Table of contents
Choosing your first spinning wheel is an exciting step in your crafting journey, but can be a bit daunting because of all the options as well as the price. When you invest in buying a spinning wheel, you want to make sure it'll be a wheel you absolutely love and get the most enjoyment from using. This guide is here to help break down what you need to know to find the best wheel for you.
Exploring Types of Spinning Wheels
When you begin looking for a spinning wheel, you will see that there are many styles to pick from. The biggest thing to know is that there are two main types: Saxony wheels and upright wheels. Stylistically, some people like the classic shape of a traditional spinning wheel while others may prefer something that looks sleek and modern. Electric spinners are an increasingly popular option as well because they're easy to travel with, don't take up much space, and offer an accessible solution for those who have mobility constraints.
There are speciality wheels like the Charkha which is best for short staple fibers like cotton and typically comes in a foldable box.
Traditional vs. Modern
The most iconic traditional spinning wheel is the Saxony wheel. This is the style you often see in fairy tales. Saxonies are characterized by their large wheel on one end and the flyer assembly on the other, usually supported by three legs.
On the other hand, modern designs often prioritize portability and a smaller footprint. Upright wheels are a prime example. They place the flyer directly above the wheel, making them more compact and easier to store. They are incredibly user-friendly and easier to transport to classes or spinning groups.
Choosing between them comes down to your personal priorities. Do you value the classic aesthetic and of a Saxony wheel and have the space for it? Or does the compact, easy-to-store nature of an upright wheel better suit your lifestyle?
| Saxony | Upright | Electric | |
|
Appearance |
Classic fairy tale look, horizontal layout | Compact, vertical layout with flyer above the wheel | Compact, horizontal layout with only a flyer and a bobbin |
| Footprint | Larger, requires more floor space | Smaller, some models even fold for better storage | Very small |
| Portability | Less portable and can be cumbersome to move | More portable, especially foldable wheels | Very portable, but requires a battery pack or access to electricity |
Spinning Wheel Basics: Components, Drive & Tension Systems, and Speed Ratios
A - Wheel
B - Drive Band
C - Flyer assembly
D - Maiden
E - Bearings
F - Tension Screw
G - Treadle
H - Footman
I - Treadle connection
J - Treadle bar
K - Table
L - Distaff
Drive Systems
The part of the spinning wheel that actually creates the yarn is called the “flyer assembly”. At a minimum, a flyer assembly has a flyer and a bobbin, both of which spin independently of each other. The yarn will only load onto the bobbin if both of these components are spinning at different rates of speed. In order to create this speed differential, there are a few different methods of driving and braking the two components.
Single Drive
Single drive systems use a drive band to propel one component of the flyer assembly, and a brake of some kind to slow the other component. In this system, you can either drive the flyer and brake the bobbin (flyer lead, sometimes called Scotch tension), or you can drive the bobbin and brake the flyer (bobbin lead, sometimes called Irish tension).
Scotch tension is a very common system to find in modern spinning wheels. The drive band goes around a whorl that is attached to the flyer, and a brake band is put over the bobbin to create the speed differential. This tension system excels at light to moderate uptake, and is best suited to spinning lace to worsted weight yarns. Beginners tend to find this drive system to be easy to understand and master.
Irish tension is a less common setup, and is best known for its aggressive take-up. The drive band is applied to the bobbin flange, and the flyer is the component that gets braked. Since the yarn you’re spinning is attached directly to the component being driven, it can create an assertive pull that can make spinning certain types of yarn quite a struggle! These wheels are well suited to spinning DK to bulky weight yarns, as well as art yarns.
Double Drive
In double-drive systems, both the flyer and bobbin are driven simultaneously using one large drive band, wrapped twice around the drive wheel. In order to create the speed differential needed to create uptake, the whorl attached to the flyer and the flange on the bobbin must be two different sizes.
Double drive wheels typically utilize a cotton or linen drive band. These drive bands have a lot less traction compared to polyurethane drive bands you commonly see on single drive wheels, and the slippage that occurs because of this allows for a gentle tension profile that works well for spinning fine yarns. Polyurethane drive bands can be used on double drive wheels, but the lack of slippage causes aggressive uptake that cannot be easily adjusted.
As a bonus, many modern manufacturers will offer scotch tension accessories with their double drive models of wheels. Some spinning wheels are even capable of all three options! Check the specifications of the wheel you’re interested in to see what drive systems it can utilize!
Speed Ratios
In the description of the spinning wheels we sell, you will typically see a list of “ratios” that come standard with the purchase of the wheel. The ratio refers to the number of times the flyer turns in one full rotation of the drive wheel. The ratio is determined by which pulley the drive band has been put over on the flyer assembly. The larger the circumference of the pulley you’ve chosen, the lower the ratio- the smaller the circumference, the higher the ratio.
The purpose of having different ratios for your wheel is to control the amount of twist that you are applying to your yarn per one rotation of the drive wheel. A low ratio (example: 4:1) means less twist is applied, and a high ratio (example: 16:1) means more twist is applied. Having a wide range of ratios available will assist you in spinning a wide range of yarn types efficiently, without having to change the cadence of your treadling.
Many wheels come with a wide range of ratios, but not every spinner will need the entire spread. Consider what type of yarn you will be spinning- the finer the single, the more twist required to hold it together, and the bulkier the single the less twist needed to hold it together. If you spin mostly chunky singles you probably don’t need a wheel specifically because it’s capable of going 20:1; it will apply twist so fast you'll be hard pressed to draft quickly enough to keep up! By contrast, if you spin lace you probably want to avoid a wheel that taps out at 10:1, unless you enjoy holding back on the yarn while you treadle so it can accumulate twist.
How to Choose the Best Spinning Wheel for You
Now that you know about the types of spinning wheels and what features to look for, it’s time to bring it all together. Picking your first spinning wheel can be easy if you break it down into a few steps. Doing this will help you sort through the choices and feel sure you pick a wheel that matches your creative plans and fits your needs.
Before we dive in, we do want to mention a couple of things to keep in mind as you make your decision:
- It’s best not to choose a wheel based on price alone! The cheapest wheel might be in your budget, but if it does not have the qualities you need to have an enjoyable spinning experience then it is not the right wheel for you. By contrast, the most expensive wheel might not have the widest range of features, may not be the most user friendly, or maybe is missing features you find desirable.
- Making a purchase solely on a recommendation from another spinner, without solid reasoning as to why it would suit your needs, is always a risk! Even good and sensical suggestions don't work out sometimes, so we always suggest trying a model before you buy if that's an option. (We recognize it's not always that easy for a number of reasons, but if you can find a way to do so, we would highly encourage it!) Always research the recommendations you get from fellow spinners and if you are unsure if you’re making the right decision please do not hesitate to reach out to a customer service representative from a reputable dealer (like us 😉).
Step 1: Decide Your Spinning Goals and Yarn Preferences
The type of yarn you want to spin is a huge determining factor for what wheel you should choose. If you are spinning extreme art yarns then Electric Eel 6.1 might not be the right choice, as it has neither the bobbin capacity or orifice size capable of handling that type of yarn. By contrast, the Ashford E-spinner Jumbo is specifically designed to tackle the wackiest of your yarn fantasies!
Let’s take lace spinners as another example. The Lojan Buddy or Louet S17, as bobbin led wheels, will not have a tension profile ideal for spinning lace which requires low tension and high twist to spin a stable yarn. By contrast, a Schacht Ladybug or a Kromski Symphony would have more appropriate specs to tackle the finer side of the yarn spectrum. Many spinning wheels will also have optional accessories available that can really expand its capabilities, and open the door for you to make a wide range of yarns with one wheel.
Check in the description to see what additional flyers, whorls, and accessories are available for the wheel you are considering.
Step 2: Consider Size, Portability, and Storage
Size and portability are two concerns that many spinners will have, as spinning tends to be a social activity! Consider how much space you have both in your home and in your preferred method of transportation. Saxony style wheels have a huge footprint and don't tend to disassemble easily, so they would not be an ideal tool for someone who travels frequently to guild meetings or has a small living space. A folding castle style wheel would give you the capability to stash it away in-home and travel in small vehicles without hassle!
E-spinners are quickly gaining traction in the spinning community, and they have opened many doors for those among us who may have accessibility concerns. They are great options for example, for those who:
- Cannot lift heavy loads
- Cannot treadle a wheel
- Can only sit or stand for long periods in a position not conducive to spinning on a treadle wheel
Which spinning wheels are foldable?
Ashford Joy, Ashford Kiwi 3, Kromski Sonata, Louet Victoria, Majacraft Little Gem, and Schacht Sidekick
Step 3: Consider Budget, Maintenance, and Support
Your money is a big thing to think about when you choose your spinning wheel. A new spinning wheel is an investment and it's smart to decide your budget before you buy, but also be aware that a cheaper option might not boast the same quality as a wheel that costs a bit more. For example, many wheel manufacturers offer unfinished wheels that are cheaper, but require you to finish or seal them properly yourself. Purchasing a finished wheel can save you time and the hassle of having to do it yourself.
All spinning wheels require routine maintenance to keep them in shape. Oiling and making sure parts don’t wear out is a must so your wheel works well for a long time. If you pick a wheel from a trusted brand, you know you can get help and easy access to parts if anything goes wrong.
Step 4: Test Drive Wheels
Reading about spinning wheels is good, but nothing beats sitting down and trying one out if you're able to. The spinning wheel that seems perfect when you read about it may not feel good when you use it. If you can, test out more than one wheel before you buy.
The Woolery is open from 12-5 pm on Fridays for customers to test drive our floor model spinning wheels. Trying many spinning wheels will help you see how they move, how the yarn pulls in, and how each one fits you. When you try each spinning wheel, think about how your body feels. The choice is personal, and you will know what works for you only when you test the wheel yourself.
Conclusion
Picking the right spinning wheel can be a fun and rewarding experience in your craft journey. Learning about the types of spinning wheels and knowing your own spinning goals will help you find the perfect wheel for you. The hand spinning community also gives a lot of support, so join workshops, guilds or online groups to learn from others and get help. Take your time and enjoy the search. You can find a variety of spinning wheels for sale online on The Woolery's website. Our knowledgable customer service team is here to help you make your decision when you're ready to purchase your wheel. Before long, you will be making wonderful handspun yarn.
