Spindle (textiles)

Spindle (Textiles)

A spindle is a straight spike usually made from wood used for spinning, twisting fibers such as wool, flax, hemp, cotton into yarn. It is often weighted at either the bottom, middle, or top, commonly by a whorl, to assist in the spinning motion and maintain the speed of spin.

History

The spindle is an ancient tool that is so ubiquitous and fundamental that it has been taken as a symbol of industry in iconography. The spindle and the distaff are considered one of the earliest and most universal tools used to create thread from raw fiber. The use of the spindle in history spans across cultures and continents, from the Neolithic era to the Industrial Revolution.

Types of Spindles

There are several types of spindles, including the drop spindle, supported spindle, and the Turkish spindle. The drop spindle is the simplest type of spindle, consisting of a shaft and a weight. The supported spindle is similar to the drop spindle but is typically used for spinning shorter fibers. The Turkish spindle is a type of drop spindle that has a cross at the bottom to wind the yarn around.

Spinning Process

The process of spinning yarn on a spindle involves drafting out the fibers to be spun, then twisting them together to form a continuous strand. This is done by spinning the spindle while pulling out the fibers with the other hand. The spun yarn is then wound onto the spindle.

Modern Usage

Today, spindles are still used by hand spinners around the world. They are also used in the production of hand-made textiles, such as handwoven rugs and tapestries. In addition, they are used in historical reenactments and by hobbyists who enjoy the process of spinning their own yarn.

See Also

• Spinning wheel
• Spinning (textiles)
• Textile manufacturing
• History of textiles