sitemap Preparing to Handspin Yarn on the Spinning Wheel

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1 - Tying a leader on the bobbin


2 - Pre-drafting the fiber


Preparing to Handspin Yarn on the Spinning Wheel

treadling wheelGetting Started
Handspinning on a spinning wheel involves drafting the fiber with your hands and treadling the wheel with your feet. This can be a real challenge for a new handspinner. The activity feels very unnatural at first, because our feet and hands are not accustomed to working together in this way. So be very patient and give yourself a lot of practice and time to learn.

If this is your first time at the spinning wheel, practice treadling the wheel for a few minutes before getting started. Sit comfortably in your chair, turn the wheel in the clockwise direction, and begin treadling. You can also practice starting and stopping the wheel with your feet, instead of using your hands. (This will be easier to do with a double treadle wheel).


tie leader on bobbinPreparing the Wheel For Spinning
If you are using a new bobbin on your spinning wheel, you first need to tie a leader. The leader thread or yarn should be at least 2 feet long. Tie one end of the leader to the center of the bobbin's core, and thread the rest of the leader through all of the hooks on one side of the flyer towards the orifice. Stick the end of the leader through the orifice. I like to tie a loop on the end of my leader so that I can begin spinning by sticking my fiber into the loop. Start treadling the wheel. If the leader and yarn is not wrapping onto the bobbin, you need to tighten the tension of your wheel.



predrafting fiberPredrafting the Fiber
