handspinner

A handspinner is a tool used to spin fibers into yarn. This process, known as spinning, involves twisting staple fibers together to create a continuous thread. Handspinners have been used for millennia, evolving from simple drop spindles to more complex spinning wheels. The fundamental principle remains the same: to draw out fibers and impart twist.

The most basic form of handspinner is the drop spindle. This consists of a whorl, which provides weight and momentum, and a shaft, around which the spun yarn is wound. The spinner holds the fibers in one hand and twirls the spindle with the other, allowing it to drop and twist the fibers as it spins. As yarn is created, it is wound onto the spindle.

Later developments led to the invention of the spinning wheel. Early spinning wheels were often treadle-powered or hand-cranked. They incorporate a flyer and bobbin mechanism that allows for faster spinning and continuous yarn production. The spinner operates the wheel with their feet or hands, simultaneously drafting fibers from a prepared mass, such as a rolag or puni. The wheel's rotation drives the flyer, which twists the fibers, and the bobbin, which winds the yarn.

Handspinning is both a craft and a hobby. It allows individuals to create custom yarns with unique textures, colors, and fiber blends. The resulting yarns can then be used for knitting, crocheting, weaving, or other textile arts. The practice of handspinning has seen a resurgence in recent years as people seek to reconnect with traditional crafts and create handmade items.