spinningsnelle

Spinningsnelle is a term that appears in a small subset of Dutch and Flemish historical textile literature. The exact meaning is uncertain, and the term is not part of standard modern textile vocabulary. In sources where it appears, it is used to describe a small mechanism associated with spinning equipment intended to influence the path or tension of the yarn during spinning. The name combines spin- with a diminutive or device-oriented suffix; in Dutch, attentive to speed or action, which reflects the function attributed to the mechanism in some descriptions.

Usage and function: Descriptions vary. In some manuals, the spinningsnelle is described as a spring-loaded guide or latch that engages the yarn as it leaves the flyer, helping to align or tighten the thread during operation. In other texts, it may refer to a fast-acting needle-like component used to thread or insert yarn through a part of the machine. Because the term lacks a single, authoritative definition, interpretations differ by region and era.

Historical context: The term appears chiefly in late 18th- to 19th-century Dutch technical literature and in regional notes on historic spinning equipment. With the evolution of industrial spinning technology, explicit references to the spinningsnelle largely disappear by the 20th century.

Modern perspective: Today the term is of interest primarily to historians of technology and textile conservators. When encountered in catalogs or manuscripts, it is advisable to consult the surrounding description to understand the proposed function in that specific device.

See also: Spinning wheel, Flyer, Tension mechanism.