How Spinning Wheels Work

The first of a series for beginner spinners, this video shows how three different spinning wheels work - one Saxony style, one Castle style and one eSpinner. These are all set up in single drive, Scotch tension (AKA flyer-led) and I'll be looking at the other drive systems in another video. Of course, knowing how a wheel works is one thing, knowing how to use your hands to create the yarn you want is another! I'm sure I've forgotten something so please do leave a comment and let me know what you think. One extra note: the footman can also be referred to as the conrod.
The wheels featured are a Schacht Matchless, a Frank Herring Bentwood (discontinued) and a Hansencrafts miniSpinner.
**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by:
joining my Patreon: / tinyfibrestudio or buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : www.ko-fi.com/t... Thank you!**

[@TinyFibreStudio]

Thank you for all your lovely comments on this video - feel free to share it with anyone who might benefit! :) **I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by: joining my Patreon: www.patreon.com/TinyFibreStudio or buying me a ‘virtual coffee’ via my Ko-Fi account : www.ko-fi.com/tinyfibrestudio Thank you!**

[@xanadu1215]

I’m 68 years old and I never realized how spending wheel worked. Thank you so much for this explanation.

[@Eldritch_Moss]

I've been searching for this for hours. So hard to find a simple & comprehensive explanation for the mechanics behind spinning. Well done, and thank you!

[@helenjessop5402]

I think this might be the most clear and informative video for beginner spinners I've seen. I like how you stopped the video and highlighted each part in red as you talked about them and your simple and clear descriptions of how the parts work. I would really recommend this to some one interested in learning to spin on a wheel. Well done!!!

[@mcswordfish]

Very interesting video - clear and concise. I searched up "how a spinning wheel works" after seeing Sleeping Beauty at the panto the other night and I realised I had no idea what a spinning wheel even was, so decided I had to learn. Many thanks for helping in that knowledge quest

[@kennethpace5661]

I’m trying to build a few pieces for my wife’s new, unassembled spinning wheel that doesn’t have any instructions and is missing parts. This video was SUPER helpful! Thanks!!!

[@TinyFibreStudio]

You’re very welcome. You’d probably find my drive systems video useful as well as the parts may vary slightly depending on the type of drive system the wheel uses.

[@TinyFibreStudio]

Also here, have 100 bonus ‘good husband’ points!

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

I am commenting again, having watched again; hoping the algorithm shares this with those who need it! What a well delineated and thorough tour of the two types of spinning wheels (plus, the electric one, of course)

[@flaviocatarino4328]

My grandmother had a more crude version of a spinning wheel and as a child I was fascinated by how it worked. I remembered this from my childhood and finally looked up in this video how it actually works and what it actually does. thank your for the extremely well-explained and detailed video. you do an amazing work of presentation of the craft.

[@hygs8952]

This was the single BEST explanation of how a spinning wheel works that I have come across. I especially appreciate you pausing the actual video and highlighting the part AND naming it on screen. Thank you so much! You have a new subscriber! 😊

[@patgentry7268]

Excellent information, nicely presented. Don’t think I’ve ever actually learned all the names! What beautiful names they are, redolent of the Middle Ages and Fairy Tales!

[@Reddemon815]

I'm not a spinner, just randomly curious but I have to say, this video was highly informative and easily understandable. I daresay its even better than "How it's made" manufacturing videos that are already superb.

[@dillmam]

I wish this video had been around when I was learning to spin on a wheel! It’s so helpful to have the vocabulary explained and clearLy highlighted.

[@goldensolitude]

A very good introductory video on spinning wheel mechanics. Very needed when spinning wheels don't come with instructions.

[@kathycostello4104]

I always enjoy your videos! The orange highlighting on the specific parts is awesome! I learned a bit more, even after 18 years of spinning!

[@garykorzelius5930]

Thank you. I am trying to restore an old Saxony style wheel, and I did not know where all the parts go. Know armed with the knowledge got here I think I am ready to go.

[@heatherseal-breslin8223]

Thank you! I am trying to learn the basics of spinning for my Volunteer work in two different historic museums and this is so helpful. I'm going to try and create an illustration of a wheel with the parts labeled.

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

Thank you for for such a clear and well delineated tour of the basic components of a spinning wheel.

[@Taeronai]

Awesomely clear and pedagogical video! There's a lot of amazing videos on youtube explaining various handicrafts and such, but only a few of them are of this professional quality. 5/5

[@TinyFibreStudio]

You’re very welcome. The fact that you used the word pedagogical in this comment makes me immeasurably happy - thank you! 😊

[@lazydays4415]

Very clear and informative! 👌 What I lived most was how all the parts were highlighted when you talked about them. It makes it easy to know exactly which part you were talking about

[@cynthiaeagleston1220]

Very concise and easy to follow, like the way you point out the features of the spinning wheel

[@TinyFibreStudio]

I’m so glad it was helpful - thanks for your comment!

[@Uragani]

As someone who wants to build their first spinning wheel by hand, since they know woodworking and want to try some new hobbies, this is just brill in telling me what I need to know. Love the red to make it easier to follow along. Now I can design my own wheel to fit my needs, and be able to make changes on the fly. Thank you!

[@awaitingthetrumpetcall4529]

Which means your next project would be a loom....with a flying shuttle.

[@megcarr3126]

Thanks for making this Becks, I am very new to spinning, I only recently got started with a Mayan hand spinner and a Turkish spindle. I was supposed to have a lesson booked in then we had lockdown! 🙁 I really appreciate you making this so accessible to someone new to this craft. I really enjoyed it. Thanks 😁💖💕

[@Mialuvsveggies]

As a person totally new to fiber art, this video is Extremely helpful - Thank you so much

[@hopemorrissett7329]

Really clear and well done description. I've appreciated all of your videos; I think this one fills a gap with your use of highlighting the different parts as you describe them.

[@anitacharlton5662]

Great beginners help. Clear and loved the red parts highlight you used. Well articulated. Thank you.

[@PatrickShanahan-ei2bf]

I'm getting my first spinning lesson tomorrow. Thank you so much for this very helpful description of parts and how they work. The stop frame and highlight was exceptional. Very well done. Pretty sure I'll ace my first lesson and not look like a complete dolt!

[@ladyofthemasque]

Thank you for sharing this! I was trying to figure out to describe in a story the construction of a spinning wheel, and this gave me a great deal of help!

[@frankservant5754]

Excellent illustration the part i couldn't get was how the flywheel feeds the yarn onto the bobbin you explained it well

[@TinyFibreStudio]

Fantastic - I’m glad it helped. There is more on that subject in this video: Spinning Wheel Drive Systems 101 kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqCwY6aimZyen7c

[@jennifermcmullin2305]

Thank you. I'm not interested in learning to spin but I saw one in a TV show & wanted to know how they work. Your video was absolutely perfect. Thx

[@lizbongrav2108]

Thank you for this phenomenally clear and helpful video. I've been learning how wheels work purely by observation & osmosis, and this was tremendously helpful.

[@TinyFibreStudio]

I’m so glad it was helpful! It’s always good to observe wheels in real life as well - some of them have interesting quirks that deviate from the’norm’. 😊

[@video2010iphone]

Thank you. Just got a Matchless today. Going to learn to spin in my retirement.

[@karenlee4930]

Excellent video. Clear description of the basics.

[@kennethpassero8280]

Thank you,your explanation is fabulous. I completely understand something I had No idea about b4 your video. I can rebuild a car engine and transmission.Repair a radio,etc but had no idea of the genius involved in such an early invention.

[@barbarajwilsonjacobs8275]

Thank you for the spinning wheel information. I am a very new beginner, an appreciate the explanation of of the wheel components. Excellent information. Barbara in Minnesota 11/2021

[@theresa2084]

Very helpful for one who is still deciding if I want to fall down this extra rabbit hole!!! I also need to know how something works, because I'm a nerd. Looking forward to the next video(s). Thanks very much!

[@TinyFibreStudio]

You're very welcome!

[@nicolastevenson4558]

Nicely explained, Thankyou. Your cat looks like a bundle of fun!

[@ChrisGray1]

Thanks for this! I'm definitely a beginner spinner so this series seems very helpful. One I'd love to see is how to correct mistakes as you're spinning.

[@pedramhashemi5019]

wow! great video! In all these years, spinning wheels was kind of a mystery for me. but in this video you answered all of my questions simple and accurate!

[@alisonharris7130]

Awesome explanation for understanding how a spinning wheel works. I am just ready to take my first class and wanted to have a little understanding before I get started. Thank you

[@TinyFibreStudio]

You’re very welcome! I hope it was helpful. Enjoy your first class! 😁

[@rianaeiren]

Best spinning wheel explanation I’ve ever seen! Would you consider making one about looms also? I’ve been trying to learn about those but it’s confusing and I’m not sure where to look for info about how to choose loom widths and what kinds of cloths they make. Any info you can show would be greatly appreciated, even if you could just mention something in another video.

[@thomahammer9581]

Very clear explanation. Always wondered how it was accomplished.

[@alexismayo8187]

Amazingly clear! Love the labels !

[@lisahs605]

Incredibly useful; thank you. I have been spindle spinning for 10 months and thinking of investing in a wheel so I'm looking forward to this series of beginner videls, and finding out what to look for when choosing a wheel. Really liked how you highlighted the different parts in red as you mentioned them. So helpful.

[@DarkFlamage]

Absolutely Brilliant! Thank you

[@debbyvanlinden5705]

😊 love how you explain and make clear all the technical things on a wheel 🛞, you are a natural teacher. Thanks 🙏

[@elishajlogan]

Thank you for this! I'm just starting out and this is exactly the explanation I was needing. Simple and to the point. I'll be looking for your other videos!

[@fransaunders2704]

Great video. It very clearly explained everything so a beginner could understand.

[@jenniferrich5292]

I loved this! I’m a pretty new spinner and my only wheel is an E-spinner, so it’s nice to get a close-up of treadle wheels. Your graphics are just top notch and very clear. And wow, what a beautiful Bentwood😍😍 By the way, just yesterday I got a new Akerworks bobbin for my Woolee winder. It’s a tester bobbin, and I’m super excited to try it out. Stay well.🥰

[@marybrown4448]

Thank you for this! I'm brand new to spinning and just starting my research for my first wheel. Looking forward to the future videos on other tensioning methods!

[@kathybloom2979]

This was my very first exposure to how a spinning wheel works, and found it delightful. This art form is also an amazing feat of technology! Thank you!

[@TinyFibreStudio]

You’re very welcome - I love the combination of art and technology, too!

[@flowersandfries6321]

Such a well explained video. Easy to understand

[@lorrainebinskin2990]

Very informative for a beginner.

[@miraleatardiff8543]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us 🙂

[@Julia-zj2ch]

This is a wonderfully clear and complete video. I very much like the way you highlighted each part in red along with the part's name. Very helpful. Thank you, I learned a lot. (your kitty playing in the background is adorable!)

[@Leetgrain]

This was very interesting, thank you! This was informative and clear, and presented very well!

[@Aryan_homophobe]

Thank you! It was a nice and clear video on this topic that explained everything about this technology.

[@gretchenpatrick5585]

Best video I've seen for explaining the wheel parts and what they do. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series!

[@djpenton779]

I always wondered how spinning wheels work. Now I know! Thanks.

[@knittingbandit8493]

I loved this clear tutorial, thank you xx

[@sanflo2810]

Make of two wheels. I like the tiny ness of left wheel. Thank you for this lesson on wheels.

[@fionab4933]

As a new spinner this was very useful, thank you.

[@TinyFibreStudio]

Great to hear!

[@Starboy86]

This is a very good explanation.

[@baileyroo9281]

Absolutely fascinating. I wanted to know how spinning wheels work. Explained so well, simply and with passion for such an ancient craft that will probably outlast my comment on a fleeting You Tube platform that requires no skill and will soon disappear.

[@callielw]

Beautifully said. Can't wait for the next ones. I am not a beginning spinner but I still loved watching!

[@ghislainebazir674]

Thanks a lot, never find such clear and basic informations anywhere else. And I’m glad you’re back.

[@seaweedeater3104]

I’m a beginner so Yay! a beginners series. lucky me

[@VixxiaTwylin]

Excellent video! Very informative. Thank you for the time you put into this. 😻

[@cyndidaves5313]

Thank you so much for the very useful information. I appreciate your time to make this video

[@annewallbridge3759]

Beautiful wheels. Love the Herring Bentwood.

[@darrendonbavand8924]

Very helpful. Thankyou ,your breakdown of the parts and how they work is very informative. Have a great day :-)

[@raquelbrookelinder2715]

I love this video. I have been wanting to get a spinning wheel but they look so complicated and confusing. This really helped me to understand the different make ups. After a year with a drop spindle, I'm ready to find something a little more advanced.

[@waylonj4078]

Great information. Thank you for making this video. Well done...!!!

[@paulettemcwaters8557]

thank you for your clarifications and time

[@fleecefriend9286]

Really great video for beginner spinners! Wonderful level of detail and very clear images. Thank you so much, I will refer new guild members to your channel!

[@adamakaru2683]

Very well done presentation. It is look like you watching your videos before post them on your channel thank you, so much.

[@lesleyjones9263]

I’ve been spinning for 4 years and I learnt something new! Great video, 🙏 looks forward to your next one on DD. 🧶👍🇦🇺

[@jenniferekwong498]

thank you for this wonderful video! so informative and clear! and it was very helpful to see the parts indicated and labelled. :)

[@sarahwilliams6488]

So helpful! Thank you for going step by step through all the information that is so often assumed. I've previously had to try to work out bit by bit what the different parts of a wheel are and how it works, but this was so helpful and clear - thank you!

[@homespuntools2115]

great video! I was very excited to see a new video from you I have enjoyed all your videos. You are a skilled spinner.

[@tommccutchan3508]

Amazing! Thank you for the very detailed clear explanation.

[@TinyFibreStudio]

You’re very welcome - I’m glad it was helpful!

[@abigayletorello4635]

Thanks, cleared a lot of things up!

[@micjam1986]

Thank you for posting.. wonderfully presented. A+😊

[@zairifish]

I love this video. I had to piece together info about spinning wheels before, but this one highlights all the pieces which makes it a superior research tool - I think there is a different word I want to use here, but I can’t think of it now...🤔

[@caryntierney8267]

Very informative and interesting! Thank you

[@clairsullivan8895]

Super helpful! Love the styles. Those wheels are works of art themselves.

[@TinyFibreStudio]

Couldn't agree more!

[@chrstfer2452]

Thank you! That was illuminating.

[@TinyFibreStudio]

You’re very welcome!

[@julie.kolker]

Beautiful, thank you! Blessings! 🌟

[@RodrigoQuesada]

Wonderful video, you really took your time to explain everything very nicely and concisely!

[@nflinn8680]

Very helpful. I can't wait to hear about the Irish Tension, because that's what I have and I have NO idea how it works!

[@pumpkinking83]

Thanks! This was a really high quality video - very helpful! I’m studying for my first go at a castle wheel today.

[@gregors1422]

I had always wondered how these things work! Thanks for a great introduction! Nope... I'm not gonna buy one, or probably ever use one... just a curious guy!

[@aaronwoods7933]

Very informative, thank you for the video.

[@FelicityYarnStudio]

Thanks for making this! I’ve been spinning for about a year but this was by far the clearest break down I’ve found on how a wheel works. Looking forward to the one about scotch tension vs Irish tension as I still don’t understand the difference uses. I’ve only used scotch on my ladybug so far and I’m interested to stretch her legs a bit.

[@beverleylawton6899]

Brilliant video and so useful even though I’ve been spinning for 9 months! It was hilarious as I saw this video had come out and I thought perhaps it wouldn’t be for me as it was for beginners (😂) about how spinning wheels work and I thought I knew that! Within a few minutes something clicked ...I had previously begun spinning a coloured braid (am doing my first ever traditional 3 ply) and I worked out that I wanted the 5.5:1 ratio and was going to draft 2 inches to get about 12tpi... I felt so pleased that I was finally going to take control and work things out (new for me!) and spin with some intention... I noticed that for the whole 30g or so I was struggling to keep up drafting fast enough even with no brake band tension on and I couldn’t work it out ...until you said “..the smaller the whorl, the faster...” Yikes, I had swapped to my fastest whorl by mistake😂🤣 Clearly this video WAS for me and it has been so helpful in solving my greedy wheel!! Your videos are always top notch - thank you 🙏

[@heidicook2395]

Thank you for explaining this.

[@TinyFibreStudio]

My pleasure!

[@inezRamses]

Great video! Good information!

[@christiangab1227]

Thank you for sharing how spinning wheels work you are truly awesome and wonderful ^^

[@TinyFibreStudio]

You’re very welcome. I’m glad you found it useful.

[@monica4705]

Thank you for this! Can't wait to dive back into spinning soon!

[@lizcooney4215]

Excellent summary! I wish this would have been available when I was researching spinning wheels! Well done ! ~

[@TinyFibreStudio]

Thank you Liz!

[@lisar.2651]

Great video! I wish I had this video to look at when I was learning to spin. I have missed seeing you, and, Saffy and Dexter, of course.