Traditional                    Traveller                   Elisabeth                            Joy

        Kiwi               Country Spinner                           Electric Spinner

Kromski Spinning Wheels 

    Mazurka                 Minstrel           Sonata                     Prelude

          Polonaise                Symphony                        Sonata         

Schacht Spinning Wheels

  Single Treadle          Double Treadle

Schacht-Reeves Spinning Wheels

     Ash 24"                       Cherry 30"

Louet

     S 10 ST               S 10 DT               S 15 ST                 S17 ST             

      S45 DT              S51 ST                S51 DT                   S75 DT

Baynes Spinning Wheels

Unfinished ST           Dark ST             Clear DT                  Dark DT

Indian Charkha

                   Indian Charkha

Selecting a Spinning Wheel

So you are ready to plunge into the wonderful world of spinning wool. You may have tried your friends spinning wheels before, used a drop spindle or are a "brand new" spinner ready to jump in. Well, you are in for a treat! Today's spinning wheels offer a wide variety of choices and convenience. You can choose from different types and styles of spinning wheels, so you will be able to find one that is right for YOU. Whether you will be hand spinning wool just for the fun of it, to spin the perfect yarns for your projects, or just simply for the joy of knowing that you are carrying on a longstanding tradition, spinning offers a relaxing way of connecting with the past while at the same time allowing for a unlimited creative outlet. Welcome to the wonderful world of hand spinning.

When selecting a spinning wheel remember that the wheel has to suit YOUR needs, not anybody else's. The wheel that your friend cherishes may or may not be right for you. Consider the following before purchasing a spinning wheel:

Portability:

Do you want to take the wheel along to classes, spin-ins etc. If so, portability might be the key and the most important point for you. Is space a consideration as well? Where will the wheel be stored when not in use? Does it have to fit in a closet or do you have enough space so that it can grace your living room or den?

Comfort and Availability: 

Does the spinning wheel you are about to purchase feel comfortable to YOU when you spin on it? Does it treadle quietly? Is changing bobbins easy? Will you be able to "upgrade" your wheel in the future? For example can you purchase a fast flyer or whorl for high speed spinning for your wheel? Will there be replacement parts available should you need them?

Esthetics:  

No, you are not vain wanting a wheel that is absolutely beautiful to you...you will be the spinner and if looks bother you from the start, chances are that you might not use your wheel as often as you had planned. Spinning on your wheel should not only be a manual process, but also a visual joy.

Single Treadle Versus Double Treadle

A lot has been said and written about this topic. A double treadle wheel will be a definite plus if you plan to spin for long periods of time. The double treadles demand that you sit upright in front of the wheel, (no slouching allowed!), thus giving you better posture and saving your back. A double treadle wheel also will help a beginning spinner to "get the wheel going", something that may help overcome the first sometimes frustrating steps in spinning. So then, are double treadle spinning wheels better? By all means no! If you have learned on a single treadle spinning wheels and are comfortable with it, by all means stick to it. Personal preference is the key here and what should matter most to you!

 

Spinning Wheel Styles

Castle Style Spinning Wheels

also called Upright Spinning Wheels or sometimes Frame Spinning Wheel, are compact wheels that need little room and are easy to store when not in use. This makes them also somewhat portable and a good choice for classes, lessons and such. Modern styled upright spinning wheels also offer folding versions for even more portability. Most of these wheels have lower ratios due to the smaller diameter of the drive wheel. An example for a castle style spinning wheel is the Kromski Minstrel, Fricke S-160, or any Louet or Baynes spinning wheel.

Saxony Style Spinning Wheels

This the spinning wheel most of us imagine as a stereotype of a spinning wheel. This style most likely originated in the province of Saxony in Germany. Its gently sloped bed is characteristic for this type of spinning wheel. It is a very common style of wheel that is not only decorative, but also will offer more momentum that the upright or castle style spinning wheels, due to the larger drive wheel. An example for a Saxony Style spinning wheel is the Kromski Symphony

Canadian Production Spinning Wheels

are a similar in such a way that they too offer a sloped bed, the drive wheel diameter on these fast wheels is even larger, often 18 or more inches for fast and smooth operation.

  Norwegian Style Spinning Wheels

offers a double bed that is perfectly horizontal. Many models have the ability to align the drive wheel both horizontally and vertically, thus allowing for great precision. High ratios similar to the Canadian Production spinning wheels are also typical for these wheels. An example for a Norwegian style spinning wheel is the Kromski Polonaise.

  Charka  

Highly portable spinning device with extreme high ratios is most suitable for spinning cottons and other fine exotic fibers. Ratios of 100:1 are not uncommon. Most Charkas are produced in India, their country of origin, but finely crafted American made Charkas are available today as well. Cotton fibers for charka spinning are available either in sliver or punis.

  Modern Style Spinning Wheels

What is that? Well I am thinking of highly engineered spinning wheels such as Louet or Fricke spinning wheels, that may not have the “traditional” spinning wheel look to them. Nevertheless, these wheels are finely tuned machines that are also excellent spinners. Most are compact, some fold for easy storage. Spinning at it's best.