Drop Spindles

A drop spindle is a lightweight handheld device that allows you to spin yarn from fibre. A drop spindle is a great portable option to continue to spin no matter where you are. Drop spindles are available in a variety of lengths, weights, and styles. You would typically choose one that matches the needs of the fibre that you will be spinning.

The general rule is when you are spinning lightweight fibres use a lighter spindle and use a heavier spindle when spinning heavier fibres.

Top Whorl Drop Spindle versus Bottom Whorl Drop Spindle

If you are still trying to figure out what kind of drop spindle you need, here are the differences between top whorl and bottom whorl drop spindles: 

• Top whorl drop spindles are more lightweight and typically spin faster than bottom whorl drop spindles. However, the latter has proven to be better for plying yarns.
• Top whorl drop spindles are ideal for super fine, lace weight yarns. Bottom whorl spindles, on the other hand, ​​are best suited for dealing with heavier fibres and spinning thicker yarns.
• Top whorl drop spindles are easier to load with fibre since these do not require wrapping in order to keep the finished yarn on the spindle. With bottom whorl drop spindles, the yarn is stored above the whorl and it requires a bit of wrapping if you want to keep the yarn on the spindle.

Drop Spindle Spinning for Beginners

Drop spindle spinning is ideal for absolute beginners to the craft. It is a perfect introduction to spinning, before moving on to spinning wheels.

A spindle is built of two main parts:

1. Shaft - a long, straight stick.
2. Whorl - a cylinder in which the shaft goes through.

Most modern spindles have an added feature, which is a hook at one end of the shaft. This gives the spinner an easy way of making sure the finished yarn does not easily fall off the spindle. Older spindles usually feature a simple notch on one end instead of a hook, which may not be ideal for beginner spinners.

Buy Drop Spindle Online at Thread Collective Australia

If you are looking for drop spindles for sale in Australia, you have found the right place. Thread Collective offers a variety of top whorl and bottom whorl drop spindles from top brands like Ashford and Louet.