Spinning Wheels
When we look at spinning wheels there are a myriad of choices out there and it's overwhelming for a beginner. If you are in the Northwest we invite you here any time to test wheels, or set up a 'Wine and Wheel Tasting' for even more fun. But if you are unable to travel to us here's a quick guide to help you discern what wheel might be right for you.
What kind of yarn do you spin? Do you love lace, have a desire to spin art yarn?
If you're a lace/production spinner, I suggest looking at a Kromski Minstrel, or Kromski Symphony, a Majacraft Rose is also a very solid choice. If Art Yarn makes your heart sing, a Majacraft Aura, or Kromski Minstrel with a Great Flyer might be the answer. For both, a Majacraft Rose with a Wild Flyer will serve very well.
Do you want to travel? If so how much?
If you wish to travel at all, I recommend an upright wheel like a Majacraft Suzie, Rose, or Aura. A Kromski Minstrel also works. If you plan to travel a lot, a Kromski Sonata or Majacraft Little Gem is your best friend.
Are you a beginning spinner?
If you're a beginner spinner look for low ratios, additionally look for an easy to remove and thread bobbin. The Kromski Fantasia is a low priced option. The Majacraft Suzie is a great beginner wheel you won't outgrow.
Single or Double Treadle?
Single treadle is 'traditional' but most people find a double treadle wheel easier to to learn on. A well balanced double treadle wheel can be used with a single foot. If you are doing reenactments, a single treadle like a Kromski Polonaise or Kromski Prelude may be a better choice though.
Scotch, Irish, or Double Drive?
Many wheels - most of the Kromskis for example are able to be used either with Scotch or Double Drive. There are pro's and cons to both systems. Scotch tension needs more 'fiddling' for lace weight but can be adjust to have almost no draw in. Double Drive is excellent for lace and fine spinning. It can allow miniscule adjustments. Bobbin replacement can be harder on a traditional DD wheel. Irish tension has more draw in than either other method. I don't utilize wheels with it often, others love it.
New or Used?
I suggest new. Wheels do break in to their users to a degree. While some wheels are great used, definitely test drive it first, if possible more than once. I do not suggest antiques or unmarked wheels ever unless you're looking for a decorative piece. Especially for a beginner. A wise person once told me if an antique is in great condition, oftentimes it's because it didn't work well ever. This is exceptionally true of spinning wheels, the world is littered with 'Spinning Wheel Shaped Objects'.
Other considerations:
Price - Obviously wheels vary drastically in price. It's rarely possible to buy 'too much wheel' but often possible to buy 'too little' however commercially produced wheels from well known manufacturers hold their value well. A wheel is an investment in your hobby that will hopefully last years! Reasons a wheel may be more, can be company size, versatility of the wheel one wheel that can do art yarn and lace yarn may be more expensive than one which is a 'one trick pony' wheel wood, and parts also play a part in overall cost. Manufacturing wheels is a very hands on business. While machines may be used to mass produce parts, each wheel has to be tested. Buying from a quality company with easily accessible bobbins, and parts makes it easier to do repairs for the life of your wheel.
What kind of yarn do you spin? Do you love lace, have a desire to spin art yarn?
If you're a lace/production spinner, I suggest looking at a Kromski Minstrel, or Kromski Symphony, a Majacraft Rose is also a very solid choice. If Art Yarn makes your heart sing, a Majacraft Aura, or Kromski Minstrel with a Great Flyer might be the answer. For both, a Majacraft Rose with a Wild Flyer will serve very well.
Do you want to travel? If so how much?
If you wish to travel at all, I recommend an upright wheel like a Majacraft Suzie, Rose, or Aura. A Kromski Minstrel also works. If you plan to travel a lot, a Kromski Sonata or Majacraft Little Gem is your best friend.
Are you a beginning spinner?
If you're a beginner spinner look for low ratios, additionally look for an easy to remove and thread bobbin. The Kromski Fantasia is a low priced option. The Majacraft Suzie is a great beginner wheel you won't outgrow.
Single or Double Treadle?
Single treadle is 'traditional' but most people find a double treadle wheel easier to to learn on. A well balanced double treadle wheel can be used with a single foot. If you are doing reenactments, a single treadle like a Kromski Polonaise or Kromski Prelude may be a better choice though.
Scotch, Irish, or Double Drive?
Many wheels - most of the Kromskis for example are able to be used either with Scotch or Double Drive. There are pro's and cons to both systems. Scotch tension needs more 'fiddling' for lace weight but can be adjust to have almost no draw in. Double Drive is excellent for lace and fine spinning. It can allow miniscule adjustments. Bobbin replacement can be harder on a traditional DD wheel. Irish tension has more draw in than either other method. I don't utilize wheels with it often, others love it.
New or Used?
I suggest new. Wheels do break in to their users to a degree. While some wheels are great used, definitely test drive it first, if possible more than once. I do not suggest antiques or unmarked wheels ever unless you're looking for a decorative piece. Especially for a beginner. A wise person once told me if an antique is in great condition, oftentimes it's because it didn't work well ever. This is exceptionally true of spinning wheels, the world is littered with 'Spinning Wheel Shaped Objects'.
Other considerations:
Price - Obviously wheels vary drastically in price. It's rarely possible to buy 'too much wheel' but often possible to buy 'too little' however commercially produced wheels from well known manufacturers hold their value well. A wheel is an investment in your hobby that will hopefully last years! Reasons a wheel may be more, can be company size, versatility of the wheel one wheel that can do art yarn and lace yarn may be more expensive than one which is a 'one trick pony' wheel wood, and parts also play a part in overall cost. Manufacturing wheels is a very hands on business. While machines may be used to mass produce parts, each wheel has to be tested. Buying from a quality company with easily accessible bobbins, and parts makes it easier to do repairs for the life of your wheel.
Kromski Minstrel Demo
Majacraft Rose with Woolee Winder