Drop Spindles for Beginners
Many people believe they should begin with drop spindles, but I’m not a fan of "shoulds" when it comes to spinning. As I mentioned earlier, you should start with whatever tool feels right for you.
Varieties of Drop Spindles
There are numerous types of drop spindles available, which can understandably lead to confusion for beginners.
DIY and Student Spindles: My first spindle was made from a dowel rod, a craft wheel, and a cup hook. These supplies are easily found at craft stores, and constructing your own spindle is quite simple. Additionally, basic student spindles can be bought at craft stores for approximately $12. I even have an online info product breaking this down for you here
Handcrafted Spindles: If you have a bigger budget, consider high-quality handcrafted spindles made by skilled artisans. These spindles are often well-balanced, spin smoothly, and are made from unique and exquisite woods. I really like Synder Spindles on Etsy and their website
Historical Spindles: For those interested in historical reenactments, it's essential to research and find reliable sources to ensure the spindle design matches the specific time period you’re aiming to recreate. I have several videos on YouTube
Beginner's Guide to Spinning Wheels
Spinning wheels certainly have an impressive appearance! However, they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and price ranges, which can make choosing the right one quite overwhelming. It’s crucial to remember that spinning wheels are machines with moving parts.
Antique Spinning Wheels: Due to their mechanical nature, old wheels you find at a flea market might not be ideal for beginners. They often require a bit more expertise to operate smoothly and can be challenging for novices.
Vintage Spinning Wheels: While vintage models can also be somewhat unpredictable, they’re generally more beginner-friendly than antiques.
Modern Spinning Wheels: If you’re committed to spinning, you might consider investing in a new wheel. Personally, I’m a fan of SpinOlution Spinning Wheels.
Rented or Borrowed Spinning Wheels: For a budget-friendly option, check if there are wheels available for rent or borrow—perhaps from a local fiber supply shop or guild.Main Points For New Yarn Spinners
Different tools are good at different things. If you want to get started, a student or DIY drop spindle, a borrowed spinning wheel, or an economical Eel Wheel Nano might be your best choice.
Pollywog: a compact wheel to learn and grow with
The Pollywog was my first SpinOlution wheel and sparked my love of spinning. Its toe treadling, adjustable uptake and small footprint make it a practical starting point, with optional upgrades as your yarn interests change.
Compare Pollywog, King Bee and Bullfrog.
Buy with dealer support. Wheel purchases include personal setup guidance from authorized dealer Erin James, complimentary beginner spinning course enrollment and an emailed coupon for a free braid. Request 4- or 6-week layaway; production begins after the final payment. Confirm your setup, shipping and current delivery estimate with Erin.
This listing is the $495 wheel with a 4 oz flyer and three bobbins. A complete 12 oz wheel is available by request for $695; contact Erin for that configuration.
Current specifications
8.5 lb; height 20.75 in; orifice 19.25 in; width 15 in; depth 9 in. Standard 4 oz setup: six speeds, 2.5:1–14.5:1. The 12 oz setup has six speeds, 2.5:1–14:1.
Optional upgrades
Accelerator: $195; 18 speeds, 2.5:1–43.5:1
Orifice riser: $49; adds 3 inches; not recommended with accelerator
Ordering from Feral Scene
USA wheel orders under $1,800: $25 shipping. Qualifying orders over $1,800 ship free to the lower 48 states. Contact Erin for other destinations or orders totaling exactly $1,800. Confirm current production and delivery timing before ordering. Standard Feral Scene coupons do not apply to SpinOlution.
Photos may show optional engraving or accessories. Wood grain, patches and design details can vary. Dealer benefits and layaway · Ask Erin about your setup
2026 USD pricing and specifications checked against SpinOlution’s current product information, October 19, 2026.
Firefly: electric spinning with room to grow
Choose the Firefly when you want variable-speed spinning without treadling. Match the head to your yarn, from fine singles to large textured projects.
Optional base engraving $49. Add engraving · Compare Firefly vs Echo.
Buy with dealer support. Wheel purchases include personal setup guidance from authorized dealer Erin James, complimentary beginner spinning course enrollment and an emailed coupon for a free braid. Request 4- or 6-week layaway; production begins after the final payment. Confirm your setup, shipping and current delivery estimate with Erin.
Wheel with three bobbins: 4A $1,395; 8 oz $1,445; 16 oz $1,595; 32 oz $1,645; 64 oz $1,795. Base only, without flyer: $999.
Studio packages: 4A + 8 oz $2,269; 4A + 16 oz $2,319; 8 + 16 oz $2,379; 8 + 32 oz $2,439; 16 + 32 oz $2,569; 16 + 64 oz $2,599; 32 + 64 oz $2,639. Each includes two heads, six bobbins, lazy kate, skein winder, hook and tube orifices.
Included 12V battery, approximately 14 hours; DC 10W motor. Up to 3,200 RPM with the 4A head on wall power; battery top speed is lower. No fixed treadle ratios. Weight 13+ lb with empty 8 oz bobbin; height 12–24 in; width 22 in; depth 10 in; orifice height varies.
Ordering from Feral Scene
USA wheel orders under $1,800: $25 shipping. Qualifying orders over $1,800 ship free to the lower 48 states. Contact Erin for other destinations or orders totaling exactly $1,800. Confirm current production and delivery timing before ordering. Standard Feral Scene coupons do not apply to SpinOlution.
Photos may show optional engraving or accessories. Wood grain, patches and design details can vary. Dealer benefits and layaway · Ask Erin about your setup
2026 USD pricing and specifications checked against SpinOlution’s current product information, October 19, 2026.
Fibers for Beginners
After obtaining your spindle, wheel, or e-spinner, the next step is to select your fiber. Wool is the most commonly recommended choice for beginners, but you might also consider alpaca, acrylic, cotton, or flax.
Do indie dyed braids make your heart skip a beat, they’re so fluffy and full of possibilities…. Then this is the monthly subscription for you. Every month I’ll be designing a custom color way just for that month so it will be seasonally appropriate and on trend.
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.
Selecting a Wool Breed for Beginners
When exploring wool for spinning, you'll find that there are hundreds of sheep breeds, each with unique properties.
Merino Wool: Although popular, it may not be ideal for those new to spinning. It is very soft but can be somewhat more tricky to draft due to it’s dense fluffy nature
Medium Wool: Excellent choices are Bluefaced Leicester, Corriedale, and Cheviot, as they are easy to draft and relatively soft. The longer fibers can also be helpful not to have breakage.
Combed Top
This wool preparation involves thoroughly combing and aligning the fibers, making it extremely easy to draft and spin. Combed top offers consistent quality and is available in a variety of vibrant, exciting colors.
Spinning Accessories for Beginners
Not required but , the following accessories can make your spinning journey easier:
Niddy noddy: A tool for taking your yarn off your spindle or bobbin.
Lazy Kate: Holds your spindles or your bobbins while you ply your yarn.
Yarn swift and ball winder: Helps to hold a skein of yarn and put it in a ball.
Scale: Useful for weighing your yarn, especially for planning larger projects.
Diz : Looks like a button with large whole holes for making your own roving if you wish.
How to Start Spinning for Beginners
The path of spinning is intricate, dear friends. However, all you truly need to begin is a cost-effective drop spindle, spinning wheel, or e-spinner, and some fiber!
By using this guide, you’ll embark upon your spinning adventure with ease. Feel free to share your progress in the comments and tell me which tools and fibers you found most effective. Enjoy your spinning journey!
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