistent? How much do you want to spin?
- Try Before You Buy: If possible, attend fiber festivals, local spinning guild meetings, or visit a fiber shop to try out different wheels. This is the best way to understand how a wheel feels to you.
- Research Brands and Models: Read reviews, watch videos, and compare specifications.
- Consider New vs. Used: Used wheels can be great value, but inspect them carefully for wear and tear.
Comparing Common Wheel Characteristics
| Feature | Beginner-Friendly Option | Advanced/Specialized Option |
|---|---|---|
| Treadle System | Double Treadle (easier to learn) | Single or Double Treadle (personal preference) |
| Drive System | Scotch Tension (versatile, good control) | Double Drive (consistent, fine yarns) / Irish Tension (bulky, art yarns) |
| Portability | Castle/Upright (compact) or Folding Travel Wheel | Saxony (stable, larger footprint) |
| Orifice/Bobbin | Medium orifice, standard bobbins | Interchangeable flyers, various orifice and bobbin sizes |
| Ratios | Mid-range ratios | Wide range of ratios (low to very high) |
| Materials | Durable, practical wood or engineered materials | Fine hardwoods, artisan finishes |
| Accessories | A few extra bobbins, basic whorls | Extensive accessories: distaffs, extra bobbins, various whorls/flyers |
By carefully evaluating these features against your personal preferences and spinning aspirations, you can confidently choose a spinning wheel that will bring you joy and creativity for years to come.
