Drop Spindles

A drop spindle is an easy entry point into handspinning, letting you test fiber and technique without the investment of a wheel. Picking the right style and learning good habits early makes the craft far more enjoyable.

Top Whorl vs. Bottom Whorl vs. Turkish

Top whorl spindles, like the Ashford Top Whorl Spindle or Louet Beginner Top Whorl Drop Spindle, tend to spin fast and are popular for fine yarn. Bottom whorl spindles, such as the Louet Bottom Whorl Drop Spindle, offer a steadier spin that some beginners find easier to control. Turkish spindles, including the Snyder Spindles Standard and Mini Turkish Spindles, let you wind a center-pull ball right on the spindle arms.

Getting Started

• Choose a spindle weight suited to the fiber you want to spin; lighter spindles suit fine fiber, heavier ones suit bulky.
• Practice drafting fiber evenly before adding twist for a more consistent yarn.
• A kit, like the Louet Beginner Top Whorl Drop Spindle, pairs well with a small amount of fiber for your first project.

From Spindle to Project

Once you've spun enough yarn, put it to use with a pattern from our knitting patterns or crochet patterns collections, or browse free knitting patterns for a simple first project using handspun yarn.