On Weaving: What is a Spindle?

You can think of numerous things about a spindle. A spindle plays an important role in human biology. Vital tissues and connectors in the human body are called spindles. In the textile industry, spindles are one of the most important tools for weaving. They are used to make looms and yarns.

Spindles are small spinning tools that bind wool fibers together. These wool fibers are called roving. Originally, rovings are soft and thin hairs of wool. They undergo the initial weaving process. They are carded and dyed. During carding, they are combed and arranged. Artisans use carders to comb roving fibers. Carders make rovings flow in the same direction, and rovings are processed and combed in piles.

Rovings are made up of hair-like threads. Hence, they easily break. Weavers use spindle to strengthen rovings. There are two parts to a spindle – the bottom base and the spinning stick. The bottom base serves as a supporting structure. It holds spun thread and yarn. It separates the bottom part of the spinning stick from its pointed end. The spinning stick is the spindle body. It is the part that you hold while using the spindle.

Spinning thread on a spindle seems like a daunting task. Nevertheless, expert weavers find it easy to make clothes and rugs through spindling. Weavers use large spindles like Cascade spindles to make woven mats. Moreover, they make scarves, socks, gloves, and warmers. Small spindles are used to weave small pieces of clothes. On the other hand, large spindles make wide mats, rugs, and carpets.

How do you use a spindle? First, tie a leader cord on the bottom base. A leader cord is a spun yarn. It serves as your guide for the roving. Twirl it on the spinning stick. Connect one end of the roving to the leader cord. Then spin the spindle in a clockwise motion. Large spindles, such as a Cascade spindle, require thicker and longer leader cord.

Continue spinning until you create a yarn cord. Wrap spun roving on the spinning stick. Spun roving such as Cascade yarn is collected on the spinning stick. If you want to create a pattern, spin the spindle in the opposite direction. Firmly hold the spindle as you spin it in a counterclockwise motion.