Spin-Off – September 2019

20 Spin Off • http://www.interweave.com

Like many folks, I learned to spin on a heavy “boat

anchor” low-whorl spindle. As I continued learning

about spinning and trying different weights and styles of

spindles, I found that I still loved low-whorl styles the

best—but with lighter weights than that first spindle.

They are what I always reach for when picking up a new

spindle-spinning project. This is not to say that I don’t

enjoy and use high- and mid-whorl spindles (though I

am willing to say I reach least for cross-arm spindles),

but I find that low-whorl spindles work best for me.

They allow me to spin in the broadest of situations with

the least fatigue to my wrists, fingers, and shoulders.

Plain & Simple

My preferred low-whorl spindle is the plainest

possible—no hook or spiral at the tip to secure the yarn,

no special or fancy wood, just a plain, workaday tool. The

pushka, an Andean handspindle, is my favorite, and I am

lucky to have several. They are made from lightweight

Low-Whorl Love

Versatile and Productive Spindles

By Devin Helmen

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Low-whorl pushka spindles from Peru.

eucalyptus wood and have simple turned whorls and

rough shafts. I make a similar spindle using dowels and

wooden toy wheels for my beginning spinning students

and occasionally use one of these myself. They are cheap,

easy to make, and easy to use. I don’t worry about losing

or breaking them or giving them away.

Common spindle shafts: (from left) plain,

groove, notch, and hook.