Spinning Wheel Ratios Explained

[@fernwinslow1941]

So clear and helpful Jillian

[@carmentyrer9756]

Just discovered you. Love your tutorials.

[@m.a.w.9341]

SO helpful! I’ve never clearly understood ratios before. Thank you!

[@garmcns6450]

Ohhh after getting fairy floss then cotton diameter yarn - lol I now see the light- Brilliant thankyou Evie 👏👏👏🌹🌹🌹❤️❤️❤️

[@elizabethmonsees3643]

Hi Jillian EvE, ThanK YoU for posting thiS I learn from all you videos and you are a pleaser to listen tO 💕😊

[@mimidesjardins4925]

Thank you, that was excellent. I often feel like I am overtwisting my yarn, but I don't really use the different whorls so maybe I need to explore this relationship more fully. Really appreciate your time in putting this video together.

[@gfitz6001]

I’m glad I watched this. Yes, this is complex and I’ll watch it several times. But, the video was so helpful. Thank you, Jill

[@janetstone1434]

I just discovered your fabulous videos! I was an avid spinner over 20 years ago and have recently dusted my wheels off to start spinning again. Your videos have been a fantastic refresher course! Thank ewe!

[@JillianEve]

Welcome back to the fold, fiber friend! 😁

[@leteasipper6563]

this was helpful, you explained it very well. Several years ago, I took a class on this very things, you explained it better in a short time than I learn in a 3 hour class. Thanks

[@JillianEve]

I'm so happy I could help! 🥰

[@cassiemalone865]

I’m rewatching many of your videos. I started spinning this week on an old double drive that originated from a merchant in New Zealand but it’s not an Ashford. I pick up more and more information each time I watch. I’ve been adjusting the ratios a lot thinking I was adjusting the tension lol but I am able to find a sweet spot. Not the sweet spot you talk about, where the bobbin spins freely, I’ve played with the actual tension but find it’s not very responsive 🤷‍♀️ The bobbin seems to get stuck, the bar may just need a good clean. I called at my local wool supply store today, The Woolery, in Young NSW Australia, to show off my first yarn and was gifted a beautiful alpaca fleece!!! How sweet!!! The owner is lovely and super helpful. Now to watch your videos on processing alpaca. Thank you for being such an awesome teacher. 🤩

[@rachael_emm_handmade]

Thank you for such a great explanation of the ratios. It has helped immensely. I have a Majacraft Pioneer and an Ashford Traditional and after learning to use them, I have always spun by 'fibre feel' and experimented with different fibres. This now makes more sense!

[@michaelthomasmock5199]

Thank you! This is very helpful in getting to know and understand my first wheel, a 1977 double drive built in Oregon or California that has been described as fast. I can now check the ratios. Your videos are well done and fill in details that classes often don't get to.

[@mauimorgan9757]

Thanks for your tutorials. I've been watching spinning vids for a long time and I can honestly say no matter the subject, one of your tutorials is so comprehensive that a person would have to watch multiple videos on the same subject to get all the info you put into just one of yours. As a new spinner I've been struggling with draw in but after watching your vid on tensioning I'm confident I wont be kicking my wheel anymore. :) From now on yours is my go to channel for all my spinning questions. Also want to say you have such a friendly and welcoming manner as well as always being well groomed. It's a pleasure just watching you....Do I get my $5.00 now? ha ha ha.

[@wilda.9826]

I have an antique swedish wheel designed to spin really thin strands of wool and flax. The thickest yarn I've spun was a 3ply with 8 or 9wpi but the wheel prefers to spin around 12-16wpi if I make a 2 or 3ply. Luckily I generally prefer using a 3-5mm crochet hook while working with yarns so I don't mind the yarn ending up thin.

[@WhyCantIJustBeKirby]

This is very good to know! My antique wheel came without a whorl so now I won't stress too much on which size I have made for it.

[@spozza5448]

I have been searching for an easy-to-understand breakdown of this. You do it very well. Thank you!

[@JillianEve]

I'm so happy you found it helpful! Thank you for watching!

[@gemmaf_]

@@JillianEve I've changed my set up and it's spinning much better with this fibre now. 👍

[@TheIssymom]

I've been spinning for about 11 years now! I love your tutorials! I would love to come to the live Friday Q&A with you!

[@jilllawrence1495]

Thank you, I have a Rick Reeves Castle Wheel, and I used to spin on it 13 years ago. I've kept it in good condition, but never understood why and how it works. Your explanations are clear and so appreciated.

[@sandraphilbrick9693]

Wonderful explanation of how ratios work. I have a Schacht wheel and also an antique one. I am still learning all about how to use them and your videos are so clear and easy to understand. I have taken notes just as I would in a class and really appreciate you sharing your expertise.

[@JillianEve]

You are so welcome! Happy spinning! ❤🐑🧶

[@MoonPawsz]

I just wanna say that I came here trying to figure out something completely unrelated And im staying because this is really interesting! :D

[@groovygrump]

Thank you for demystifying spinning ratios! Love this!

[@JillianEve]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rachelkeller6378]

I just got a spinning wheel and this is a great video for understanding the ratios. Thank you for your help.

[@JillianEve]

You are welcome! Enjoy your new wheel and happy spinning!!! 😊🧶💜

[@SoulfulSpinning]

Beautiful explanation of ratios and their application to the thickness of your yarn and the staple length. My fastest wheel is my Lendrum Saxony with a fast flyer. It gives me 25:1. Your CPW is beautiful. Perfect for long draw. Great content, Eve!

[@JillianEve]

I'm about to hit that CPW with a lot of rolags! 😁 Your Lendrum is so lovely. 💕

[@berlinat]

hello ! I read that the saxony lendrum is 19:1 max are you sure you get 25:1 ?

[@lauraeastgate9577]

Thank you for your tutorials! I'm learning so much from you girl! My 1st skein untwisted itself after plying....reason? I plied singles with opposite twist direction. Have you done this? I love your chatty nature, and I feel we would be friends if we ever met. Thanks, I'll keep on watching because you never learn enough...love it!

[@gailbrowning356]

Thank you so much-I think it’s a double drive Ashford (family heirloom) I’m trying to learn and get parts for.

[@cinderjw]

This is SUPER helpful! I have a Betty Roberts double-wheel, double- drive, castle Style wheel. Since its all handmade by Betty, it doesn't have a lot of standardization, making it difficult to learn in many ways. This will be really helpful in figuring out ratios, although with the two drive wheels, I'm not sure which to base ratios off! And ideas would be gratefully appreciated!

[@JillianEve]

What an interesting wheel! I would go by the treadle. Whatever goes around one full turn with a full press and lift of the treadle counts as 1. Happy spinning! 💕

[@ameliachesley]

so helpful! one of the books I was referencing to learn about my recently-adopted old saxony wheel had me measuring diameter and doing math, but this method seems so much easier. thank you!

[@JillianEve]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ameliachesley]

@@JillianEve and it turns out my ratio is 13.5 to 1. I will have to practice a lot to get comfortable with such a fast wheel (once she's fixed up anyway)!

[@MelanieMcKenna]

I wish I had discovered your tutorials a couple years ago. I am learning more watching 1 of your tutoriasl than I have the entire time I have been spinning. I was hoping to get some classes at a fiber fest, but with the pandemic, many options have not been available. Travel is getting expensive, yet another issue. I hope to watch more of your tutorials. Do you have a playlist?

[@JillianEve]

Glad you like them! I have several playlists on my channel. I'm also doing virtual workshops through my Patreon if that is something you'd be interested in. You can check that out at www.patreon.com/jillianeve I'm currently doing a 6 month workshop to help people go from fleece to sweater and we just started so it's not too late to join! I have a playlist of spinning basics that lots of people find helpful too. Happy spinning! 💖✨🧶

[@hawthorngrove3629]

I'm a new spinner and I love your tutorials. I have an Ashford Traditional and an Ashford Traveller. I haven't checked the ratio but its certainly something to keep in mind.

[@angrytrees7519]

Hi! I have a Majacraft Aura. It is confusing but I love the yarn it makes.

[@lizbarnes4256]

I find your videos the easiest to watch. Great information. Thank you.

[@JillianEve]

Thank you so much! Happy spinning! 💕🧶

[@kandykate163]

I have a kromski fantasia wheel and i have an extra small whorl that spins on a 20:1 for my comfort of yarn spinning which is almost like thread/lace

[@nancyraboin647]

I have a Magacraft Suzie. I am attempting to spin cotton. Short fiber? Smaller whorl? How do I adjust the drive band on the wheel? Smaller? Gee, I would really like to master cotton spinning.

[@marjankooijman]

Thanks, it was very helpful, I’m a beginner, blessed with a brand new Ashford Kiwi 3 and I didn’t know how to handle the whirl.

[@jarihirvonen7936]

Thank You, very interesting. I'm studying... how to fix old spinning wheels and to make spare parts. You showed a small whirl and a large whirl. Understood. But how about the bobbin? Do you change also the bobbin, the bobbin groove diameter? (the penguin race in your other video....?).

[@DandySprat]

Thank you so much, this video is just what I needed to demystify my first attempt at spinning! I'll have a wheel soon and can't wait to get my practice in!!!

[@JillianEve]

You can do it! Happy spinning! 🐑🧶💜

[@ruthduschek3714]

Hi Evie, Thank you for the excellent information. I finally understand why I am having difficulty in getting an even yarn. (without fat and skinny sections) I have a spinning wheel made by my father (passed away 10 years ago). How can I determine the size needed to make a new whorl to slow down my spinning to prevent cork-screwing? The ratio is 8.5:1. Do I need to measure the whorl and drive wheel to understand how much larger to make the new whorl? Thanks.

[@JillianEve]

You can also manipulate how much twist you get by changing your rate or speed of twist. If you want less twist, treadle slower, and for more twist treadle faster. 💖😊🧶

[@Warhammerag1]

Great explanation! I have been spinning for years but never knew the explanations of ratio etc. Love your videos. And would love one of the Canadian wheels. I have three different wheels and they all perform differently.

[@margieknitter995]

Thank you for the simple explanation!

[@aex-blacksmithuk2111]

Great video. Thank you.

[@carolreynolds7335]

Thanks so much..it all makes more sense now. I sadly just leave my drive band where it is but now will play around, I have 4 wheels ( I know it’s a bit extravagant but there is a story to each one). A Haldane Hebridean, Pippy,Ashford Joy 1 and a Woolmakers Bliss so will investigate them all with this time I suddenly have. Stay well and thank you

[@JillianEve]

What a lovely little flock of wheels! I'm curious to know how fast the Hebridean spins. It's a lovely wheel. I didn't know about it until you commented about it and I love it!

[@carolreynolds7335]

JillianEve Hi...just unpacked my Haldane( I moved recently and like all Haldane she suffers from ‘leg drop’ so had left her packed up until my craft room was sorted. It seems she has a 6:1 ratio.

[@erinklarr8734]

Alfred Anderson & Company wheel. The larger groove on the whorl has an 11.5:1 ratio; 12 on the smaller groove. Since I'm going to be spinning Pygora, which was originally intended for lace only (silly people, it's good for everything), this is probably good. Though as a person with no experience at all spinning, it is a bit intimidating.

[@MissSusan1]

Great info. I’m new to spinning so, all your videos are so helpful.

[@JillianEve]

Glad you like them! Happy spinning!

[@WinkyGirls]

Did you dye/prettify the swift in the back or can you actually buy them like that?

[@cathleenfry8710]

I've got an old Elizabeth with 8:1 and 11:1. I've got a high speed whorl coming with 11, 15, and 24:1. Since I tend away from bulky yarns, I should be set for a while.

[@JillianEve]

Yes! I love my Elizabeth's high speed whorl!

[@Typhoonyoon]

Thank you for another awesome videos! My CPW ratio is 26:1 😲 It’s a very productive wheel.

[@JillianEve]

Wow, that's fast!

[@carolharper268]

Thank you for this, I’ll check mine out tomorrow, keep safe. We’re in lock down here in the uk so time on my hands to do more crafting xx

[@JillianEve]

Yes, us too. Stay safe! 💕

[@makeitkate3240]

Oh my heck this is so helpful!! Thank you!!

[@staceyandbear]

Thank you so much, I understand much more now. I have an Ashford Kiwi.

[@JillianEve]

I think the Kiwi has 3 ratio grooves on the whorl. Is that right?

[@paws2fitness755]

Thank you, You explain things really good,as i am new to this craft. Lots of patience,so far...Its fun :)

[@JillianEve]

Awesome! Patience and practice right? Keep spinning and you'll get the hang of it before you know it! 😊

[@carolatyellerdogranch2426]

Excellent. I appreciate the insight into my Schacht Matchless.

[@JillianEve]

Glad it was helpful!

[@daniellebissonnette3304]

Hi Evie, I bought a CPW this week, and looks identical to yours. However, I calculated my ratio to be 14.5:1. I have been trying to make it work, and I have watched all of your related videos from the r double drive bands and CPWs and spinningfor beginners. None of the suggestions seem to help, I get problems with overtwisting, and increasing the tension doesn't help. I know this wheel is meant for fine yarns, so I tried predrafting along with separating my fibers into thinner strip, still I feel like drafting is a struggle. The fiber I have is Peruvian Highland from Knit Picks, and the staple is 5" long. Could it be that this staple is too long to spin on a fast wheel? I had originally bought the fiber to spin on a spindle...

[@sharonwaddell2548]

I have a spinolution pollywog with the accelerator. I haven’t used the accelerator: well I did once when I purchased it (used), but I find I can get by without it. I tend to spin finer yarn naturally. I am a beginner spinner, so maybe that’s natural to spin finer. I would like eventually to use the accelerator, since I would love to spin lace weight yarn.

[@JillianEve]

The accelerator is a really cool feature of the Pollywog. As you get more practice spinning, you will naturally start to draft faster. I bet you'll love the accelerator then!

[@kari6024]

Evie, thanks for this clear, concise explanation. Your videos are simply the best available, especially for novice spinners. Question: What ratio is most appropriate for spinning an even worsted using short forward draw? I spin on a Majacraft Susie Pro, a NZ castle with a 4-position whorl and drive wheel. I’ve been spinning for a year and although my yarns are becoming more consistent, I’m still unclear about how much twist is appropriate. 8:1 or 10:1? Your thoughts please.

[@JillianEve]

The ratio is only part of the equation. How fast you treadle is the other half. Go at your regular rate and spin some yarn on a midle ratio. Then if you feel it needs more or less twist, adjust up or down from there. 💜😀🧶

[@jessicawright1656]

Thanks! I have an Ashford Elizabeth. Now I know the ratio!

[@JillianEve]

Hi Jessica! Cool! Do you have the vintage Elizabeth or the Elizabeth 2. I think the second one has 3 ratios on the whorl so that's even more options!

[@jessicawright1656]

It's the vintage one. I purchased it as a kit in 1994. I love it!

[@MarieAhlen]

This is so very interesting, thank you very much 🤗 and very helpful for the understanding too 🤗🌟✨🌟🐞

[@JillianEve]

Glad it was helpful! 😁💜🧶

[@annelong2928]

I have a Schacht Flatiron. Thanks to your video, I was able to set it up double drive and left the poly band hanging inside because I spin a lot of icelandic. I want to spin some finer rambouillet and targhee top. Question: the Schacht Flatiron instructions say to use the smaller end of the bobbin for double drive. How might that change the twist/tension?

[@JillianEve]

You want the bobbin groove to be smaller than the whorl groove diameter in double drive. ST and DD mechanics wind onto the bobbin differently so if you switch in the middle of a spin, you'll have to secure the yarn so it doesn't unwind off the bobbin. 💜🐑🧶

[@annelong2928]

@@JillianEve No I wouldn't change mid-bobbin. Having trouble with tension adjustment, corkscrews in the single. Should I re-tie the cotton band? I was just guessing on the starting angle for the head.

[@JillianEve]

@@annelong2928 Ah! Corkscrews mean too much twist. I would try treadling slower and/or getting the fiber onto the bobbin faster (increase tension).

[@annelong2928]

@@JillianEve Double drive going well. Thanks for your help and videos.

[@Ravencall]

@@JillianEve This is what I don't understand: when trying to change whorls mid- bobbin on a double drive the bobbin changes direction. I can't figure out how that happens.

[@rosaliecovello441]

Your color on your top and lipstick are beautiful with your skin!

[@JillianEve]

Thank you! 🥰

[@samanthaadioetomo5480]

so helpful!

[@amphibiousone7972]

I'm still trying to figure what type of wheel I've discovered. I think it is a Joseph J. Franzin Jr. "Country Craftsman". Thanks to your video I know, It's a fast double drive. Thank You 😊

[@JillianEve]

Exciting! Check out my recent Country Craftsman video!

[@garlandharvie5373]

Thank you for simplifying ratios!!!

[@JillianEve]

You are welcome! Happy spinning!

[@kerrynwright]

This is an excellent explanation. I have a Wee Peggy & only had a lesson or 2 about 30 years ago & haven't managed it since illnesses that now mean I can't tolerate wool. I'll check out the ratio soon. I'm looking at starting to spin again with either bamboo or cotton initially. Any thoughts about which is best for a beginner or anything else that might be good that's not wool? Thanks!🥰 Blessings from South Australia💕🐨

[@JillianEve]

Bamboo is great, and so are other types of fiber like rose, seacell, or ramie. Cotton requires a high twist because the fibers are shorter but once you get comfortable with your faster ratios it's a great spin. Have you tried mohair or alpaca? Do they agrivate your allergy too? And don't forget about silk! So much to spin! 🙂

[@kerrynwright]

@@JillianEve Thanks.... super helpful information. No idea at this stage if I'll react to mohair or alpaca. Lots to research & check out. I'm excited!!!💕🐨

[@trassl3celick304]

I have a saxony style wheel with an 8:1 ratio

[@lorimurphy889]

I haven't checked my ratio on my traveller yet but I tried to move to a higher ratio whorl but first I couldn't get the flyer to move and then when I adjusted my tension I couldn't keep the fiber from breaking. Was I missing something or do I just need more practice. Thank you for this video I understand ratios better now

[@JillianEve]

If you go to a higher ratio you will add more twist and too much twist can make yarn brittle causing it to snap. Did the yarn feel very firm? Also, higher ratios are better for thinner yarns because they need more twist. What was the diameter of your yarn? That might help you troubleshoot it. ❤

[@lorimurphy889]

@@JillianEve it was getting sucked out of my fingers and if I tried to hang on to it it would snap.

[@JillianEve]

@@lorimurphy889 that's definitely a tension problem. Try turning your tension all the way down and bring it back up just a tiny bit at a time. ❤

[@lorimurphy889]

@@JillianEve thank you I will

[@msullivan3531]

This was fabulous! Thank you 😊

[@jillmaisch7921]

Excellent explanation!!!!

[@gemmaf_]

Ah so that's why I was having problems with my current spin. Thanks for the great explanation.

[@JillianEve]

Glad to help! Happy spinning!

[@merileecrockett2429]

Great explanation, thank you for a clear and concise instructional. I highly recommend getting rid of the music, it was very distracting and made it difficult to understand your voice.

[@lizk6134]

Where did you buy your spinning wheel?

[@JillianEve]

My wheels are all vintage or antiques I found in various places. 💜🧶😊

[@lizk6134]

@@JillianEve thanks for answering me quickly. 😍💕

[@JillianEve]

What is your spinning wheel and what ratios does it have? Do you consider it a fast or a slow wheel?

[@cinda391]

I have an Ashford Traditional. I bought it in the early 1980s. I have struggled with over spinning. The foot pedal seems to stick at times and is not easy to keep going at times. I have replaced the string with a plastic band on the wheel. I have also oiled it but not too much. I recently bought a Lendrum which is much easier to use. I am attached to the Ashford because I have had it so long. Even with the Lendrum I think I spin too quickly and get too much twist. I am just not sure how to get the right twist. I am currently spinning lace weight on the Ashford and Fingering on the Lendrum. Also another question in this. I have fleece from the 1980s that is short and dry. Beautiful dark brown in color. I am combing this fiber but it is so dry. What do you suggest? Thank you, Cinda

[@JillianEve]

I have heard people say that they find the Traditional a bit heavy to treadle. Mine eased up with more use and a lot of oil. I have to oil it every time I spin and if I go for more than an hour or two, I give it another drop and she's good to go. I have spun on a Lendrum and it was very smooth. They have lovely wheels. So if your fiber is very dry, it might have been an issue with the scouring. Maybe it was too hot or had too much harsh detergent? Or it could be due to the age? Whatever the cause, you want to work with it now, so what can you do? I know some spinners who will add oil to their wool after it is scoured. Norman Kennedy is one who particularly comes to mind. He put baby oil on his wool before spinning it. It was a bit like spinning in the grease clean. The oil might help. I would make sure it is a mineral oil and not a food oil that could become rancid. Some people will soak their fiber in warm water with hair conditioner dissolved in the water. I've never tried this personally but it might be worth a bit of research. Good luck! I hope you can save your fiber.

[@kittylevee4662]

Thanks‼ I never understood that🤔❤🧡💛💚💙💜

[@emilysummer1373]

Finally! Now I understand. Thank you

[@JillianEve]

I'm glad I could help! Happy spinning!

[@anepictree]

excellent talk, thank you

[@JillianEve]

Happy spinning! 💕

[@anepictree]

@@JillianEve It will be a lot happier now that I have discovered your Chanel! :-)

[@judithtaylor6916]

Thank you. Our regional spinning group unfortunately never taught anything about ratios. They just gave some fibre and said, here practice spinning. Bad teaching.

[@kadoui8495]

👍🌺🌺🌺

[@JillianEve]

Happy spinning! 💖🐏🧶😀

[@slavenkabozic9655]

Molim vas omogucite prevod na srpski jezik!

[@eileenreynolds55]

I love your tutorials, as they are so informative. However, I struggle to hear what you’re saying when the background music is playing, due to its volume. Please don’t be offended, but I thought you should be aware of this. x