86 Spin Off • http://www.interweave.com
The Measurements
Your first keys to comfort revolve around measurements
and very simple math—don’t let the fear of either be a
deterrent. Although Walt prefers to measure customers
himself, that’s obviously not always possible in an
online world. Having a friend or loved one take your
measurements for you (using a yardstick or other rigid
measuring tool) yields more accurate results than trying
to take your own, Walt advises.
There are three measurements critical to sizing
the proper height and depth of the seat you need for
your spinning wheel, he says. The first two are lower
leg length and treadle height. Add these two numbers
together, and you have the optimal height for the seat of
your spinning chair.- Lower Leg
To determine the length of your lower leg while
wearing the type of footwear you typically spin in
(barefoot, socks, or shoes), have someone measure from
the floor up to the crease at the back of your knee while
you are standing. - Treadle Height
Measuring the treadle height varies depending on your
wheel. The crucial spot to look for is the treadle’s point
of pivot—its axle or flex point—not where you rest
the ball of your foot. This may be a hinge or a rocking
axle, and you’ll find it just under where you rest your
heel or under the arch of your foot. Go look under your
treadle(s) to find the pivot point. When you find the
location of pivot, measure from the floor to the top of
the treadle. This is your treadle height.- Seat Depth
You’ll also need to measure for the depth of your chair
seat by having your helper measure you (while you’re
seated with legs bent at a 90-degree angle and sitting in
a comfortable posture) from the back of your bent knee
to the point where your back touches the chair. Subtract
two inches from this number. This is your seat depth.
Three measurements to fine-tune your spinning
chair. Note that the treadle pivot for the Lendrum
Folding Wheel (as shown) is under the spinner’s heel.
Other wheels, such as the Schacht Matchless, have
a pivot under the arch of the foot and will have a
different measurement.
Do You Have More Than One Wheel or
Spinning Device?
What if you have more than one spinning wheel and
one of them is even an e-spinner? Do
you need a different seat for each?
No, says Walt. Take the same set of
measurements for each wheel and then
calculate an average for each of the
three measurements. Walt recommends
keeping an e-spinner on a surface that
helps to mimic the height of a treadle
wheel and its orifice. This height
differs depending on the age and make
of your treadle wheel, so check one
with a height you like for reference.
Small utility and crafting tables with
adjustable “X” frames are ideal, as you
can set them up to be lower than today’s
tabletops. Also try measuring your end
tables. Placing your e-spinner on one of
these may land the spinner’s orifice in
just the right range.
Your spinning chair may not have
one of Walt’s custom woven seats,1
2
3
Illustration^ by^ Ann^SabinSwanson