7 Types Of Spinning Wheels And Their Uses [Beginners Guide]
I am a little ashamed to admit that the first time I heard about the Spinning Wheel I thought about a Disney movie named "Sleeping Beauty”!
Well, can you blame me?
In today’s time, this machine is almost non-existent due to the whole process being completely automated!
There are still exceptions, of course. The craftspeople who are in love with handspun yarns have kept this tradition still alive.
Not to mention, spinning is also considered a very relaxing pastime as the art of turning fiber into yarns helps relieve stress big time!
So, any time you need to unwind yourself from the daily struggle of your life, all you have to do is to grab a spindle, sit down at a good wheel and start practicing spinning!
Wait for a second!
There are lots of variations to choose from as the market is swarmed with different types of machines. If you want to learn all about the types of spinning wheels and their uses, stay with us till the end of this article!
Spinning Wheel Types And Their Uses
1. Charka Wheel
We are starting off our list with a machine that has some historical value in it!
Gandhi brought this infamous “Charka” in India in the hopes of helping the people of his country to achieve independence and self-sufficiency. Needless to say, it worked out pretty great!
This machine doesn’t require a bobbin or flyer to operate. While working on this device, you have to rotate the round disk with one hand and draft the fiber with the other to produce yarn smoothly.
Example
Box-style and Table-top Charkas.
Application
Chakra is basically used for making comfortable fabrics. It can also be used to make traditional fabrics like khaddar, cotton, silk, angora, cashmere etc.
2. Electric Spinner Wheel
It’s not fair to call this type a “Spinning Wheel”, as it DOESN’T have wheels!
Surprisingly, it’s true!
However, it does feature a flyer, which helps yarn to wind onto the bobbins evenly. Compact in size, these spinners are perfect for setting them up on a table even in a small space!
The best part is probably the fact that you get to enjoy all the benefits of a traditional machine without having to worry about adjusting its speed ratio at all as it does that automatically.
Example
Ashford Electric Spinner, Roberta etc.
Application
This appliance is suitable for people who don’t want to treadle, especially for the ones who can't move much due to physical limitations.
3. Saxony Wheel
This variation is probably the one that’s most commonly found in fairy tales and is also known as the “Cinderella Wheel” for that reason!
The components of the device are arranged horizontally with the flyer at one end and the large hoop on the other. It also features a sloping frame and normally has 3 legs to support itself on the ground.
Example
Ashford Traditional, Elizabeth 2, Polonaise, Schacht-Reeves etc.
Application
This machine is typically used for producing fine- to medium-weight thread or yarns from the fiber. It’s also pretty easy to operate and therefore, a great choice for beginners.
4. Norwegian Spinning Wheel
It’s actually quite similar to the machine that we described previously. The only difference is that it has 4 legs to support its bench-like frame instead of 3.
The table that holds up the machine comes with a horizontal build-up. It’s placed right beside the flyer and is sometimes paired with a smaller upper table for your convenience.
Example
Kromski Spinning Wheel.
Application
This device can do almost everything that the Saxony machine does. It’s used to produce linen, fine wool and other sorts of popular fibers in both small and large quantities.
5. Castle Wheel
The key characteristic that sets the Castle machine apart is its vertical-shaped design. The purpose behind this cleverly-built architecture is that it takes the least floor space compared to the other devices mentioned in this article!
This machine also comes with different speed ratios for you to choose from and you can control how many twists you want to put into the yarn as per your preference.
Example
Ashford Traveller, Majacraft wheel.
Application
This is probably the only machine out there which lets you get away with almost ALL sorts of experimental materials like paper, silk or even fabric scraps and produces a great result in the end!
6. Modern Wheel
Time changes everything and even these machines aren’t an exception to that!
To increase productivity and boost their performance, some devices are built with modern technology to upgrade its appearance and efficiency.
These devices are considered a hybrid version that combines the traditional and modern systems in a way that works best for the user's interest.
Example
Kromski Sonata, Ladybug, Flatiron, Ashford Joy etc.
Application
With advanced engineering system, these modern spinning devices are usually more user-friendly, compact and some even come with portable facilities for your convenience. You can produce different types of threads or yarns from fabric with the help of this machine.
7. Great/Walking Wheel
This device is actually a variation of the spindle wheel, where the spindle is one of the most important components of the machine.
The walking spinners don't have a treadle or flyer and are basically one of the earliest inventions in the world of wheels! So, if you love antique things that have historical value, this might be the one for you.
Example
Antique Scottish Great Wheel.
Application
This machine is used for transforming all sorts of fine fibers (Cotton and Silk) into fine threads or yarn.
Conclusion
“Chakras” or any other variation of spinning wheels help calm down even the most roaring or exhausted soul instantly! It’s oddly satisfying and brings a sense of accomplishment.
Don’t believe us?
Try practicing spinning from today to find out!
Since we covered the majority of the spinning wheel types and their uses in this article, hopefully, you get to pick your favorite one that suits your style the most!