Spinning on a Turkish Spindle

My name is Lisa and this is my channel about creating & using handspun yarn.
In this video I show you how to put together your Turkish Spindle and demonstrate how to get a leader from your fiber and start spinning. I also give you a tour of my Turkish Spindle collection.
Every spindle was purchased by me and I am not an affiliate of any of the makers showcased.
Music:
If we knew all the laws of Nature by Robert Farmer is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License.
Links:
thewoodemporium.co.uk/dropspin...
www.etsy.com/shop/NaturalKnot...
www.etsy.com/shop/SnyderSpind...
woolery.com/
www.etsy.com/shop/yellowdogfa...
For more instruction I highly recommend all of Abby Franquemont's videos. Here is one on Turkish Spindles:
• Video

[@turningsandcrafts]

Thank you for making this video, I not only enjoyed it but I learned a bit. I have started making drop spindles and Turkish spindles. My wife told me that if I really want to understand what folks want in a Turkish spindle I need to learn to use one. I am looking forward learning how to use them and learning how to improve my spindles. Again thank you.

[@TomTapping]

A classic video for everyone spinning with or wanting to spin with a Turkish Spindle.

[@SoulfulSpinning]

Tom Tapping Thank you so much. I want to do a drop spindle demo too!

[@944gemma]

You’re are prompting me to get out my fleece, unearth my wheels, and renew my relationship with my spindles. Spinning is a wonderful, relaxing, and productive activity.

[@SoulfulSpinning]

944gemma I do hope you’ve had the chance to get you fiber, spindles, and wheels out for a spin! Thank you for your comments 😊.

[@944gemma]

Yes, I have resurrected all my spinning toys. We still love each other. Funny how muscle memory kicks in. Love my fleece. Love my drop spindles. Love my wheels, carders, drum carders, combs. Happiness.

[@w.tollefson371]

I know nothing about this...but your technique is mesmerizing...Thanks!

[@jacquen697]

You are so comforting to watch and learn from ... thank you !!!!

[@SoulfulSpinning]

Thanks so much!

[@susanscandles]

I just enjoy your teaching and demonstrating at the same time. Only problem is, I want each thing you are showing. I wasn’t interested in a Turkish spindle and now I am!🤣

[@DarcieGlam]

I didn't know about plying with a Turkish spindle. That seems like a really easy way to ply if you are using the same yarn you just spun. Love it!

[@mindyalbright4491]

I appreciate that you actually demonstrate more than one way to wind on. I have been looking for an example of that! Thank you.

[@bernadettepauling9140]

Thank you for making this video. This the first video I’ve seen to show how to actually start.

[@Shane-The-Pain]

Wow. Thank you for the excellent video. I was curious about drop spindles. Your vid seems to have a calming effect like Bob Ross teaching painting. My blood-pressure thanks you.

[@SoulfulSpinning]

You’re not the first viewer to say that. I take it as a great compliment. Thank you so much for taking time to watch and comment. Take care 💜.

[@eileenfb1948]

Thank you for showing all these Turkish spindles. Very interesting and good to have the different designs and to see the beautiful wood. Loved it, thank you.

[@dragnflei]

I’ve been alternately watching this video and practicing with my new Turkish spindle this afternoon. At first I thought, no way, it was just too different, not at all intuitive. But within a couple of hours I’d changed my mind. I really love it. It’s much easier on my left hand and wrist. Thank you for making this!

[@aliiljah8224]

I have really enjoyed your video. I just got started in spinning. I am really enjoying it. I have one mini Turkish spindle 41/2" and I just ordered one from the Wood Emorium UK. can't wait. Thank you so much, I have subscribed so I can learn more. Alicia USA

[@SoulfulSpinning]

The Wood Emporium is Ian Tait. He is an amazing maker. Happy spinning and thank you so much for watching!

[@ruthonell2739]

Oh dear! You have sent me down the rabbit hole. I now have TWO spindles coming my way. Can't Wait!!!

[@SoulfulSpinning]

Oh I am happy to oblige. I want to hear all the details!

[@ruthonell2739]

@@SoulfulSpinning the first one is here! And........ I realize that even after years of experience on a wheel and a slight amount of experience with park and draft with a heavy top whorl, I have so much to learn. Yay! 😁 I watched your episode on Turkish spindles again and am doubly impressed with your skill level. I need to find something to carry my fiber besides throwing it over my shoulder. But in the meantime knot, twirl, draft, draft, twirl, draft, draft, flick (which is much harder than you make it look!) wind on (over two, under one).

[@michaelbaker4394]

A luthier is a crafter of musical instruments, really enjoyed the video. You have an amazing collection of Turkish spindles!!!

[@sandramarshall7712]

Thank you. This has been the best demo on this that I have watched. You make it look so easy.

[@Snow-ij8of]

I just purchased a drop spindle at the Maryland Sheep and Wool fest, but seeing your video I see how easy a Turkish spinner works. I may have to get one later as I learn my way though this wonderful hobby. I love how you show and explain the different spinners, a great learning experience. Thank you.

[@SoulfulSpinning]

Snow Thanks million for your kind comments. I am so glad you got something out of my little video!

[@dsvance1]

It looks so pretty when it whorls

[@KatrinaGressett]

This video was inspiring and I just bought a Turkish spindle to add to my collection.

[@ladycraftsalot83podcast]

This made me take out my spindle n my turkish spindle

[@bennetdl]

This is a wonderful overview of hand spindles. I ordered a Turkish spindle from Snyder Spindles this morning and it is on the way. I’m also going to order a square spindle from Spindlewood. I am enjoying your videos so much!!! Andrea from Ohio

[@SoulfulSpinning]

Two wonderful makers. Happy spinning. 💕

[@kathycostello4104]

A wonderful video showing how to get many styles of yarn from a Turkish Spindle. As a drop spindle spinner, I just got my first Turkish Spindle from Turtle Made. Your clear and concise instruction has brought immediate success. Thank you!

[@AngelaDChildress]

Thank you for this video. After many tries attempting to spin on a Top Whirl I swore off every spinning on a spindle. But watching your videos made me curious enough and I bought a Turkish spindle yesterday. So far I'm happy with it. I'm not perfect but I'm not so frustrated that I'm wanting to toss it.

[@elizabethsherman8661]

Good Sunday morning! What an awesome collection of Turkish spindles you own. I love the pink ivory little beauty :) Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience.

[@SoulfulSpinning]

Elizabeth Sherman Thank you Beth! Have a wonderful day ☀️.

[@katrinaknight8751]

I am very inspired by your video

[@elizabethburley7954]

Thank you, this was very informative!

[@Myknittingpodcast]

Thanks Lisa that was very lovely and informative! I was way behind on watching and it took me a while to get here...xxx Jolanda

[@concettorametta9005]

From Lisa R so happy to find you ! Thank you for the excellent Turkish spindle demo and information 👍🏻♥️ subscribed :)

[@spunknit7851]

I've never wanted a Turkish spindle before, but watching this video made me want to try one. They are so tiny and adorable! I bought a Galina spindle, and it is beautiful and spins great! I love it! Thank you for the inspiration!

[@knittingbandit8493]

Thank you, so clear xx

[@donnad6870]

That was WONDERFUL! Thank you!

[@SoulfulSpinning]

Thank you so much!

[@tealkerberus748]

Nice stuff. The spindle would spin for a longer time and more evenly if you could glue or screw a metal weight to each of the four ends, like that bog oak spindle with its brass plugs. More weight at the rim of a wheel gives more momentum. You could spin quite a long bit of thread at a time while sitting down if you were sitting on a high stool, or at the edge of a balcony where you could hang the spindle over the edge.

[@RickarooCarew]

that is totally far out... WOW... I'm going to make one... thanks very much ❤️

[@RickarooCarew]

so .. I can see you are really into this... here's a little something to think about.. maybe work on with all the stuff you know... remember the dreaded homespun we were told about as kids?... poor people used homespun and cotton has replaced it?... they had a hemp patch out behind the barn.. ;;~} seeds for oil lamp oil ... and about 10,000 other things around my house.. fiber for burlap bags... rope.. and another 10,000 things that we don't have to buy from someone else... the stuff we grow is also medicinal.. small flowers... lots of branches.. the fibers are as long as the plant is tall.. the xylem and phloem.. twisted in opposite directions for moving fluid up and down the stems... the branches are long enough to make guitar strings with... so.. I didn't grow this year and neither did my partner.. but.. we will get stems from friends... we need alternatives to nylon and plastic... new technology for the most ancient plants we have in our garden ✌️

[@RickarooCarew]

so.. there's an old fashioned way to remove the plant material from the fibers.. the folks in Europe lay the plants in mud... let them dry in the mud... which takes a while.. and there may be stuff I don't know... but eventually you can just lift the fibers out of the mud and the rest of the stuff turns into compost.. nothing wasted... I like that 🤠

[@RickarooCarew]

I have seen cannabis fiber combed out to the basic fibers.. looks like silk.. fine as elf hair.. smaller... like spider silk

[@sheilahdang11]

excellent video, I deeply appreciate it. Thank you

[@sims4you266]

I'm in love with this video

[@SoulfulSpinning]

Sims4You Thank you so much. I am glad you enjoyed it! Take care.

[@lorib1696]

Oh my gosh. I thought that was your fiber supply next to you and then I saw the nose. Beautiful fiber...I mean fur. Thanks for posting this video. I just ordered my first Turkish spindle from Scotts Mountain Crafts on Etsy and can't wait for it to arrive.

[@maryanngorman3533]

I found your video from looking for videos on how to keep a Turkish spindle spinning. I had a real problem with my spindle spinning wildly or stopping entirely too quickly. Watching your explanation of short forward draw really helped me! I realized I needed to let the weight of the spindle help. Thank you!

[@SoulfulSpinning]

I’m so glad you found the video helpful. Spinning on a Turkish spindle is so fun once you get the hang of it. Thanks for watching!

[@aeastman59]

This was great information on how to spin on a turkish spindle and to see the varieties and collection, thank you for sharing all this with us.!

[@SoulfulSpinning]

A Eastman Thank you so much for the encouragement and feedback 😊.

[@jacobleatherberry]

Hi, I like your video. I've been spinning with both drop spindle and wheel. Turkish spindles are my favorite type of spindle except for one thing, the wobble. I found that if I notch my tip of the shaft the yarn is more centered and less wobble occurs. I wonder why someone hasn't invented a Turkish spindle with a corkscrew on the top to hold the yarn so you don't have to make a half hitch on the top of the shaft

[@user-se2cz4yv8r]

Thank you ❤

[@jenniferallen5205]

Thank you!

[@indigenousspinster_6665]

I have only used a top whorl drop spindle and a navajo spindle, I just purchased one like that, im excited to try it, thanks for all the great info

[@jennywren2395]

You truly are a soulful spinner and your love of fleece shines through in each video. I was convinced by Josefin Watlin about supported spindles and now by you regarding turkish spindles. My top whorl drop spindles from 45 years ago are primitive by comparison but I managed very well to spin up jerseys for my sons from my own sheep. Hope you have your podcasting mojo back as i see you made a cast a week or so ago. Thank you and kind regards, Jenny(NZ)

[@deannastevens1217]

AMAZING!!! SO MUCH TALENT!!! So much to know and become good at.

[@SoulfulSpinning]

Yes Deanna there is so much to learn and discover about spinning! 💕

[@peachs157]

THIS is the video I was looking for! I'm just getting into hand spinning, wanted to try Turkish spindles, and I wanted a video that shows starting a leader of my fiber, I don't really want a leader of already made yarn, so THANK YOU!!!!

[@SoulfulSpinning]

Heather Meyer I am so glad you found it useful! Thank you for your comment!

[@DanaBarbieri]

That's some collection of spindles. They are all beautiful. I have only one and I'm still learning. This video was very helpful. Will you be demonstrating how to ply the yarn? Thanks!

[@SoulfulSpinning]

Dana Barbieri That’s a great suggestion. I will do a video how I ply in a spindle!

[@YarnNYarns]

Loved taking a tour of your turksih spindles. I have some 3D printed ones but no beautiful wooden ones.....yet. I'll be stalking Enid Ashcrofts etsy

[@SoulfulSpinning]

Enid’s spindles are so worth it. I hope you catch an update. She usually posts in her Ravelry group first, but I noticed she’s on Instagram now. If you contact her, she may make one for you!

[@user-dz1yj2rl6j]

Какая красота!

[@callicocat1]

Hello Lisa! Thank you for such an informative video, so well done. I just purchased my first Turkish Drop Spindle yesterday at our Fibre West Show and got excited to immediately find your lovely video. Looking forward to spinning away and finally creating my own yarn. Happy Spining : )

[@SoulfulSpinning]

Judith Sask Thank you Judith! Turkish spindles are so fun to spin on. Happy spinning and thank you for the kind words 💕.

[@laurieelliott9889]

Jenkins spindles has a website. He and his wife sell at Oregon Flock and Fiber in Albany, Oregon. They are very nice people.

[@lizurquhart4105]

Thank you.

[@rachelberry1570]

Lovely video and what a wonderful collection of Turkish spindles too! The first spindle I ever bought was a small bog oak Turkish spindle from Ian at IST Crafts when I saw him at a fibre show here in the U.K. I have since got a few of his top whorl spindles in my collection and they are all wonderful to spin with. Happy spinning.

[@SoulfulSpinning]

Thank you Rachel for your kind comment! I love Ian’s spindles, too. All wonderful spinners. It would be lovely to buy one from him in person someday!

[@Holly-craftgirl]

I just bought my first Turkish spindle! Thank you for the video. You make it look so relaxing. I can’t wait to start spinning with it.

[@tuesdayd9276]

Thank you for showing us the different spindles. They are very beautiful. I am just beginning to spin. I bought a drop spindle,,,,,now you have me wanting a Turkish spindle. Once again, fantastic video. Thank You. P.S. i would love to see some items you have made. Thank you!

[@SoulfulSpinning]

Girl Trucker Thank you for your comment 💙. I hope you find a beautiful Turkish spindle soon. Have fun and happy spinning 😀.

[@SewWhatCrochetCrafts]

Very awesome...new sub here

[@SewWhatCrochetCrafts]

I just bought a Snyder Spindle with a cat cut out ....just getting i to spinning and i love it

[@SoulfulSpinning]

Sew What Home Party Mr.Snyder makes great spinners! I had my first Turkish spindle for a while and admired it as an object for quite sometime before I actually started spinning on it. I learned in a wheel first. Kinda backwards to most spinners. I am so glad you have found the joy of spinning 🌼. Thanks for watching!

[@cristinahawkins1043]

Beautiful! I so enjoy learning from you! Q. For a new spinner, which size Turkish spindle would you recommend? I would like to get one of Mr. Ian’s spindles.. (I knit with fingering weight yarn) Thank you for your help 😊

[@leighk1275]

I like Kerry Spindles on Etsy. They are local to me in the UK.

[@SoulfulSpinning]

Leigh K I have seen those on Etsy. Very tempting!

[@zeynelocak9557]

❤

[@RuthHenriquez1]

This was wonderful; you are a very good spinner. I've been spinning on a turkish spindle with a long shaft and a hook; I think a shorter one would spin better, and seeing your collection was really helpful. Thank you for the instruction and the contacts. Where did you get your gotland/blue face leicester/ silk blend?

[@SoulfulSpinning]

Ruth Henriquez Thank you Ruth! That particular fiber was from Inglenook Fibers. I do prefer a shorter shaft on my Turkish spindles and no hook. Happy spinning 😀.

[@dolfinmagikpro]

Great informative instruction! Thank you. Just curious ... Is there a reason for the "Over two, under one" winding? Why not "Over one, under one"? Or, "over three, under two"? Is it traditional? Thank you ... Have a better day ... As I always say!

[@barbarahudak8496]

Lisa, do the same standards apply to Turkish Spindles with regards to the ounces and weight of yarn? Also with regards to faster spinning and more continuous spinning. (Just watched your drop spindle video).

[@gerryivkovich1857]

I am new to spindle spinning. I've been using a wheel for 14 yrs. You had many very small spindles. Do you pick the size according to the weight of the single you are making?

[@12dragonfairy]

enjoyed watching your video, just wondering how do you ply?

[@SoulfulSpinning]

12dragonfairy Thank you for watching! With spindles I usually make a plying ball, hold 2 strands together taught and then ply from the ball on my wheel or a heavier spindle.

[@OnedayDesigns]

Thank you for this very informative video. What type of fiber would you recommend for a beginner?

[@SoulfulSpinning]

Linda Sellick I would recommend Corriedale, Romney, Blue Faced leicester, or Falkland for easy first time spinning. Thanks for watching!

[@OnedayDesigns]

Thank you.

[@kaberle7]

Hi Lisa. Do you not need to soak the yarn after spinning this way to set the twist? Is it different in that respect or only due to the type of roving? I am new at spinning and am very eager to learn this!! Thank you.

[@SoulfulSpinning]

kaberle7 I always like to soak my yarn after plying it if keeping a single. I plan on making a plying video soon.

[@erikacronje8985]

Great demonstration! I want to try spinning my own yarn for the first time this year and like the Turkish spindle for the reason that you end up with a ready ball of wool. The short draw looks like the better way to start as a beginner than the long draw, what do you suggest?

[@SoulfulSpinning]

Erika Cronje Hi Erika, thanks for your comment. Yes, short forward with a medium stapled wool I think is best for beginner spinners. Corriedale or Romney are great breeds to start with.

[@erikacronje8985]

@@SoulfulSpinning I live in South Africa, so my choice of wool is a bit limited as we do not breed so many types of sheep here

[@CEE2802]

Hi Erika, just bought my first Turkish spindle. Where are you based in SA. I am in Joburg. Would love to interact regarding wool/ spindles and techniques. Regards ©laudz

[@CondorsCroft]

Thanks for making this video, I like your tip on wrapping the beginning at the bottom I might try that. I've tried a few different things but it's always nice to see how other people do things! Also I'm completely blaming you for making me buy a Snyder Spindle, I just ran over to their etsy shop and bought one. It will only make two turkish spindles for me though. I also love the distaff you shared, I've never seen one like that before and I think it's neat that it was made here in Vermont! Do you think it's really worth having or do you think it's nice to have but you would be fine without it? I can manage just fine by wrapping around my arm but I do like that they are made locally to me so I'm intrigued.

[@SoulfulSpinning]

CraftyGarden Thanks so much for your kind comments. As far as the distaff goes, I went forever without one and it is not necessary. Besides with your crafty talents, you could make one for yourself 😀. Enjoy your new spindle! I am loving your fleece to FO series.

[@CondorsCroft]

Soulful Spinning you are welcome and I'm glad you like my series! I'll be sure to share my new spindle when it comes in and if I remember I'll give you a shout out on the podcast!

[@qltygrl3187]

How many yards can you spin before removing it from the spindle?

[@robinmanly7381]

Thank you for sharing this! What size are your smaller Turkish spindles? I looked at the Wood Emporium website and I'm not sure how the measurements are done.

[@iantait309]

I know this is a bit late but the size is the length of the cross arms, in metric I am afraid! Ian

[@SoulfulSpinning]

Thank you! Someone was just asking me this. I hope you are well. Still treasuring my collection of your spindles.

[@iantait309]

@@SoulfulSpinning Yes I am well, still plodding on. Went to my first show for nearly three years. Life seems to be getting back to some sort of normality. Hope you and your are keeping well.

[@janethughes-smith2352]

I would like to see your fingers draftng as well.

[@vt806]

❤❤❤👍

[@cmaur811]

Your spindle spins great.what weight is that one?

[@SoulfulSpinning]

I am not sure which one you are referring to exactly, but I would say my favorite Turkish spindles are about 20-25 grams (0.7-0.8 ounces). Though you can get even lighter ones. My lighter is a mere 11 grams!

[@cmaur811]

Soulful Spinning the one you are using when you are standing up .. natural color fiber. I just ordered a spindle . I was interested in the size you are using.

[@Darcy783]

What is the accessory you used to keep the roving away from the spindle called? The link to the Etsy shop where I think you said you got yours doesn't work.

[@SoulfulSpinning]

Hi there and thank for your question. It is called a wrist distaff. There are other kinds of distaffs, too. A google search should give you an idea. Nowadays, I tend to wrap the roving around my wrist to keep it out of the way while I spin.

[@superioradvantage]

Hi, what were the sizes of your Turkish spindles?

[@zinniazen9923]

I just started spinning I usually use a wheel. Which Spins really well and have made lots of yarn. But wanted to try a Turkish spindle. I have tried several attempts but my yarn is too weak and breaks before I wind on. I have a midi Snyder spindle and I cannot spin it fast. I may go back to my spinning wheel. I don’t know what I am doing wrong.

[@SoulfulSpinning]

You might try spinning a thicker single on your Turkish spindle. I find that I don’t get the high twist with my heavier Turkish spindles. Makes them great for plying though. Going back to a park and draft method temporarily might be helpful too. You could also try a lighter Turkish spindle. Good luck and I hope you end up loving your Turkish spindles.

[@zinniazen9923]

Thanks for replying back. I tried a different wool and it seems too be working. I just can’t get it to spin long enough so I been doing the park and draft method. I am wanting to be able to stand and walk with it one day. The wool I was using before had a silk blend which I always use on a spinning wheel. Back to the basics corridale wool. Ps would the 3 d printed spindle work? I am trying to find a way without spending too much money.

[@944gemma]

I’m wondering if you ever tried using a wrist distaff

[@SoulfulSpinning]

I’ve tried them but always go back to wrapping the wool around my wrist.

[@deborahosullivan7969]

Sadly, Wayne Capar passed away in July, 2018. His spindles are lovely.

[@SoulfulSpinning]

Deborah O'Sullivan yes, I know. He was a wonderful maker!

[@kyla5301]

Is it normal for it to twist up on itself, or am I spinning that section of roving too much? I try to spin it less but then it doesn't look right. I feel like I'm over doing it.

[@SoulfulSpinning]

Kyla Jae Yes Kyla it should definitely double on itself. That’s your ply back and an idea of what the yarn should look like after you ply. Check out Abby Frankemont’’s channel on beginning with a drop spindle. She’s using a top while but it’s the same.

[@kyla5301]

Thank you so much. That was very helpful. I've been doing it right just need to perfect the technique.

[@rayskitten78]

Ahhh it is like starting French knitting I would love a wheel but no room 😒

[@SherrisPlace]

Is there a particular spindle the has the best balance and longest spin time? If so, Perhaps you could give me a time stamp as to which one it was on this video? And which one you like to ply on as well also. Thank you. 🙏

[@SoulfulSpinning]

Hi there, really any good maker’s Turkish spindles will spin well. I find that super light spindles under 1/2 ounce do not seem to spin quite as long. But they spin fast. I like a spindle about .8-1 ounce. The nature of the form of a Turkish give it a pretty sustained spin in my experience. If you want to spin thicker singles you’ll want a heavier spindle and vice versa. Scott Snyder on Etsy makes really beautiful affordable spindles to get started and there are some 3D printed ones that are nice to if you think you want to try without a big outlay if $$. I hope you find your perfect spindle!

[@arctictimberwolf]

iamma gonna make mine out a popsickle sticks🤪🧐 🤔or maybe 5 twigs n' twine😳🧐 Hmmm...🤔I hope somebody didn't steal My YoYo🥺 I asked Santa for a Rubic Cube, he let Me down😒 Well, thanks for the Video, it's a good one!😃

[@inekedusseljee3093]

What size and weight are you using?

[@SoulfulSpinning]

Ineke Dusseljee My Turkish spindles are various weights but most are between 20 and 30 grams, but it depends on the type of wood and the size of the spindle. A lighter spindle is good for fine spinning and a heavier spindle works better for thicker singles and plying as s general rule. Hope this helps!

[@inekedusseljee3093]

Thank you i really like the little one. Thinking of getting one myself. I can spin on a wheel. So I think iT is high time I learn to spin on something different. 😁👍

[@inekedusseljee3093]

I just got one. Happy me . Now I can start learning to do this. Thank you for the detailed videos! 👍🏻😘

[@celestegarcia486]

Loved this video! I have a Jenkin's Turkish spindle - in the finch size (I think). It's relatively new-ish. Jenkin's was at the Black Sheep Gathering in Oregon last year. A friend from the hand spinners guild said that I needed to get one. So it did. Thanks for this great demonstration!

[@SoulfulSpinning]

Jenkins make such a superb Turkish spindle. Such wonderful spinners and hard to come by!