How to Spin Cotton on a Tahkli
The tahkli spindle is one of the oldest tools used for spinning cotton. The tahkli is a bottom whorl spindle as opposed to a drop spindle. A bottom whorl spindle works by weight support and rests on a surface, such as a table or in your lap, instead of being suspended in the air. The spindle has a metal shaft that bends at the top and a bottom whorl. The tahkli spindle is generally used to spin fine fibers and will spin cotton into yarn efficiently.
Instructions
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1
Position the tahkli upright in your lap or a flat surface. Separate the fibers of the cotton roving lengthwise and crosswise into narrow strips about 1 inch wide.
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2
Roll the roving into balls.
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3
Wrap the cotton yarn onto the tahkli above the bottom whorl, spiraling it up to the spindle tip. Leave about 5 inches to 6 inches above the tip of the spindle. This is your "leader."
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4
Tease a couple of fibers from one of the loose cotton balls. Hold the fibers against the leader.
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5
Put the point of the tahkli in a spoon or bowl. With your other hand, spin the spindle tip clockwise.
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6
Draft the yarn by holding the fiber, allowing it to twist up. Pull the fiber up and away from the spindle.
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Keep spinning the tahkli spindle as you draft until you have an arm's length of spun yarn.
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8
Bring the tahkli to a stop and wind the cotton onto the shaft clockwise. Start at the bottom whorl. Repeat these steps to make more yarn.
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References
Resources
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