Purchase Advice for Spinning Wheels
People enjoy the most diverse hobbies. While some like to travel or play sports, others still prefer to read books or go to the movies in their free time.- But many people also fall back on hobbies from the past or their own childhood.
In the Victorian era, women earned their living by producing yarn with the spinning wheel. Today more people are discovering manual spinning as a hobby again - because there is something very calming and ... it reminds us of the fairy tales of our childhood.
So if you really intend to start spinning, and do not own a spinning wheel from the old days - you need a good and very comfortable spinning wheel.
This will revive your old hobby and give you pure satisfaction.
Which Spinning Wheel is the best for me?
Buying your first spinning wheel can be quite exhausting. You are faced with an array of choices, none of which is exactly cheap. Wheels come in different designs and styles which can be quite intimidating especially for new spinners. If you’re ready to make yarn, then you will need to find a wheel that is suited to your personal style and preference.
Here are some very helpful tips when buying your first spinning wheel
1. Go Out and try some Wheels
First, think about the type of yarn you like working with, then go out and try some wheels. Try as many wheels as you can; this will go a long way toward making the right choice.
For example, I bought two different bobbin led wheels from the same company, but in two styles. The two wheels don’t feel the same when I use them. In essence, the fact that you did not like a particular flyer led (double drive band or bobbin led) wheel, doesn’t necessarily mean you will dislike all of them.
This is why you need to try as many wheels as you can find.
Where to try out wheels
- Check out your local yarn shop. Most of these shops usually have house wheels. Furthermore, majority of the owners of these shops are spinners with their own personal wheel, they probably won’t mind if you ask them to let you try it.
- You can also ask about local spinning groups while at your LYS. Most towns have spinning groups that get together to spin monthly. You can visit those meetings and talk to the members about spinning in general.
- Visit yarn shows and fiber shows. You will definitely find spinners showing off their skills at such shows. Strike a conversation with one of them and you’ll definitely get enough information to make an informed decision about spinning wheels.
- Join a spinning class. A spinning class will give you access to different spinning wheels. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate, it could even be a two-day spinning class. You get to interact with other students and ask them questions which can be quite enlightening.
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2. Double treadle or single treadle?
This is the first and perhaps, the most important choice to consider when picking a spinning wheel. You decide whether you want to operate your wheel with both feet or if you prefer one foot.
If you don’t make the right decision at this point, you will end up with a wheel that does not feel comfortable. The trick here is to give both options a try. You don’t even have to be a spinner to do this, all you need to do is sit on the wheel and pedal while maintaining a steady pace for a couple of minutes until you get the best position.
You also can always find an electric spinner if you don’t want treadle.
3. Double drive or single drive?
Spinning wheels come in both double and single drive. This may not really be an issue if you’ve mastered the system, but you might want to go with the single drive if you’re a beginner because it is simpler to use.
Single drive spinning wheels come with a drive brand wrapped (once) around the flyer and wheel with a different spring and brand arrangement to help apply braking pressure to your bobbin. While the drive brand in double drive spinning wheels wraps (twice) around the flyer and wheel and applies both braking pressure and drive to the bobbin.
Which Spinning Wheel to buy - The Saxony Spinning Wheel
1-Comparison-Table-Saxony-Spinning-Wheels
| Spinning Wheel | Featured Image | Dimensions Weight | Drive Orifice | Drive Ratio | Features_included | Accessories | available here: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashford Traditional Price Range 600$-800$ |   | length=32″ height=33″ wheel d=22″ total 17,5 lbs. | optional: Single or Double Orifice:3/8″ | single: 7, 9, 12, 17:1 double: 7.5, 9.5, 13:1 (16:1 bobbin lead) | – 4 bobbins – lazy kate – threading hook | Double Treadle Kit Jumbo Flyer Unit Sliding Hook Jumbo Flyer Turbo Kit Quill Spindle | WOOLERY.COM |
| Kromski Interlude Price Range 500$-700$ | | length=n.a. height=n.a wheel d=21,5″ total 11 lbs. | Single Drive with Scotch Tension Orifice 3/8 in. (10mm) | 7:1 – 13.5:1 – 15.5:1 additional whorls: 5.5, 8.3, 11, 13.3, 17.5 & 20:1 | – Built-In Lazy Kate – 3 bobbins – threading hook – Spinning Wheel Oil – Single Treadle – Leather bearings | Bobbins Jumbo Bobbins Jumbo Flyer Lazy Kate | WOOLERY.COM |
| Schacht Flatiron Price Range 800$ |  | length=33″ height=33″ wheel d=22,5″ total 15 lbs. | Doubl Drive with Scotch Tension Orifice height: 26” | FLEX: 4.6:1 to 26:1 | – 3 bobbins – threading hook – medium and fast whorls – cotton and poly drive bands | Special features: Can be assembled with the flyer on the right or the flyer on the left. | WOOLERY.COM |
| Kromski Symphony Price Range 750$-900$ |   | length=33″ height=33″ wheel d=24″ total 15 lbs. | double drive also free Scotch tension for single drive use Orifice: 3/8″ | 8:1, 12:1, 16:1 and 20:1 | – Tensioned Kate – 3 Bobbins – Threading Hook – Wheel Oil – 2 Whorls – Leather bearings | Jumbo flyer Jumbo bobbin Lazy Kate Fast whorl Slow whorl | WOOLERY.COM |
| Kromski Polonaise Price Range 900$-1000$ |   | length=n.a. height=n.a wheel d=24″ total 16 lbs. | Double drive and Scotch Tension Orifice: height 25″ size 3/8″ | 8, 12, 16 and 20 to 1 | – vertical Lazy Kate – 3 Bobbins – Threading Hook – Wheel Oil – 2 Whorls – Leather bearings | Jumbo flyer Jumbo bobbin Lazy Kate Fast whorl Slow whorl | WOOLERY.COM |
| Ashford Elizabeth 2 Price Range 1200$-1300$ |   | length=35″. height=38″ wheel d=24″ total 20 lbs. | Double drive and Scotch Tension Orifice: height 26″ size 3/8″ | Double Drive Ratios: 8.5, 11, 15 to 1 opt. High Speed Kit 14, 17.5 And 22 To 1 | – Tensiond horiz. Lazy Kate – 4 Bobbins – Single Treadle – threading hook | High Speed Kit Jumbo Unit Quill Spindle Double Treadle Kit | WOOLERY.COM |
| Schacht Reeves Price Range 1400$-1900$ |  | length=37″. height=38″ wheel d=24″ total 20 lbs. | Double drive and Scotch Tension Orifice: height 25,5″ size 3/8″ | Look up Specs | – Lazy Kate – 3 Bobbins – Double Treadle – threading hook | WOOLERY.COM |
* Please check the accuracy of the specifications and prices on the manufacturer’s website. This list is not updated continuously, and we do not guarantee the correctness of all entries.
4. Purchase Advice for Spinning Wheels - Best Brands to buy?
The Ashford brand is widely trusted across the world. They have been in operation for over 80 years and have been providing quality spinning wheels for years. They provide quality products, are reliable, easy to use and easy to maintain. Furthermore, they always have readily available spares.
Single drive spinning wheels come with a drive brand wrapped (once) around the flyer and wheel with a different spring and brand arrangement to help apply braking pressure to your bobbin.
While the drive brand in double drive spinning wheels wraps (twice) around the flyer and wheel and applies both braking pressure and drive to the bobbin.
But also Louet from Holland, Schacht – USA , or Kromski – Poland (only to mention a few) manufactore impressive and reliable spinning wheels. [more manufactorers you will find here]
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5. Buying a pre-used Spinning Wheel
Many of us do not have the budget for a new wheel, and that is totally cool. So a good Purchase Advice for Spinning Wheels is going for a used wheel is actually a good idea because your first purchase might not turn out to be your lifetime favourite no matter how much research you put into it.
Before you buy a used wheel, make sure the brand you choose is one with readily available spare parts as well as extra bobbins. Otherwise, you might end up spending a lot more to get handmade spare bobbins. The Ashford brand ensures that you get all the parts and bobbins you need off the shelf.
Nevertheless, it is still advisable to follow the recommendations for purchasing new wheels. You can always track down previously owned wheels using the same sources, depending on your residence.
It would be best if you also were cautious when you’re buying from e-commerce sites. Using eBay as an example, you cannot really tell what a wheel is like from a mere photograph. You can always take the gamble, especially if the price is affordable, but this option is not the safest one.
This also applies to second-hand and antique shop bargains. Don’t buy a wheel without trying it out first or getting an experienced friend to check it out for you.
6. Buying a shiny new wheel
Supposed you are fortunate enough to afford a brand new spinning wheel. A spinning teacher will advise you to test as many wheels as you can. Visit your nearest vendor and sample some wheels before you make your final choice.
Here are three things to consider when shopping for a new spinning wheel:
- Are you suffering from any physical challenges that could require special attention? Even your height could affect the type of wheel you choose; you have to decide whether you want the orifice/flyer of your wheel to be lower or higher.
- Do you want a portable wheel? This question is very important as you might need it to travel for shows and workshops.
- What position should your flyer be, do you want it on the right or left of the wheel? Or would you prefer an upright one?
One other thing you need to consider is the size of the orifice. This also affects the kind of yarn you spin on the machine. It would be best if you have a large opening for ArtYarns and thick yarns. Furthermore, there are wheels that come with additional plastic to reduce their feedhole, most notably when you’re using fine yarns.
This next tip is for list lovers. First, make a list detailing all the criteria that you like (like price, double thread, modern design, bobbin brake, etc.). Then go to the manufacturer’s page and look for the wheels that meet your criteria. Add them to your list, then allocate points to each of them according to category (e.g., points for design, points for price, points for brake, etc.). Finally, add up all the points to see the wheel that aligns the most with your category.
Also, consider the types of accessories available. Some spinning wheels offer more accessories than others. These accessories could include things like, larger bobbins, fast spinning whorls, attachable reels, etc.), these accessories can add a lot to your spinning wheel. So you can make this a criterion when buying your wheel.
Which Spinning Wheel to buy - The Castle Spinning Wheel
2-Comparison-Table-Castle-Spinning-Wheels
| Spinning Wheel | Featured Image | Dimensions Weight | Drive Orifice | Drive Ratio | Features_included | Accessories | available here: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashford Kiwi 3 Spinning Wheel Price Range 500$-600$ |  | wheel d=17.5″ total 12 lbs. | single Orifice:3/8″ | 5.5, 7.5 and 9.5:1 | – 3 sliding hook flyer bobbins single drive – wooden threading hook – built-in lazy kate – learn to spin booklet | Padded Carry Bag High Speed Adapter Kit Super Flyer Skeinwinder | WOOLERY.com |
| Ashford Joy 2 Price Range ~800$ |  | length=16,5″ height=25,5″ wheel d=16″ total 11 lbs. | Single Drive Orifice 3/8 in. (10mm) | 6, 8, 11, 14:1 | – Built-in Lazy Kate – 3 x 90mm Bobbins – Threading Hook – Learn to Spin booklet – Carry Bag | – Bobbins – Fylyer – Single or Double treadle kit | WOOLERY.COM |
| Ashford Traveller Price Range 700$-800$ |  | length=17″ height=33,5″ wheel d=18″ total 15 lbs. | Single or Double Drive available Orifice 3/8″ Orifice height: 31” | 6, 8, 10.5:1 (13:1 bobbin lead) | – 4 bobbins – threading hook – built in Lazy Kate – Learn to spin booklet | Jumbo Flyer Unit Sliding Hook Flyer Jumbo Sliding Hook Flyer Extra Bobbins Quill Spindle | WOOLERY.COM |
| Kromski Fantasia Price Range 500$-600$ |  | wheel d=18 inch total 12,5 lbs. | Single Drive with Scotch Tension Orifice: 3/8″ | Standard Whorl Ratios: 5 and 8:1 Additional whorls : 10 and 14:1 and 18 and 20:1 | – On board Lazy Kate (2 bobbin capacity) – Threading Hook – Wheel Oil – Elastic Drive Band – Durable brass bearings on treadles | Jumbo Flyer Stand Alone Lazy Kate Bobbins | WOOLERY.COM |
| Kromski Ministrel Price Range 900$-1000$ |  | length=n.a. height=n.a wheel d=18 inches total 13 lbs. | Single Drive with Scotch Tension or Double Drive Orifice Height 33″ Orifice : 3/8″ | Standard Whorl Ratios: 6.5, 8.5, 12 and 16:1 Additional jumbo whorl with 4.5:1 ratio available | -Threading Hook 3 bobbins (120g/4.2oz capacity) Spinning Wheel Oil Threading Hook Bearings on wheel crank and bobbins Leather bearings on flyer | Travel Bag Distaff Bobbins Jumbo Bobbins Jumbo Flyer Lazy Kate | WOOLERY.COM |
| Schacht Ladybug Price Range ~740$ |  | length=18″. height=29″ wheel d=16″ total 12.5 lbs. | Double drive Orifice: size 3/8″ | Ratios: 7:1, 9:1, 10.5:1, & 12.5:1 | Poly Drive Band Threading Hook 3 Travel Bobbins Medium and Fast Whorls Double Drive Band | Tensioned Attached Lazy Kate Slow Speed Whorl High Speed Whorl Extra Bobbins Carry Bag | WOOLERY.COM |
| Schacht Matchless Price Range ~1300$ |  | length=19,5″. height=32.75″ wheel d=19,5″ total 17 lbs. | Double drive and Scotch Tension Orifice: height 28″ diameter 0.375” 3/8″ | Ratios: 9:1, 11:1, 13:1, & 15.5:1 | Maple Whorls Drive Band 4 Maple Bobbins 1 Maple Collapsible Lazy Kate 1 Threading Hook 1 Carrying Strap | slow speed whorl (6:1 & 7.5:1) hi-speed whorl and bobbin (17.5:1 & 19.5:1) super high speed whorl (18.5:1 & 22:1) extra regular and high speed bobbins wheel cart | WOOLERY.COM |
* Please check the accuracy of the specifications and prices on the manufacturer’s website. This list is not updated continuously, and we do not guarantee the correctness of all entries.
7. Recommended spinning wheels for beginners
Here is a list of 4 wheels you can get if you’re a first time spinner or maybe you just want to get a wheel for a first-time hand-spinner. These beginner wheels are easy to use, high quality, durable and are products of trusted manufacturers. As far as we’re concerned, you cannot go wrong with either of these wheels.
- Ashford Kiwi Spinning Wheel
- Ashford Traveller Spinning Wheel
- Kromski Prelude Spinning Wheel
- Schacht Ladybug Double Treadle Spinning wheel
The factors we put into consideration when compiling this list includes: quality of construction, ease of use, price and brand reputation. These factors are very important when shopping for hand-spinners for beginners.
These spinning wheels are in stock and can also be gotten from Woolery.com.
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8. Consider wheels that you find visually appealing.
Compare the different functions, find out what you want in a spinning wheel and what suits you. These are essential factors that should inform your actions.
Make sure you talk to people with more experience, you can also check out online forums like (Ravelry and Facebook) to find out more about your favorite wheels.
Now, you can relax and start creating your unique yarn. Learn how to maintain the wheel, keep it oiled and make sure it runs smoothly. You can also join the local spinners club in your area or even set up an improvers lesson, anything to help you improve and enjoy your spinning!
Purchase Advice for Spinning Wheels -Electric Spinning Wheel
3 Comparison Table Electric Spinning-Wheels
| Spinning Wheel | Featured Image | Dimensions Weight | Power Orifice | Speed | Features_included | Accessories | available here: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashford e-spinner 3 Price Range 700$-800$ |   | Size: 10.25″ x 5.5″ x 8.5″ total 4,4 lbs. | powerful 12 volt DC 2.0 amp 70 watt Engine Orifice:5/8″ | variable flyer speed of 0-1800 rpm | 15mm (5/8in) orifice and reducer bush. 3 @ Jumbo Bobbins – 8 oz. Tensioned Lazy Kate Foot Controller Bottle of Oil | e-Spinner Deluxe Power Pack | AMAZON |
| Ashford e-Spinner Super Jumbo Price Range ~800$- 900$ |   | 15.5″ x 9.75″ x 12.75″ total 8 lbs. | 12 volt DC 2.0 amp 70 watt Engine Orifice: 1.125″ (27mm) | variable flyer speed of 0-500rpm | 2 Reducing Bushings 0.625″ (15mm) 0.375″ (9mm) 1 – Super Jumbo Bobbin – 3.3lb Foot Controller Bottle of Oil | Ashford Lazy Kate Super Jumbo e-Spinner Deluxe Power Pack | AMAZON |
| Roberta Combo Electronic Hand Spinner Price Range ~1000$ |  | 8.5″ X 10.5″ X 11″ total 12 lbs. | 120 Volts Orifice 5/8″ | variable flyer speed of 0-1200rpm | 2 – Standard Bobbins 1 – Jumbo Bobbin (1.0lb / 500g) A Flyer with Single Sliding Hook That Accommodates All Bobbins Built-In 2-Bobbin Lazy Kate. | Ply 6 times faster than a treadle wheel, without any effort. Also available as a dual-power model. | WOOLERY.COM |
| Cherry miniSpinner Pro – Hansen Crafts Price Range ~1500 $ |  | 10″L x 6.25″W x 8″H total 4,3 lbs. | With a 40 watt brushless DC (BLDC) motor new, custom, constant-speed controller, whisper quiet. Orifice: 5/8″ | speed is 2,000 RPM with the standard (jumbo) flyer, and 3,000 RPM with the lace flyer. | miniSpinner Pro, complete with flyer and one bobbin Additional 2 jumbo bobbins or 3 lace bobbins Orifice reducer set AC power supply Remote/foot switch 12 volt automobile adapter Orifice threader | Available with either the standard (jumbo) or lace flyer, and is compatible with all the original mS accessories | Hansen Crafts (USA) |
| Electric Eel Wheel – nano Price Range ~110$ |  | n.a n.a. | Orifice : 1/2″ reduced 1/4″ | EEW Nano 6 Bobbins Wall power supply USB power cord Orifice Reducer Orifice hook A spin card to help measure your yarn | Dreaming Robots |
* Please check the accuracy of the specifications and prices on the manufacturer’s website. This list is not updated continuously, and we do not guarantee the correctness of all entries.
Different Manufacturer’s Websites
Thank you for joining this comprehensive Purchase Advice for Spinning Wheels – Happy spinning!
Did you already buy a Spinning Wheel? What are your experiences? We are very much interested in reading from you – leave us a comment.
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