Make Your Own Drop Spindle
Written and Designed by Brittany of @Bee _ Ritt _ Fiber_ Arts on Instagram Please follow her for more inspiration and creativity with the fiber arts.
This blog was written during the 2020 lockdown for reference of why we were all making crafts in the house.
Create Your Own Spindle at Home
We are living through a weird time now. People are mostly confined to their homes. Many have been laid off or furloughed from their jobs. Even the essential workers are finding themselves spending more time at home. Many are using this time to learn new skills, pick up a side hustle, tackle a hobby they've only participated in via Pinterest boards.
Homesteading hobbies are perfect for times like these. A personal favorite I've dove headfirst into is fiber arts. You could (and many have) invest thousands of dollars in fiber arts supplies. A spinning wheel alone generally runs from $400-$1200 (even more for extra features and supplies), but spinning, like all fiber arts, has very humble beginnings. People originally made all their own tools.
I personally have been doing a lot of yarn spinning. Even though I have an e-spinner, I found myself gravitating towards my single drop spindle. Something about the slow process is very calming, and since I have an infant and a 4 year old I need to be able to put it away quickly when they need something. My e-spinner requires a table near an outlet and for me to be seated. It got to be very annoying to constantly get up and help my daughters because the process of moving the table and the cords and my tools was just taking too much time and effort. I can also move around with my drop spindle, so I feel like I'm getting a bit of exercise.
I came across a problem though: since I only have one spindle, if I want to ply yarns together or work on a different yarn I would have to wind my current project off my spindle. If you've never done that, it is a long and tedious process to do by hand. This inspired me to try to make my own spindles.
There are multiple DIY drop spindle tutorials out there. Most require a trip to the hardware store. But that's not exactly practical right now. Also, with many people (including myself) out of work during this time, spending extra money is kind of out of the question. However, you really don't need any fancy tools or supplies to make a good drop spindle. Here are the basic supplies you need for a top whorl drop spindle:
A stick of some kind- this can be a dowel or a skewer, or even an unsharpened pencil
A hook- I found a paper clip works the best! You also could use floral wire, an old dangle type earring or even cut up a wire coat hanger.
A whorl- CD's work great because they have some weight to them already and (added bonus) a hole for your spindle. But I've used corrugated cardboard, plastic, and even a cork coaster. You could really use any sturdy circular shaped object, as long as you can make a hole big enough to fit your spindle through. A peanut butter jar lid would even work really great!
DIY Drop Spindle
Your whorl does need to have some sort of balanced weight to it. Otherwise it will spin for only a few seconds and you'll constantly need to keep re-spinning it. If you use cardboard, I would suggest hot gluing pennies (or other coins that are the same size and shape as each other) evenly spaced around the whorl.
Glue (hot glue works great!), tape, or otherwise attach your hook to the top of your spindle and secure your whorl about ⅓ the length from the top of your spindle. Its really that simple! Then watch some drop spinning tutorials and try it yourself. You can change up your spindle to fine tune it to your liking. Add more weight, adjust the hook, or even make it pretty.
Some things to consider:
My commercial drop spindle weighs 1.5 ounces on it's own. If you have a kitchen scale or postage scale, it may be to your advantage to weigh your spindle as you are adding weight to get it to an optimal weight. If it's not heavy enough it will not spin very long. If it's too heavy it will break your yarn.
If you do cut a whorl from corrugated cardboard like I did, you may want to put tape of the edges to keep them smooth and prevent snagging your fiber.
If you use something for a whorl that's not smooth on all sides, make sure the smoothest side is facing down, otherwise you will have snags and issues when you are winding your cop (that's a fancy fiber word that just refers to the yarn you've already spun and wound around your spindle).
We would love to see your drop spindles! Let us know what worked and any tricks you found! Share pictures on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #feralscene
Want to have a step by step look at making your own spindle and unlock lots of discounts on fiber supplies. Check out our fun mini course “ spin from scratch “ This is a step by step video system that will take you from building your own spindle to spinning your first yarns with a free workshop. There’s even a bonus section with spinning on a spinning wheel for comparison.
$23 worth of coupons for fiber inside.
1. DIY Drop Spindle Tutorial
Unlock the art of spinning with our comprehensive DIY Drop Spindle Tutorial. Perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike, this tutorial guides you through each step of creating your custom drop spindle using everyday household items. With easy-to-follow instructions and detailed visuals, you'll master the basics of spinning in no time. Explore the joys of crafting and create beautiful yarns right from your home. Dive into the world of DIY spinning today!
2. Homemade Drop Spindle Guide
Discover the ultimate Homemade Drop Spindle Guide designed to inspire and educate. Whether you're new to spinning or looking to refine your skills, this guide provides clear, concise steps to craft your drop spindle using materials you already have. Learn about different spindle options, assembly techniques, and balancing tips to ensure smooth spinning every time. Transform ordinary items into extraordinary tools and embrace the satisfying craft of homemade spindle making.
3. Best Materials for Drop Spindle
Choosing the right materials is crucial for a smooth spinning experience. Our guide on the Best Materials for Drop Spindle offers expert recommendations and practical insights into selecting the perfect components for your spindle-making project. From ideal spindles and hooks to optimal whorls and weights, we've got you covered. Learn how to balance functionality with creativity and ensure your drop spindle performs beautifully, making your spinning journey enjoyable and successful.
4. How to Make a Drop Spindle
Curious about spinning your yarn? Our step-by-step guide on How to Make a Drop Spindle is here to help! This easy-to-follow tutorial is designed for crafters of all levels, providing detailed instructions on creating a functional drop spindle from scratch. You'll learn about the tools needed, assembly techniques, and balancing tips to achieve perfect spinning. Start your spinning adventure with confidence and create stunning handmade yarns with your DIY drop spindle.
5. Drop Spindle Spinning Techniques
Enhance your spinning skills with our informative guide on Drop Spindle Spinning Techniques. Whether you're a novice or an experienced spinner, this resource offers valuable tips and tricks to improve your technique and produce high-quality yarns. Explore various spinning methods, fiber preparation tips, and troubleshooting advice to refine your craft. Elevate your spinning game and enjoy the art of creating unique, handcrafted yarns with ease.
My spinner friends and students describe learning to spin as the most fun rabbit hole to fall down.
They felt that learning to spin either on a drop spindle or wheel is the logical next step in their fiber arts journey. We wholeheartedly believe in learning and preserving this ancient craft that continues to bring such joy and creativity to the world.
One of the biggest things holding yarn lovers back from taking the plunge is fear of having to spend a bunch of money on a pile of new craft supplies just to have them take up room in your house if you don't actually end up learning to do your new skill. We've fixed that by providing you with this "online kit" which will take you step by step with a video on how to make your very own drop spindle with supplies you probably have laying around at home so you can get a feel for if you'll like it before spending a dime. You will also get step by step instruction on how to use your new spindle and a supply list and coupon savings to get you some spinning fiber to learn on ( even a chance to find farmers local to you) This will help you not only learn a new skill but become more involved and supportive of your local fiber arts community.
What you will find in the “ Spin from Scratch” online kit
Step by Step Video Guide on how to make your own drop spindle with supplies you have at home
Video play back of my learn to drop spindle course that was an even at “ Camp Yarnsie”
Our downloadable directory to all things spinning “ CHY Spinning Field Guide”
Printable How To work sheet
The entire webinar comparing spinning on a drop spindle with spinning on a spinning wheel
Drop Spindle Tips I wish I’d known link
Coupons for savings on fiber
Over two hours of private video lessons and savings up to $23 off spinning fiber to get you started
After much request I’ve made an online version of my local drop spindle and intro to spinning workshop. This is 12 video online workshop designed to take the student from having never held fiber or a spindle all the way through 2 plying your final yarn. There are also 4 bonus videos covering common troubleshooting that has been covered in local classes as well as how to set your yarn after it’s spun, and how to chain ply on a drop spindle for beginners.
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We’re so proud of our hand-dyed braids. I wanted the perfect easy to use and inspiring fiber option for beginners and advanced spinners alike. Roving braids are very popular for a reason. We wanted braids that would live up to our standards here of supporting small farms and mills. These braids are from a small USA Farms and Mills with Ethical treatment of the Sheep. You will be billed once a month and will receive your box later that same month.
4oz braid
USA Sheep and Mills
Hand Dyed in Small batches by our dye team
fun monthly limited edition colorways
Wool is super soft Merino ,Ramboullet, Shaniko, Targhee or similar breeds between 19-23 Mircons. We are very picky on our fiber quaintly both for being ethically & locally sourced but also for superior softness and spinablility.
This is a monthly subscription that you can cancel at anytime. If you receive and charge and would prefer not to receive a box that month as long as you let us know with in 3 days of the charge we will even issue your refund for the same month. We really want this to be fun and enjoyable for everyone.
Please share your creations with us on facebook in the hand spun yarn love group and instagram tagged #craftyhousewifeyarns or #feralscene
Join the fun.
