A spindle works by adding twist to fibers as it spins, transforming them into yarn.
When used for hand spinning, a spindle is a simple, yet effective, tool for creating yarn from fiber. Its function is centered around rotation, which is crucial for binding fibers together.
The Core Mechanism: Adding Twist
The fundamental principle is adding twist to the prepared fiber supply. This twist is imparted directly by the spinning motion of the spindle itself.
According to the reference "Learn how to make drop spindle: 5 Drop Spindles You Can Make At Home", the initial motion is generated by the spinner: "The spindle is spun by twisting it between the spinner's fingers like a toy top." This action gets the spindle rotating rapidly on its axis.
Simultaneously, the spinner controls the flow of fiber down towards the spinning spindle. As the fiber reaches the area of rotation, the spindle's spin causes the fibers to twist around each other. The reference states, "The spinning spindle then adds a twist to the yarn and fiber as the spinner feeds fiber down to the spindle."
This continuous process of spinning the spindle and feeding fiber allows a length of yarn to be drafted and twisted.
Steps in Hand Spinning with a Spindle
The process described involves a few key actions:
- Initiate Spin: The spinner manually spins the spindle using their fingers.
- Draft Fiber: A small amount of fiber is gently pulled and attenuated (drafted) from the main fiber supply.
- Feed Fiber: This drafted fiber is guided down towards the spinning spindle.
- Apply Twist: The rotation of the spindle travels up the fiber, inserting twist into the drafted section, which transforms it into yarn.
- Wind On: Once a sufficient length of yarn has been created and twisted, the spinner stops adding new fiber, allows any excess twist to travel up into the finished section, and then winds the newly spun yarn onto the shaft of the spindle, typically below the whorl (a weight on the spindle).
- Repeat: The spinner repeats the process, drafting more fiber and allowing the spinning spindle to add twist, building up the yarn on the spindle.
This hand-powered method, commonly associated with tools like the drop spindle, relies entirely on the spinner's technique to keep the spindle spinning and control the fiber flow to create consistent yarn.
Why Twist Matters
The twist added by the spindle is what gives yarn its strength and cohesion. Without twist, individual fibers would simply fall apart. The amount and direction of twist influence the yarn's properties, affecting its feel, durability, and how it behaves when knitted or woven.
