Fiber Arts Friday: DIY Drop Spindle Spinning Guide
Welcome to this week’s Fiber Arts Friday! Today, we're diving into the world of spinning with a simple and fun project: making your own drop spindle and spinning yarn from roving. Drop spindles are an accessible way to start spinning, and with a few basic materials, you’ll be creating your own yarn in no time!
Materials List:
Wooden dowel (10-12 inches long, about 3/8 inch thick)
Wooden wheel (about 2-3 inches in diameter) or a large, flat washer
Hook screw (small enough to fit in the dowel end)
Wool roving (your choice of fiber)
Sandpaper (optional, for smoothing edges)
Pattern Instructions
Assemble the Drop Spindle:
Attach the wooden wheel to one end of the dowel. This will serve as the whorl, helping the spindle spin smoothly.
Screw the hook screw into the opposite end of the dowel.
Prep the Wool Roving:
Pull a small section of the wool roving to work with, ensuring it is light and fluffy. The roving should be pre-drafted, meaning it’s gently pulled apart for easier spinning.
Spin the Yarn:
Attach the roving to the hook and begin spinning the spindle by twisting it between your fingers.
Let the spindle drop, and as it spins, gently draft the fibers out with your other hand, allowing them to twist into yarn.
Once you have a length of yarn, wind it onto the spindle shaft below the whorl and repeat the process.
Ply the Yarn (Optional):
If you’d like to ply the yarn for added strength, spin two single-ply strands together in the opposite direction of your initial twist.
Tips and Variations:
Decorate Your Spindle: Add a touch of paint or wood burn designs on your spindle for a personalized tool you’ll love to use.
Experiment with Different Fibers: Try spinning different types of wool or other fibers like alpaca to see how they vary in texture and spin.
Why Spin Your Own Yarn?
Spinning your own yarn is a deeply satisfying and meditative process that connects you to the history of fiber arts. Plus, you can create beautiful, custom yarns for your future knitting, crochet, or weaving projects!
We hope you enjoy this week’s project! Show off your finished yarn by tagging us on social media with #FiberArtsFriday. Happy spinning!
