Creative & Culture

How To Use A Spinning Wheel

Spinning is an ancient and traditional method of making yarn for knitting, weaving and crochet. In this guide, Christine MacLeod of Weaver's House, a National Trust property in Kilbarchan, Scotland, shows you how to use a traditional spinning wheel to turn fleece into yarn. Enlarge

How To Use A Spinning Wheel

Spinning is an ancient and traditional method of making yarn for knitting, weaving and crochet. In this guide, Christine MacLeod of Weaver's House, a National Trust property in Kilbarchan, Scotland, shows you how to use a traditional spinning wheel to turn fleece into yarn.

Top Tips

  • Practice spinning the wheel for a while to build confidence before you start to introduce fibre to make yarn.
  • To spin: Grip the yarn firmly in your left hand between your thumb and index finger. When you start to feel a tension in the "twist", push with your fingers back towards the bobbin while drawing out more fibres from your fleece, then slide your fingers back down the drawn fibre towards you. Repeat.
  • It may take a while to get the rhythm of your hands right. Don't worry. Just keep practicing and relax!