How to Make a Drop Spindle

Drop spindles are easy to use to spin fiber into yarn. They are a great way to begin learning how to spin, are transportable and simple to make. A drop spindle can be made out of almost any material and decorated so that each one is unique and shows off personal style. You can paint drop spindles or decoupage them to add a unique twist. All you need is a length of dowel rod and wooden wheel to get started.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Dowel rod
• Saw
• Sandpaper
• Wooden truck wheel or two CDs
• Small cup screw
• Heavy duty glue

1. Cut your dowel rod with the saw. The length of the dowel rod can be different but is usually between nine and 12 inches.
2. Sand down the dowel. The uncut end of the dowel needs to remain flat for the cup screw but the cut end can be sanded down. Lightly sand the entire dowel rod to ensure the fiber won't catch on the wood onto which it's being spun.
3. Slide the wooden wheel onto the dowel. You can also use two CDs in place of the wheel. For a bottom whirl drop spindle place the wheel an inch and a half from the bottom of the dowel. For a top whirl spindle, place the wheel two or three inches from the top of the dowel. When buying the dowel, check to make sure that it is big enough to fit securely on the wheel or CD.
4. Screw the cup hook into the tip of the dowel. Make sure that the hook is placed at the center of the dowel rod so that the spindle has good balance.
5. Secure both the cup hook and the wheel with the glue. Make sure none of the glue leaks beyond the edges of either.
6. Decorate the drop spindle however desired.

Tips & Warnings

• If the cup hook is difficult to screw into the dowel rod, try drilling a small hole where the hook is wanted and then begin screwing it in.