Friday, March 14, 2008

Drop Spindle Tutorial: Spinning step-by-step

Do you dream of learning to spin your own yarn? Of knitting socks or a shawl from lovely fibers you've designed and created yourself? Well, do I have a gift for you: An illustrated drop spindle tutorial!

Here's a little taste of what's to come... Enjoy!

Spinning Step by Step: How to use a drop spindle

Calming. Centering. Relaxing. These are just a few of the words spinners use to describe how they feel as fiber passes through their fingers, miraculously turning into yarn through the alchemy of hand spinning. Soon, you’ll enjoy the same creative sensations…AND you’ll be knitting with yarn you made yourself!

Getting Ready
Always remember: there’s a reason it’s called a “drop spindle.” That’s right: You will drop your spindle while you’re learning, and even afterward. So make sure you have a nice cup of tea (or glass of wine!) by your side, and try to be patient with yourself. Spinning is an ancient art form—you can learn the basics in a short time, yet spend years mastering the craft and creating new types of yarn.

What else do you need?


  • Your drop spindle

  • Some fiber (wool is usually easiest to learn with)

  • A comfortable, supportive chair (not a cushy one…a wooden kitchen chair will work nicely)


Click here for the full PDF version of the Drop Spindle Tutorial

If the link doesn't work, please feel free to e-mail me if you'd like me to send you a PDF.

NOTE: The gorgeous spindle in the tutorial was made by Jonathan Bosworth.


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