Basic Drop Spindle Tutorial

Hello friends! Welcome to my first tutorial video! These are very basic and meant for people who just want to have fun and enjoy themselves while doing something crafty.
If you haven't been brought here from my spinning packet, then welcome anyway! Hopefully this video will help anyone trying to learn to use a drop spindle in a very casual way.
**NEW WEBSITE!!: I finally made my own website for fiber art! No more Etsy! Yay!!***
www.meganriskfiberart.com/pro...
Vocab:
Whorl - the weighted part of a drop spindle that helps it to spin. Also the spindle pulley that regulates the speed of a spinning wheel spindle.
Draft - the pulling out of fibers to allow only a certain amount of the fiber to twist into thread.
Drop spindle - (hand spindle) a stick with a weighted whorl that is used to twist fibers into thread.
Plying - winding two or more yarns together; must be done in the opposite direction to that in which they were spun.
Roving - long tubes of carded wool, produced by carding machines.
Keep in touch!
Twitter: @MegERisk
Facebook Group: / 1044367846074950
Website: www.MeganRiskFiberArt.com
Instagram: Megan.Risk.Fiber.Art

[@dsvance1]

I have tried multiple times over several years to learn how to spin with a drop spindle. And nothing worked; I'd get so frustrated I'd feel like crying. Your lesson here showed me how to do it, and it works! I am spinning using a drop spindle! I'm doing it! Not only that, but after practicing awhile, I'm beginning to get the feel of how to make the thread as thick or thin and as spun as I prefer. Less tightly spun is softer. Thank you thank you thank you for making and posting this video. I'm finally at the beginning of mastering a skill I've wanted to do for years. I'll be watching for more videos from you.

[@Gertiecox]

Best quote "if you're never going to be satisfied, then you need to re-evaluate your life" haha. Best intro to Drop Spindles!

[@robertabeyer3967]

"Pinch, draft, let go." After watching a jillion other videos this is the only one to explain that part of the process in a way that makes sense to me and that I can duplicate (sort of). THANK YOU!! This should be the #1 search result for drop spinning.

[@flamemaster1099]

"If you're never satisfied, then you need to reevaluate life..." Perfect, I love it. Great video btw.

[@rebeccasmith9325]

Spent nearly an hour in tears on Bluprint trying to figure out a lesson before you taught me in 12 min, bless you

[@chrissy24-7]

"if you're never gonna be satisfied then you better reevaluate your life" 👏❤️😍 🥰

[@casg1195]

You showing that you hold the BULK of the fiber and tug just a thin bit, has made it finally make sense. For whatever reason my brain thought I had to spin the whole chunk into the tiny twist you have, but this actually makes sense

[@okaminess]

Half of everyone is fascinated by the drop spindle. The other half wants to turn their dog hair into a rug.

[@mcgregorshangout]

😂😂

[@moony5097]

I would do it but my dog is a staffy and her fur is too short 😭

[@codyofathens3397]

Don't disregard those of us who would are both. There are dozens of us! Dozens!

[@tanyagarcia3721]

I'll be right there on both. I just hope I get just the fur and that's it. I don't need the whole dog

[@mudpiesformom2424]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I was thinking more like strips of old clothes.

[@shellywillig8157]

This is without a doubt the easiest to understand tutorial of how to spin that I have found so far (and I have watched a LOT of tutorials for this). Thank you, a thousand times, thank you.

[@glacia]

Thanks for explaining something in 12 minutes that craftsy takes 4 hours to do. you are AWESOME!!!

[@MeganERiskArt]

+Jacqueline Myers HAHA You're welcome! Ahhhh, Craftsy lol.

[@glacia]

So far it's really uneven, but it's $15 worth of wool I got a farmer's market, so a good one to practice my skills on. I might even dye it!

[@SixxFootThree]

Megan , I was recently watching several documentaries about the 3000 year old Tarim Basin Mummies of western China and so they (archaeologists) were also featuring about how well their wool clothing had preserved on them and that they've found many wooden drop spindles at the burial dig sites and so afterwards I was curious as to just how those ancient people could make clothing from a simple hand spindle like the one you're using and now after watching your video I have a much better understanding of this and so a BIG '''thank you''' for producing these videos.

[@MeganERiskTutorials]

Jesse Lee Wow! Thank you! The history of drop spindles (all over the world, really) and the general production of yarn (of all types of fiber) is also fascinating to me. I've only just dipped my toe into the world of drop spindle history, and I can't wait to pick up more. I'm glad my silly video helped you understand the basics of drop spindles! I am hoping to get my hands on a few different styles from around the world (like a Turkish drop spindle, for example) and through time (hopefully some antiques) and do a little demo of the different spindles.

[@SixxFootThree]

MeganERiskTutorials Lol, well I have to admit that I'd never thought that I would watch a video about spinning wool to make yarn however after watching those documentaries I was so intrigued as to how ancient humans made their clothing with just a simple wooden drop spindle nearly identical to the one you're using that I just had to find out how it was done and so again '''thank you''' Megan and best wishes to your KZbin Page & Tutorials.

[@fakiirification]

@Jesse Lee what started it for me was wondering how people made fishing nets without giant automated tying machines thousands of years ago, learned how to make nets, and then got interested in cordage and eventually textiles in general and here i am. It all started with the humble drop spindle. really as simple as just a stick in some cultures, rubbed against the side of the leg to introduce twist and allow more consistent and faster cordage production. You could say that this simple device is one of the cornerstones of human civilization, as so much came from it.

[@riotxxx]

Similar sentiments of appreciatation! I'm reading a book about textile manufacture in the first 20,000 years of human life and found it hard to picture the process. This, along with a video on how different fibres are grown and harvested before being spun, has made it crystal clear. Thanks so much!

[@vic1vicious]

And today I learnt that spinning without a leader yarn is totally possible! Seriously thank you!

[@alexandermitchell-schwartz6171]

Hey. Thanks for the great video. I've been sewing for ages but have been wanting to get into other aspects of textile production. The drop spindle seemed like a great place to start and you give really clear instructions.

[@christianavance9124]

I just bought my first drop spindles (2) and some roving and decided I should probably figure out how to use them. This was the 2nd video I found and I subscribed to the channel because of how perfectly you helped me understand the process. Thank you and PLEEEAASE, make a million more videos on anything. Read a freakin phonebook if that's what it takes. You are awesome!

[@patrickscannell6370]

Seeing how the drop spindle works, its like I'm watching the workings of ancient tales in real life: this makes my life complete and meaningful.

[@BootsWms]

Say what? My drop spindle is upside down compared to yours. Um, I'm so confused now. I learned my technique from a Scottish oldie and there were no knees involved. Your technique is quite different but interesting. I enjoyed your witty personality, btw. Cheers!

[@taylorstrouse1970]

You immediately clarified the issues I had with ancient greek spinning vs. wheel spinning (the only spinning I'd ever heard of). I want to add some knowledge to the painting I'm planning. You helped a lot! Thank you for being a knowledgeable spinner

[@mammon4694]

wow, youtube is amazing. Saw this video again! I did this when I was at around highschool just to pass time as a hobby, seeing this now really is nostalgic.

[@MS-sk2yk]

Watching in 2023 ❤

[@chrissytrammell6695]

This video got me started a few years ago. I stumbled across it today. After watching, I went to her store, got the little kit, and off I went. Best explanation I've seen. Wait till you watch her other videos!

[@ellenfriedlander357]

So helpful! I appreciate the repetition of the terminology and your sense of humor!

[@raylafure7431]

I've seen about 27 different examples of the same thing and this is the first one I've seen that actually explains it.. Thank you!

[@saeko81]

Thank you for the video! I love how casual and relaxed you are. :) It makes this much less daunting to try (and more fun).

[@shariwilliams2352]

Thanks for the video. Your instructions are clear and easy to follow. Much easier then some other videos I have watched. You are awesome.

[@MeganERiskTutorials]

Thank you so much, Shari!

[@milesboulton9885]

I sure appreciate you for putting this together. You have a gift for tutoring; you explain things thoroughly, slowly. Well done. And thank you!

[@laurenyork6095]

I bought your spindle and wool pack from your store and came back for a refresher. I'm so excited that I can follow along! I'm making my own (rather lumpy) wool! This is the coolest! Thank you so much!

[@silvanriel]

Your tutorial totally clicked with me and now I am finally doing this! Thank you so much!

[@sonnyparsons562]

Really clear, simple tutorial without too many words! Thank you for breaking it down to the bare bones! Great teacher

[@laceandbits]

Thank you so much for one of the clearest tutorials I have ever seen. I learnt to spin this way 50+ years ago and now use a wheel (that took me many, many more years to master). Recently I was trying to show someone how to use a drop spindle but had a complete brain freeze how to start. I think now (in hindsight) that one of my problems is that when I learnt all those years ago I was taught on a bottom whorl spindle whereas the one I bought but hadn't yet used is a top whorl and I couldn't work out a logical thread path to get started. Now I have seen this tutorial, it is all so easy to understand.

[@laurah1020]

I have had people show me in person how to use a drop spindle, and haven't been able to retain, much less DO it...but after watching your video, I get it!!! Thanks for sharing, and the clarity, and levity with which you teach. Makes ALL the difference!

[@allisonbyrd]

Jillian, I love, love, LOVE your videos, and this one takes the cake. I have gone down the rabbit hole of spinning yarn, and your videos have been such an inspiration and education for me in my own journey. You are truly a wonderful teacher! Thank you for sharing your spinning story and for all the historical information. I know you will have an amazing adventure with that beautiful Icelandic fleece from Cole!😊

[@SuddenUpdraft]

Thanks so much. I gave away a spindle and a bunch of fiber a few years ago because I couldn't get it. But now I'm going to get a starter kit and try again. Fun!

[@warboats]

Nice one, i'm improvising with a sharpie pen instead of a spindle, probs not a great way to learn but you're such a good teacher that it almost kind of works!

[@draguta8995]

I've done the same! It's a bit more difficult but doing so helps with mastery of the mechanics and steps, and it also segways nicely into spinning lace-weight yarn (requires lighter or no weights, otherwise the thin threads will break).

[@ShintogaDeathAngel]

I've just started learning to spin and I've made this one of my go-to videos! Love your intimate and relaxing style!

[@lindamiller2648]

You are extraordinarily good at demonstrating your art. Clear, concise and comprehensive, EXACTLY what I was looking for. Thank you.

[@Handmade_at_Harcles]

I bought a drop spindle kit just the other day. They gave written instructions, which I could make neither head nor tail of. I found your video and am now spinning like a top :D Thanks!!!

[@AedenAlvarezisamunchkin]

Hi Megan! I know it's been a year since this video was uploaded, but I really want to tell you that you are a great tutorialist! (I just made up a word). I am a knitter and crocheter and I love watching your videos cause you're an awesome person. Please don't stop showing yourself on youtube, cause we need tutorialists like you!

[@MeganERiskArt]

AedenReyes Thank you so much!! Oh man, has it already been 6 months since I made this?? Jeeze, I really need to get on this! I've been trying really hard to come up with more tutorials, so I do mean to make more in the near future! I really appreciate the boost of self esteem! :)

[@deanmokrozhaev9367]

I'm so excited to get my kit tomorrow!! Will probably comment again to let you know how it goes!

[@imaginestardust]

Megan, you are a great teacher (making things schematic and easy to understand with repetition and visual) and you have an amazing sense of humour. Love xxx

[@briaubs5185]

I was reading Daily Life in Medieval Europe and they described this process. I had NO idea what they were trying to tell me until I found this video! Thank you for your clear and informative explanation!! Great job!

[@yesterdayschild2]

excellent and clear video. Thanks. I just bought a drop spindle kit at Woolfest (Cockrmouth, UK) and can't wait to get started!

[@danettecarpitella65]

Thank you for such an easy to follow, entertaining and informative video! You made spinning on a drop spindle not quite as scary as it was originally- and the park, pinch and draft method finally "click" in my brain- lol!

[@dougalexander7204]

Thank you. Been growing cotton for several years and ready to make something with it. Also have a huge cotton sack of wool. Stay awesome.

[@darylstanton1748]

Megan you're absolutely amazing. I have been wanting to learn how to do this and you have shown how easy it is. Thank you

[@bigbud7167]

I thought I was ready to spin yarn but I need to go reevaluate my life

[@LittleLori305]

Thanks so much for this video! I tried learning to spin with a drop spindle from some other videos and had no luck. One viewing of yours and I caught on. It's much easier without the lead yarn.

[@GoblinSlayer43]

I know this an old video but omg you made this look SO EASY and once I tried it your way...IT WAS! I am glad you still have this video on here...the best one I have found. You're awesome!

[@sandywieringa4434]

Extremely informative with a little bit of humor thrown in! Great video!

[@saozita50]

Hi, apparently I just bought your last spindle kit hahahaha so happy I made it in time. Can't wait to begin with your guidance. I'm very excited. Thank you from oakville, Ontario. 💖

[@lisamazzitelli4971]

Thank you so much, Megan! Yours was the first video I watched when I wanted to learn how to spin and you made it look so easy. You explained everything well. Awesome job! I have already watched your other videos too. All are very informative. :)

[@jasminmiddlebos6967]

I really enjoyed watching your video...it is easy to understand and follow

[@charlesdonaghho4826]

This young lady is an absolute charmer and a great teacher! Enjoy!

[@armandoa5468]

I got my drop spindle at DFW Fiber Fest 2016 with no idea how to use it. Thanks for this tutorial Megan it was fun and easy to follow. Now, I'm slowly working on perfecting the technique you have shown me. Looking forward viewing your latest videos. Armando

[@cyndifrenzel806]

In the middle of TDF 2019 and going out of town for a few days... since I can’t bring my wheel thought I’d bring my drop spindle and again attempt to use it. Past attempts have been dismal failures. Watched this video and boom I can do it. Not nearly as consistent, thin, or pretty as my wheel spun ... but dagnabit , it worked! Thanks for a clear, short and helpful video 👍

[@MarilynG1000]

Brilliant!! That is the first time I have understood the process. Now off to practice a whole lot more.

[@sweetghoul13]

I loved watching this, it was like just hanging out with a friend getting taught a new craft!

[@CrochetDelight]

Thank you for the clear instructions. I'm super excited to get started. I've been wanting g to do this for a long time.

[@ariellemcgill6940]

I love learning from you! You are a great teacher

[@InTheWind_]

The most straightforward tutorial EVER! Now I can also teach our kids!

[@cheetahsdimples-1]

I will try to order one of your kits in 2 weeks. Can't wait to get to spinning my own yarn from watching your videos. Love ya Keep up the Great work. You are such an inspiration.

[@kailey7735]

Showed during a lecture at Carleton university, Feb 28 2020. Class was Chemistry of Ancient Art and Artifacts, lecture topic was ancient textiles and clothing.

[@MeganERiskTutorials]

Hot damn! Man, I really need to make an updated video.... I hope I helped!

[@pinklady7184]

Lovely tutorial. I enjoyed learning a new skill from you. Thank you.

[@dianatheriault2913]

I love this and the second vid on drop spindle. I'm hoping you could make one on how to draft while the spindle is spinning. Thanks so much for this! It makes so much sense in how you describe and explaining what is happening to the yarn and why you take the steps you use.

[@barbararyan3500]

I've watched a few other videos on spinning and yours was the most logical. Good job!

[@MeganERiskTutorials]

Barbara Ryan Haha Thank you! I try to keep things pretty straightforward!

[@knittingknives]

Decided to pick up my spindle for the first time in four or five years (basically about the month I first was taught spinning). Your video(s) are crazy helpful, so I was able to spend an easy couple hours spinning last night. Thank you!

[@MeganERiskTutorials]

I'm so glad I could help, Sarah! Thank you!

[@hello_matej]

WOW danke schon! It is working like that! I learnt just now that I can do it much faster and better quality in varieties of thickness when I prepare the slices of the wool before - thick as I want to make a wool. When I want to me thicker, it is bigger slice so I can control it much better by the spinning itself! Thank you for showing! By the way, you looks very pretty!

[@marccardenas2774]

I was reading a fanfic and one of the characters had said something about drop spindles and handspinning as a form of meditation and or soothing relaxation. And I must say just watching you do this has got me excited to maybe dabble into this myself.

[@jenniferbrighty5120]

Hi, thankyou so much for this tutorial on how to use a Drop Spindle. You made it look so easy. I've been thinking about learning how to do this I've never seen such clear instructions. Thanks again . Hope you keep safe.

[@parecearabe]

Wow. That is tedious yet gratifying. It was nice to see some of your creations at the end of the video.

[@fyrefli5372]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Great video! You explained how to use a drop spindle great. I am looking forward to using my drop spindle.

[@RiverChaos]

You're tutorial is a heck of a lot easier to follow than the instructions that came with the drop spindle I bought years ago from someone else.

[@o5245607]

Interesting and fascinating what people figured out to make clothes rather than wearing a fig leaf.

[@debradesarmeaux2906]

Thank you! I'm an archaeologist and while analyzing ceramic sherds, found 1/2 of a small ceramic disk with a center hole. Too small to be a chunkey stone, I thought it may be a spindle whorl. Later while rebagging it I noticed 2 round raised bumps (called buttons as a ceramic decoration element) on the exterior curved edge. I never knew how spinning actually worked, but your video showed me that maybe those 2 buttons serve the purpose of the notch in your wooden spindle whorl!! Very exciting! I hope to try spinning some day-looks like fun!

[@hes01231]

This video is perfect, so much thanks, I cannot wait to try my drop spindle out! also you are hilarious🙏🏼

[@hoosiergurl07]

Thank you so much! So informative! I have angora rabbits and wanted to learn to spin. I have a spinning wheel but wanted to learn the drop spindle since I have a few. I almost gave up because the videos I watched overwhelmed me. You explained it perfectly without making it sound so dumb downed. Thanks again!

[@aliciamary5658]

I could listen to you explain stuff all day

[@SpecialistInHope]

Can't wait to get/make a drop spindle! Thank you for this video x

[@suegraham4323]

Thanks Megan!! I took a class on drop spindle spinning, and now really appreciate your remedial tutorial. I'm all fumble-fingered but will continue to try.

[@IrishQT07]

Megan - thank you so much for this awesome video. I decided to pick up spinning as a new hobby while confined at home during this crazy COVID thing. I purchased one of your spindle kits and I can say that I'm absolutely LOVING it so far. I'm a crocheter and a knitter, so I'm looking forward to using my hand-spun yarn soon - even making some Christmas gifts with it! Thank you again for producing such a great video and engaging your audience so well! :-)

[@murielshaul464]

Very clear and good pace. I spin on a wheel but have not mastered the drop spindle. I'm encouraged to try it again. Thanks

[@hanikaram3351]

perfect explanation and perfect demonstration flawless teaching I salute you and wish you all the best

[@makemyburdenlight]

I've never spun, I don't know how it works, I don't know how I got here, but this is fascinating, thanks 🙌 🤣

[@PoptartFlan13]

Your video is the best explanation on spinning that I have found. I watched a handful of videos before yours and was not going to give up but resigned myself to knowing that I will probably never have pretty hand spun yarn lol. After watching this, it's going a lot smoother for me. None of the other videos showed the 'pinch, draft' part or explained how you would know when to stop spinning. I was spinning to infinity and beyond. Needless to say, I was having a lot of troubles. So thanks, you're cool 😘 🤗🤓

[@nessanya]

I love this, your ability to teach this step by step simply with a calm and enjoyable presence.

[@TrialAndError8713]

Thanks for the video! I just made a drop spindle, but I don't have any fiber to spin yet. Looking forward to being able to try this. 👍🏻

[@alexnewhall6228]

I only came here because a character in a book was using a spindle and now I've found a delightful craft. Funny calm and informative!! Thank you

[@dramamamafive]

You ought to make more videos. This was easy to watch, and you made it fun, too. Well done!!

[@Zenstudent105]

You certainly make this look easy, and more importantly, fun!

[@mutedroar]

I love your starting method! I didn't like a leader yarn either, the little loop is so much simpler and clever

[@zeekthehammer269]

Very informative and answered most my questions I didn't know I had about using my poodle's hair for a touqe. Now knitting.

[@CM8119]

Hi Megan, thank you for this tutorial. For awhile I have been wanting to spin nettle and milkweed fiber with a drop spindle. I love your style!

[@MeganERiskTutorials]

+CM8119 Thank you so much! :)

[@MS-mp9om]

Just got my first drop spindle in the mail yesterday (hand turned from an allotment in the UK, swoon) - I'm equally excited and terrified!

[@ionebrown481]

Thank you! You made it look fun and relaxing💖

[@c.james.cornwalll3060]

Thank you Megan, I've found a few medieval lead spindle whorls with my metal detector and wondered how they were used! My gf has also recently started crocheting and I think I'll use the bag of wool I collected to spin her some yarn 👍

[@sherski71]

yes, I figured it out. first I was overspinning and second I wasn't drafting enough before I set more spin on. if that makes sense. thanks!! it just takes more practice. thanks for your video!

[@izzyizzy5145]

You are incredible this is my first time watching your video ❤️❤️ I love how smart you are

[@ellafaith8760]

I like your style of teaching! You are fun to watch, and very patient in your explanations. It was well spoken and easy to follow. These two parts made me chuckle: 6:37 - 6:41 9:40 - 9:48 :D

[@h.w.a.batterink1027]

Thank you so much Magan for teaching me. Have an amazing day!

[@amyrobbins5602]

Megan. ..you are ADORABLE! Your video was very fun and informative. I enjoyed it very much and I think it's an excellent beginning and introduction to you and what you do so well. You make an excellent teacher and the step by step of spinning and parking (love that) was simple and straight forward. Looking forward to future videos! !! :D

[@MeganERiskTutorials]

THANKS AMY!

[@gracielaforadori]

Thanks for the video . Your instructions are clear and easy to follow. Greetings from Buenos Aires, Argentina