36 Spin Off • http://www.interweave.com
Spindles are accessible. They are portable and more
affordable than a wheel, and they provide an easy entry
for the beginner into the world of spinning. Whether
you are a spindle novice or avid collector, you will find
that specific fibers are more easily spun with some types
of spindles than others. Finding the combinations that
work best for you can dramatically change the yarns you
make and the enjoyment you find in creating them.Supported Spindles
Supported spindles are used, as the name suggests,
with the tip resting on a surface, usually a small bowl.
These spindles vary in size and shape across the world,
depending greatly on what type of fiber and yarn they
were made to spin.
For example, the Diné (Navajo) and Pueblo peoples
developed a large type of support spindle, known as a
Navajo spindle, which is generally used to make thick
wool singles for weaving rugs. A Navajo spindle rests
on the ground and is rolled along the thigh to produce
twist. One of the smallest support spindles is the takli,Supported
Spindles
Pairing Fiber & Tool
By Sukrita MahonPhotos by Sukrita Mahon unless otherwise indicateda very fast spindle typically made of metal that’s perfect
for spinning cotton.
Supported spindles are usually used to produce a
woolen-style yarn. The spindle can be manipulated with
one hand as fibers are spun using a long draw, either
supported, unsupported, or a bit of both. This makes
them a perfect tool for spinning short-staple fibers such
as cotton, yak, camel, and cashmere.A Modern Movement
Supported spindles are not as common in the West
but have enjoyed a resurgence in recent years. Talented
spindle makers create limited numbers of unique
supported spindles that vanish from online shops within
minutes of posting. Needless to say, support spindling is
a habit-forming hobby—proceed with caution!
Most of the modern support spindles that spinners
are using today can be loosely classified into four
categories: Tibetan, Russian, phang, and takli styles. There
are, however, many different interpretations. A spindle
design might fall between two styles, or may conform toA Pu Yok-style Tibetan spindle from The Spindle Shop.