Scotch Tension Spinning Wheel Tutorial

One of the most frustrating things you can encounter while spinning is not having the tension set correctly on your wheel. In this Scotch tension spinning wheel tutorial, I will give a detailed explanation about how the single drive, Scotch tension system works. We will also troubleshoot some problems you may encounter with your tension systems so you will know exactly how to adjust your spinning wheel tension.
INTRO 0:00
SPINNING WHEEL PARTS 01:13
HOW SCOTCH TENSION WORKS 02:06
TROUBLESHOOT NOT WINDING ON 06:12
TROUBLESHOOT TOO MUCH PULL 06:49
If you want to see how I made the multi-color rolags, check out my tutorial video here: • Make Multi-color Rolag...
The spinning wheel I'm using in this video is an Ashford Elizabeth set up with a single drive or Scotch tension system.
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[@meganbogart6408]

I’ve been watching a bunch of videos and this is the best clearest instructions. Most of the time I’ve been coming across beginner spinner videos and they blow through these fundamentals without even considering a noob isn’t aware of the terminology of the meaning behind it. I’ve definitely gained a much deeper understanding without even having to touch fiber!

[@darlenekorab1839]

Finally found you!!! After searching far and wide for clear, intelligent explanations!!! Plus I appreciate your mix of wide angle and close ups, that show the detail and the overall concept. THANK YOU!!!

[@JillianEve]

Oh my goodness, thank you for your amazing comment! I'm so happy you found my video helpful!

[@LauraChutny]

THat was the best explanation of what the brake band does in the most succinct way . Thank you!

[@carolespencer7739]

You are a great teacher. You explain so well. Thank you for the tutorial which has me liking my craft so much more.

[@glenawalker7747]

Jillian, you are the best teacher I’ve ever seen to learn from regarding the spinning wheel. Especially for beginners and I thank you bunches. You make things so much easier to learn. Glena Walker

[@JillianEve]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment! I'm so glad my videos can help a fellow spinner.

[@rebekahruss9573]

I am not sure how to get this up on the algorithm but this is video was taken at such an angle that I could see the fiber going through the little metal hole and see that it stayed moving and was attached to the wooden part with the hooks on it. I kept thinking how does it not just wrap around the little metal part and get stuck. I now see because it spins with the hooked part. Good camera work thank you!!!

[@museumofmuse]

This is by far the most informative tension video I've seen! Thank you for making this so clear. Explaining not only the parts, what they do, how to manoeuvre them, and how to trouble shoot is so helpful.

[@JillianEve]

I'm so glad you found the video helpful!

[@debrasaunders1742]

Most videos simply say "adjust tension" without saying what that means. Thank you for making it so clear not only what and where to adjust the tension, but why and how as well.

[@c.c.1366]

This really helped me so much! I have had trouble figuring out the amount of drag/tension to use. Your video is so clear! Thank you for making this.

[@jenniferhurt6692]

This is so well done! Thank you. Slow, clear, and well explained. Looking forward to watching your other videos.

[@teriadams7398]

This is the best explanation I've seen. Holy cow Thanks 😊

[@2471maya]

Thnak you so much!! This is soooooo helpful for beginners!

[@maggieframpton5435]

ahhhh! Calm at last, a total release of tension - in me that is! Thank you for this beautifully informative video. I'm off to spin!

[@jessicasingerman]

You’re such a good teacher. Thank you!

[@sabresister]

Thank you so much for this clear, easy to follow video! Too much twist has been the bane of my spinning since I started a few weeks ago, I’ll have to try playing with the brake tension; I was adjusting the drive band tension this whole time lol

[@JillianEve]

That is such a common mistake to make! I'm glad the video helped you! Happy spinning! 🧶❤

[@fernwinslow1941]

Thank you so much for your videos, personality and clear instructions delivered professionally but fun.

[@cherylclark4539]

That video was very helpful. I've been having a terrible time whether to tighten or loosen my tension.

[@Carlie_flower]

You're amazing 😩 thank you so much!! I could not figure out why this wasn't working for me! My scotch tension set up is missing the little spring 😅 it felt so stuck and I see now it didn't have any space to breathe with the spring lol off to the hardware store!

[@groovygrump]

Thank you for this excellent explanation of Scotch tension and how it works!

[@terribird7250]

Thank you so much for this very informative video. I had just gotten a kiwi 2 spinning wheel for Christmas and was very frustrated that I couldn't get the yarn to wind up. Tension headache gone.😍

[@JillianEve]

Tension headache... I see what you did there! :D I'm so glad I could help, happy spinning!

[@jiniyogini364]

Can't believe this is the first video I have watched to answer all my questions and all the answers are there, so clearly explained and filmed. A miracle! Thank you.

[@JillianEve]

Thank you! I'm so glad I could help. Happy spinning!!! 💕

[@Upcycled_by_Michelle]

Thank you!!! I have had the spinning wheel in the corner of the room for months not knowing where to start, Thankyou for such detailed and clear instructions! I will be watching your videos as I attempt to spin!

[@merinogreenneedlework111]

Thank you so much from a true newbie to spinning. I know my tension is not correct and will try to work with it some tomorrow. But then I will have to put my spinning down and take just my knitting with me while camping. I will continue watching your videos for more help as I travel down this journey of spinning.

[@HermioneGranger-eh3sk]

Thank you so much. My wheel was a gift from someone who never used it and when I got it I had no idea how it should be set up. Now I have set it up correctly, but just can't get the tension correct. I've watched lots of videos on how to spin, but none as detailed as yours about tension. Thank you very much. This has given me the motivation to sit down and give it another go.

[@JillianEve]

What type of wheel is it?

[@HermioneGranger-eh3sk]

@@JillianEve An Ashford Traditional.

[@JillianEve]

@@HermioneGranger-eh3sk Oh wonderful! That's an awesome wheel to have! I have another scotch tension video with demos on my Traditional if you want more info about it. Happy spinning! 💖🐑🧶😊

[@maryzcorner]

This was SO helpful, thank you. You helped me understand why my yarn was TOO twisted.

[@JillianEve]

Oh wonderful! Happy spinning! 💕

[@michaelopitz4173]

Very well explained, so people who are not very familiar with it can understand it! Thanks!

[@rebeccablankenship5493]

Thank you so much. Every time I go to look for information on spinning I always come back to your channel. I just took the plunge and bought a spinning wheel and realised I have so much to learn but I feel confident that your videos are can you guide me and greatly assist me. From working with Alpaca fleece I was gifted to learning all about my new wheel you’ve got it covered. Thank you again for all your wonderful videos.

[@cyndidaves5313]

Hi Eve, I have watched this video of yours many times. The first time was for the lesson and information and direction. All the other times that I watch it is for a refresher, when I haven't spun for months. I know I could, and I do make notes but I enjoy watching and listening to you. I feel like I'm getting a private lesson and a visit from you. Thank you so much for all your wonderful videos. I appreciate you and your teachings.

[@eve5224]

what a lovely clear video! I just got my first wheel (scotch tension) and will be referring back to this I'm sure!

[@JillianEve]

Congratulations on your new wheel! Happy spinning! 🥰🧶💕

[@deborahmagee1971]

Finally having FUN spinning. Your explanations are great. Thank you so much.

[@glendasmith7507]

Thank you soooo much for this video. I just assembled my ashford kiwi 3 wheel today and have been struggling with tension. I am new to spinning so that makes it worse haha. I will give your tips a try.

[@bigskyintx]

Thanks so much. You explain thing so so well. I’ve been spinning for awhile and this has been my main problem.

[@denisemaglinte2880]

Perfect explanation. Thank you!

[@bethanylongden1784]

Oh my gosh, thank you for saving my morning!! Brilliant video

[@sandrab8087]

This is an absolutely brilliant explanation for me, a beginner. I have learned a lot just from this video. Fantastic use of camera to show exactly what you mean. It's almost better than seeing someone explain it in real life because with your camerawork we can see in such detail. Thank you!

[@Atcraftcity]

I agree with the other comments! Why is it that no one tells beginners these most critical points of spinning? This video is great! Thanks for this...I’ve been spinning away wondering why my yarn is always getting over twisted!

[@JillianEve]

Thank you so much! I hope this video helped you figure out your over twist! 💜 Frustrated spinning is no fun!

[@glendavarela9878]

Jillian you just saved my day!

[@rizamerk]

Great video! Now I get it! Will have to see if I can make better progress now that I'm not clueless :)

[@JillianEve]

Yay! Happy spinning!

[@utpalroy5832]

No attempt to paint the roses of clarity from my side. Dug in plenty of product websites of high and low to understand the basic . You do touch the heart of the matter.-- From India.

[@SusanRitchie]

That was incredibly helpful, thank you so much! I'm a beginner and struggling with over-spinning and I know now that my tension isn't high enough. Thank you!

[@janetpinkelman2324]

Thank you so much for this video which is so helpful. I am a self-taught person since I have no classes available in the area. I am putting together a used spinning wheel and did not understand how the tension worked. Your video was just what I needed. I enjoy your videos and have learned a lot from you. God bless and have a blessed and meaningful Christmas. Janet

[@emilye.7478]

I’m not sure how you did it, but this finally all clicked for me! Thanks a million!

[@teresacreech2473]

WOW. I just learned more about tension in 8 minutes than I have in 2+ years of spinning. Previously, even though I can spin a useable yarn, getting my tension right was hit and miss. Now to take all of this, add the speed of my treadling, and I should be able to spin better with less frustration.

[@ramblingseth]

this was so helpful, thank you!

[@katherinecooper8681]

Thank you for your easy to understand videos! So glad I found you. I am new to spinning. My husband and sons gave me a spinning wheel for Mother's Day. I raise sheep and have always wanted to spin. I was ready to throw the wheel in the fire pit until I watched a few of your videos. This one was especially helpful. My "yarn" looks like something the cat dragged in but I just decided to call it art! 😏 I was just thrilled to get something on the bobbin! Thanks again for all your videos. I am definitely a fan!

[@JillianEve]

Thank you, and I'm so glad I could help! Save your first yarn to look back on. It will only get better from here! ❤

[@cheskydivision]

Love the educational stuff.

[@battywitch4096]

This video was so helpful!! I was wondering what I was doing wrong. Thank you!!

[@jpnine9]

Finally the kind of information I'm looking for! I've never spun before, and if I get started I want to make a spinning wheel. Creating things from scratch is my thing, so knowing how something works is pretty important when making moving parts.

[@JillianEve]

Glad it was helpful! Check out the Dodec wheel if you are interested in making a spinning wheel. It is a great place to start! spinoffmagazine.com/dodec-spinning-wheel-plans-by-porter-threads/

[@heidiyaklich2479]

I love your videos! You are clear, informative, and cheerful to listen to. Thank you!

[@PleiadianSister]

Omg... you explained so much and so simply! It is so hard to find someone that explains these concepts well. I just bought a vintage Ashford trad and am a total newbie. Thank you sooo much for your video. You are a good teacher! 😊

[@JillianEve]

Wow! Your adventure is just beginning! I'm so glad my video was helpful to you. I am working on adding more tutorials to my channel. Let me know if there is anything in particular you would like to see! Also, be sure to check out the Alpaca Spinning series. I tried to add detail to the spinning video and plying video that would be helpful to someone who is learning. Happy spinning!

[@loreerussell9997]

You just made my whole year! You absolutely are a joy to watch and your explications are so very easy to understand! I do have one question.....could you please show a video or maybe you have one on how to get the yarn evenly on the bobbin? Thank you again! LoRee

[@JillianEve]

Your kind comment just made my whole year! 😊💜 Yes, I think a video about filling the bobbin is a great idea! I might have to dub over the whole thing with a voice over though because most of the time I start talking to the camera, forget to change hooks, and pile up some terrible ridges! 🤣 I'll add this to my video ideas list!

[@marciemann6810]

THANK YOU! I just got a wheel and I'm watching your beginning spinning videos to get some help.This is so helpful. I finally understand the tension/twist relationship. Your videos are SO helpful. Thank you!

[@JillianEve]

Glad it helped!

[@hannahwhelan4643]

I don't tend to comment on KZbin but would just like to thank you for a well explained simple video. I've battled with my Ashford Traveller on and off since I bought it well over a year ago, and kept putting it away for months then coming back to it to try again. Tonight I was getting a nice yarn when spinning Shetland but it all went wrong when I switched to Merino. Seems I wasn't giving the yarn enough twist so I adjusted as per video and now I've just plied my first fingering weight merino yarn! ❤️

[@JillianEve]

You have no idea how happy this makes me to hear about your successful spinning! Yay!

[@hannahwhelan4643]

@@JillianEve it's just in time too! I went a bit crazy this week, bought 2 whole fleeces, hand carders, a niddy noddy and a few other bits and pieces of equipment. At least now I know that if I get the fibre washed and carded I can actually spin it in not just hoard it 😂

[@JillianEve]

@@hannahwhelan4643 Spinning wool and collecting wool are each their own hobbies right?

[@claudiapatchin2321]

Thank you so much! This video really helped!

[@lisacarnahan8560]

excellent instruction!!

[@JillianEve]

Thank you so much! I'm really glad you liked it!

[@pamsharman1207]

Thank you for your excellent explanation. Best video I've seen on tension troubleshooting.

[@jacquelinemarriott6529]

Great video for new spinners!! Thank you!

[@JillianEve]

You are so welcome!

[@dwade1367]

Have been watching your podcasts and many others. You have me so intent on learning something I've never tried. My grandparents also came from Sweden and wish I had paid more attention to historical experiences they had. I have a very diverse family with lots of cultural differences and love them all. Think I'll start small though with a spindle. Love knitting so why not give it a try. Stay Creative 💕

[@woolywonders5546]

Thanks for enabling cc!! Great puns lol, excellent video quality & content: subscribed!

[@JillianEve]

You are too kind, my puns are terrible! Lol!

[@shadowlandsfarmandcreamery5400]

Thank you so much! I know this video is a few years old, but I'm a newbie that just got an Ashford Traveller and this was incredibly helpful to understand the process!❤

[@JillianEve]

I'm so glad! I have a lot more videos that you might find helpful too. Happy spinning! 🧶💜😊

[@shadowlandsfarmandcreamery5400]

@@JillianEve I'm definitely bingeing your channel!❤

[@chrisgrab810]

Thank you so much for sharing your videos. Your explanations are some of the best. Very much appreciated.

[@JillianEve]

Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I have more videos coming soon!

[@kingaxolotl7796]

I’ve been wanting to get into spinning so I just got a used spinning wheel and couldn’t figure out what was wrong with it and turns out, the tension knob is missing. I think it’s an Elisabeth but I need the year to be able to purchase a new knob. This helped me out so much, thank you

[@helenstanley4975]

Brilliant and informative tension explanation. Thank you for making this video - just starting out in spinning.

[@JillianEve]

Welcome to the craft of spinning! 💕

[@nyergesjudit6595]

Very very very useful video. Many thanks.

[@JillianEve]

You are welcome!

[@jenniferg5625]

Thank you so much!! You explained it so clearly and I understand my wheel so much better now!

[@JillianEve]

I'm so glad I could help! Happy spinning! 💜

[@lyndasmith593]

Very informative. I understand now. Thanks

[@JillianEve]

Happy to help!

[@riaclerica]

Thank you so much, it's been ages since I've used my wheel and I needed the refresher!

[@JillianEve]

Glad it helped! Happy Spinning!

[@PandTRanch]

That was soooo helpful! Even though I have a different wheel, I think I can figure out my troubles! Thanks! 👍👍😄

[@JillianEve]

Teresa Griffith Wonderful!

[@lisagraced8112]

Thank you!

[@amandacampbell4549]

This is excellent! Thank you! I'm a beginner and trying to figure out my spinning wheel, the tension was off and I was struggling with drafting. You've helped me so much!

[@legarsquitricote]

Thank you, that was really clear!

[@JillianEve]

You are welcome! Are you spinning for knitted socks? I bet they would be amazing! 🐑💕

[@legarsquitricote]

@@JillianEve I've spun sock yarn recently, but I haven't had the time to knit it. I've spun yarn for a sweater and the result was amazing! You can check my Instagram page to see the sutff I've knitted with my own handspun yarn! I'm Le gars qui tricote on Instagram!

[@ImGinaMarie]

Thanks so much for this great tutorial and great camera work, I really appreciate it when details are shown. You are a great teacher!! I'm so excited to be getting a Kiwi 3 sometime in February I think, as they are back ordered right now. After I finish binge watching your videos it would be nice to think I'll be off and spinning when my wheel gets here but I suppose that is a spinning fairy tale! I haven't been to your blog yet so I'm wondering if you are planning on a book...if not you probably should, you're a great teacher!! It would sell and compliment these videos!! 🌸❄️☃️☃️😷

[@JillianEve]

Thank you so much! 💜🥰 Happy spinning! I hope you survive the long wait for your wheel!

[@Jessesmom12]

Good info!❤️💐

[@pip-woollycwtches]

Brilliant thank you 😊

[@sarahlewis399]

Thank you so much. It could not have been clearer. On my own in lockdown with a brand new wheel. Now able to spin and understand the vocabulary much better.

[@JillianEve]

You're welcome! I'm so glad I could help, and happy spinning!

[@janwright6476]

Hi thankyou so much for this video struggling with overtwist and yarn breaking but I think I need to learn to draft properly. I have an ashford e spinner

[@JillianEve]

E spinners go pretty fast. I would probably have to predraft everything before starting the spinning or I would over twist everything!

[@lorrainecrowston]

Really appreciated this video. I purchased an Ashford traveller double treadle and was never all that happy with the way it spun. It just seemed to be so much more work than my other spinning wheel. You video showed me what was wrong with the tension, and how to spin on this wheel. By the way, I liked your pun...very funny. Thanks for the video.

[@JillianEve]

I'm so happy you got your wheel going! You will have to come back with an update about how you like it now that the tension is working.

[@rachelkeller6378]

Wow! Great video 👍 I was trying to figure out if I had all the parts to my "new" wheel... I believe I'm missing to most important part... The tension break!

[@JillianEve]

Good news is that's an easy part to replace!

[@spudy-bug9033]

I have been struggling with the tension. I'm so glad you are here to watch over and over. I have only been trying for 3 days, and I was getting so frustrated! So I'm off to ry again. Hoping to find the "sweet spot," soon. And I am enjoying the learning experience.? BTW? do you know of any actual spinning classes around areas? I'm in southwestern PA, south east of Pittsbugh, between Greensburg and Uniontown. Just in case there is anyone out there that can provide hands on? Thanks so very very much!

[@JillianEve]

I hope you are getting your tension figured out! I'm so happy to help. I have another more recent video on my channel as well if that helps, here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZ-4haN8gt-Gqbc I don't know of any in person lessons in that area, but I do offer virtual spinning lessons. I also have a spinning course and private Facebook group. You can e-mail me if you would like more information [e-mail] Happy spinning!

[@vilajones8625]

Thank you for helping me with with my first spinning wheel I've checked out others they talked over my head but when I found you you started with what parts are called what I finally started to understand. My first wheel is about 50 or so years old I found it on Facebook it had no papers or anything thanks to you I understand it a little bit more maybe I can make some yarn!

[@JillianEve]

I'm so glad! Happy spinning!

[@michelletothill8551]

I am sitting in front of a spinning wheel for the first time in over 40 years. My Grandmother taught me to process wool, from cleaning the fleece to, spinning and weaving when I was very young. I am using my step mother's Ashford Joy and it is a challenge using both feet and figuring out my coordination. This video helped with one issue. The old wheel I learned to spin on did not have a tension brake like the Ashford wheel, it has a means of raising or lowering the head to create tension.

[@JillianEve]

The older wheel you learned on was probably a double drive tension system. It is different than the Joy, but the Joy is a wonderful wheel to learn on! 🧶💖

[@sarahpugh7362]

Love how you explain all so calmly and clearly. My bobbin isn’t turning. Played with tension, so don’t understand 🙁.

[@JillianEve]

I'd love to help if I can! Can you tell me what kind of wheel you have? Is the bobbin stuck, or is the yarn not drawing in? Sometimes a small piece of tape to anchor the leader to the bobbin will do the trick.

[@janetsheehey3205]

Thanks!

[@HeidiBuhl1]

Hi from Denmark 😊 Fantastic ❤

[@JillianEve]

I'm so glad you enjoyed the video! Happy spinning! 💖

[@NikkiRox85]

Thank you for this video. I just got my wheel the other day and your video made me realize my headache was not enough tension!

[@JillianEve]

I'm so glad I could help! How exciting! Is it your first wheel? If you need any other help with it feel free to DM me on Instagram or Facebook. Happy spinning!

[@NikkiRox85]

@@JillianEve This is my first wheel. I got a Kromski Prelude. I am in love with it. I went back and tweaked the tension. Today I actually got some yarn onto the bobbin for the first time but honestly I just need to practice a lot. Your are so right about getting that sweet spot of tension. You have to work at finding it and it will work great.

[@heleneollisollid8991]

THANK YOU!!!!!

[@allcrafty8668]

I haven't done a fractal spin yet. Looks interesting

[@abigailchaffin1502]

You’re an actual angel

[@carmenguzman7991]

I love the way you explain and teach. I would like to learn to spin, there no one near me. I willing to go at alone, I plan to buy a e-spinner. Do you have any suggestions of books or video that will start me from the beginning? Thank you in advance for your help

[@JillianEve]

Hi! I was the same way when I first learned to spin. I was in a very rural place with my closest local yarn store over 2 hours away. I learned how to spin mainly from books and KZbin. The number one book I recommend is called "Spinning and Dying Yarn" by Ashley Martineau. It's on Amazon here: amzn.to/2ImVqKd she also has good videos about spinning yarn on KZbin. Search her name and "How to Spin Yarn." You'll find her. Good luck, and if there is anything specific you want me to put into a video, let me know. I'm happy to take requests.

[@fancydeer]

i always wondered how wheels worked!

[@cardykecobsuk4500]

I’ve just brought a single drive castle type wheel and it doesn’t have the scotch tension eyelets but does have a peg... but doesn’t pull the yarn in either... can I add eyelets and scotch tension to it? Love your videos they help me so much!!! Xx

[@JillianEve]

It's hard to say without seeing the wheel itself. Does it have a brand or a maker listed on it? Modifications and repairs are sometimes required, but I don't want to say for sure without knowing more about the wheel you have. ❤

[@clareszmekura4587]

Hi Eve I really appreciate your clear informative instructions they have helped enormously. I am a novice spinner with an Ashford Traveller. I am finding that I am struggling to get the tension right when the bobbin is close to full. I consistently end up bouncing between over twist and breaking the yarn. Would it help to adjust the drive band tension? Any suggestions would be appreciated

[@JillianEve]

Great question! Yes, as the bobbin fills, it takes stronger tension to slow it down, but when it gets very strong it can slow the whole system. You instinct is right on! Try tightening the drive band. However, if it becomes difficult to treadle, you've tightened the drive and too much. As you get to know your wheel better, you will get familiar with which parts need adjusting as you spin. Happy spinning! 💕

[@clareszmekura4587]

@@JillianEve Thank you! Your advice is much appreciated

[@loganpollock1689]

On my Ashford Traditional it is light tension starting out and increasing tension as the bobbin fills up.

[@JillianEve]

Yep, as there is more weight on the bobbin, the tension needs to increase to slow it down. Mine is the same way!

[@mumbo1956]

Hello, thank you so much for these videos. I recently refurbished an ashford traditional spinning wheel. I also purchased the refurbish kit you recommended. My wheel is very much like the one you refurbished. The only difference I see is the way the scotch tensioning system is working. Mine is slightly different than yours. Since I had no spinning wheel experience, but I do have drop spindle experience, I thought this would be a no brainer but I am stumped. When there is no scotch tension applied (as in the line is completely removed from the bobbin groove) the bobbin spins with the wheel. As soon as I apply the plastic line bobbin. The bobbin just stops. If I just put the line up against the bobbin, as in not connecting the spring end to the hook, just holding onto the groves end of the bobbin with my hand, even barely touching the bobbin, the bobbin completely stops spinning. Any ideas? I am looking forward to watch more videos after I figure this thing out. Thank you in advance.

[@sarahcasha8842]

Hi Jillian, your videos are very helpful, thank you for sharing! I wanted to ask whether there is a way to prepare raw alpaca wool for spinning without a drum carder, or if you can start to spin with raw wool that has been cleaned straight away? Thanks!

[@JillianEve]

Thank you! Have you seen the series I made about spinning alpaca? It will give you some ideas. Here's the link to the first video kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6S6eJl_q9adi8k happy spinning!

[@sarahcasha8842]

@@JillianEve I haven't seen those videos, I will have to watch them. I have alpacas and I'm trying to spin their wool for the first time, so this will be really helpful. Thank you :)

[@lissie831]

I have a Walter kircher castle wheel and I can’t find much info about it online. It’s my first wheel. It’s a single drive and the drive band goes around the bobbin and the tension goes around the flyer by the orifice opening. I think my flyer is turning too slow compared to the bobbin because I often have to stop and wrap up the excess yarn. It doesn’t take up fast enough. I can’t slow the bobbin down because the brake doesn’t go around it. Any ideas or suggestions for troubleshooting? Anything is appreciated. Thanks!

[@JillianEve]

Hi! It sounds like you have a bobbin led wheel with the break over the flier instead of the bobbin. Sometimes it's called "Irish tension." So the general rules will still apply for Scotch tension, but Irish tension tends to have a stronger uptake. My best suggestion would be to slowly increase the tension over the flier until the strength of the draw in is where you want it. You are right that it needs to be stronger if the yarn isn't getting drawn onto the wheel. I hope this helps! Happy spinning!

[@chloen.5974]

Very helpful however, I am also having trouble with the tension of my drive band. It is on the lowest tension setting with the band that came with the wheel (brand new) and treadling is difficult. The wheel doesn’t spin very long on its own and unless I spin it first with my hand, it feels like I am going to break the treadle. Is there something I can do to ease the spinning?

[@JillianEve]

Hmm... what kind of wheel is it? Some wheels need to be oiled, but some don't. I would check to see if it needs a few drops of oil to get it going. If the wheel is brand new and it has self lubricating bearings it might have a break in time too. I would check that first. Good luck! I hope you find a simple solution so you can get spinning! 💕

[@shilohpointfarm8544]

Complete beginner here. I have my first bobbin of yarn and need to know how to get it off the bobbin so I can ply it. Which video should I watch?

[@JillianEve]

I'm literally filming that video right now! One thing many people do if they only have one bobbin is to wind the yarn into a center pull ball of yarn with a yarn winder. You can ply it together from each end, essentially folding the yarn in half on itself. Happy spinning!

[@Kimscrochetandknits]

im wondering about the hooks on the flyer why is some on one side and others on the other side?

[@JillianEve]

Honestly, I'm not positive. My guess is that it has to do with balancing the arms on the flier. All 3 of my antique wheels are set up this way, so I guess that is some historical evidence that this was standard practice.

[@TheBlondiesNr1]

I've only ever used spinning wheels with a double drive band. How does the bobbin spin at all when the flier does? Does it fit really tightly to the flier "rod"? I mean if I only laid the drive band around the whorl on the flier and not the whorl and the bobbin, my bobbin wouldn't spin