DIY Drop Spindle Spinning Guide

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Spinning your first yarn can be simple and calm. A basic drop spindle and a little wool are enough to learn twist, draft, and wind on. You do not need a wheel or a studio. By the end you will know what fiber to start with, which way to spin for S or Z, and how to finish a small skein that is ready to knit.

Is This Project for Me

If you want a quiet, portable craft that teaches the foundations fast, this is it. Park and draft lets you learn in slow motion and still make real yarn. Ten minutes a day adds up. The gear is affordable, the motions are soothing, and every yard you spin feels like a tiny win. If you like practical skills that travel and do not take over the house, you will enjoy this project. Check out the free printable Fiber Arts Quick Guide below.

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DIY Drop Spindle

Drop spindles are an accessible way to start spinning, and with a few basic materials, you’ll be creating your own yarn in no time!

Time: 1 Hour Level: Beginner Category: Spinning

Materials

• Wooden dowel (10-12 inches long, about 3/8 inch thick)
• Wooden wheel (about 2-3 inches in diameter) or a large, flat washer
• Hook screw (small enough to fit in the dowel end)
• Wool roving (your choice of fiber)
• Sandpaper (optional, for smoothing edges)

Steps

1. Attach the wooden wheel to one end of the dowel. This will serve as the whorl, helping the spindle spin smoothly.
2. Screw the hook screw into the opposite end of the dowel.
3. Attach the roving to the hook and begin spinning the spindle by twisting it between your fingers.
4. Let the spindle drop, and as it spins, gently draft the fibers out with your other hand, allowing them to twist into yarn.
5. Once you have a length of yarn, wind it onto the spindle shaft below the whorl and repeat the process.
6. If you’d like to ply the yarn for added strength, spin two single-ply strands together in the opposite direction of your initial twist.

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• Easy Knit Dishcloth Pattern
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spinningdrop spindlebeginner

Notes:
Notes:
Tips and Variations:
Decorate Your Spindle: Add a touch of paint or wood burn designs on your spindle for a personalized tool you’ll love to use.
Experiment with Different Fibers: Try spinning different types of wool or other fibers like alpaca to see how they vary in texture and spin.

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Troubleshooting and safety notes

Yarn keeps corkscrewing. That means too much twist for the draft. Park the spindle, pull a little more fiber, then let the stored twist run in. If the strand snaps, add a touch more overlap when you join and keep an even draft. If the spindle drops a lot, spin smaller lengths and stand over a soft surface like a rug or a towel.
Comfort and safety. Keep shoulders down and wrists relaxed. Take short stretch breaks. Check that the hook is snug so the cop does not jump off. Keep long hair and necklaces tucked away. Store the spindle out of reach of pets and small kids.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fiber should I start with

A medium staple wool roving or combed top is easiest. Look for something listed as beginner friendly. Super slippery fibers can wait until later.

What spindle weight works for beginners

Many people like a spindle in the 1.5 to 2.5 ounce range. Heavier can help the spin feel steady. Very light spindles are better once your hands are used to drafting.

Which way do I spin for S or Z twist

Clockwise adds Z twist. Counterclockwise adds S twist. Pick one and stay consistent for the whole single. If you plan to ply two singles together, spin both singles the same way and ply the opposite way.

How do I start the yarn on the spindle

Tie on a short leader yarn, wrap it up the shaft, hook it, then overlap your fiber with the leader and let twist grab. Your Project Card shows the overlap and wrap path.

How do I join more fiber when I run out

Fluff the end of the old single, overlap a few inches of new fiber, then let twist run through both while you draft gently. A small tug test will tell you if the join is solid.

How do I finish the yarn

Wind off to a small skein, tie in two places, soak in warm water, squeeze without wringing, then hang to dry. Add a light weight only if the yarn is very kinky and you want it calmer.

Can I ply on a spindle

Yes. Wind two singles into a plying ball or use two turtles, then spin in the opposite direction to ply. Finish the skein the same way with a warm soak and dry.

How much yarn fits on a spindle

It depends on spindle size and yarn thickness. Start a new cop when the spindle feels heavy or wobbley. Several small cops are easier than one giant one.

Print

Fiber Arts Quick Guide

One page for yarn weights, needle & hook sizes, gauge basics, and quilt math. Keep within reach while you work.

Yarn weights at a glance

Weight	CYC #	Knit gauge (sts/4 in) • Needles US	Crochet gauge (sts/4 in) • Hook
Lace	0	33–40+ • 000–1	28–36+ • Steel/B–C
Fingering / Sock	1	27–32 • 1–3	21–32 • B–E (2.25–3.5 mm)
Sport	2	23–26 • 3–5	16–20 • E–7 (3.5–4.5 mm)
DK	3	21–24 • 5–7	12–17 • 7–I (4.5–5.5 mm)
Worsted	4	16–20 • 7–9	11–14 • I–K (5.5–6.5 mm)
Bulky	5	12–15 • 9–11	8–11 • K–M/N (6.5–9 mm)
Super Bulky	6	6–11 • 11–17	5–9 • M/N–Q (9–15 mm)
Jumbo	7	1–6 • 17+	0–5 • Q+ (15 mm+)

Always swatch. Fiber content, twist, and your tension change gauge.

Needle and hook conversions

Knitting needles (US ↔ mm)

US	mm
0	2.00
1	2.25
2	2.75
3	3.25
4	3.50
5	3.75
6	4.00
7	4.50
8	5.00
9	5.50
10	6.00
10.5	6.50
11	8.00
13	9.00
15	10.00

Crochet hooks (Letter ↔ mm)

Hook	mm
B	2.25
C	2.75
D	3.25
E	3.50
F	3.75
G	4.00
7	4.50
H	5.00
I	5.50
J	6.00
K	6.50
L	8.00
M/N	9.00
N/P	10.00

Gauge and swatch basics

• Knit or crochet a 6 × 6 in swatch. Wash and lay flat to dry.
• Measure the center 4 in square. Count stitches and rows.
• Stitches per inch: stitches in 4 in ÷ 4. Rows per inch: rows in 4 in ÷ 4.

Cast on estimate
Cast on = target width (in) × stitches per inch + 2 edge stitches.
Rows to length = target length (in) × rows per inch.

Quilt and sewing quick math

• Seam allowances: quilting 1/4 in • garments 5/8 in
• Half-square triangles (HST): cut size = finished size + 7/8 in (or add 1 in and trim to square)
• Quarter-square triangles (QST): cut size = finished size + 1 1/4 in
• Binding estimator: total length = perimeter + 12 in; strip count = ceil(total ÷ WOF). Typical strip width 2.5 in
• Prewash tips: prewash reds/darks. Press, square the grain, then cut.

Labeling and project notes

• Yarn or fabric source, colorway, lot, and fiber content
• Gauge and needle or hook size
• Pattern name and size adjustments
• Wash and care instructions

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