Top 10 Most Popular Spinning Wheels for Beginners

[@TinyFibreStudio]

NOTE: The Schacht Matchless is now only available new as a double-treadle. Thanks to Alison for letting me know! If you're looking for a single treadle version there are 35 years-worth of pre-owned ones out there! :) **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!**

[@howlingwind1937]

My first wheel was an Ashford tradition, I got it for my 21st birthday present, I'm now 62yrs old. Even though I now have other wheels including a schaht that I inherited from a good friend of the family and electric spinning wheels, I still use my trust old friend, she helps me to still make lovely hand spun yarn, and has also assisted me in teaching and sharing the art of spinning. Cheers!

[@oonarhu4681]

I'm in the predictable Ashford Traddy group, bought mine in 1991 and thoroughly enjoyed finishing and assembling it myself. I'm aware that it doesn't arouse any envy among the spinning gentry, but the sense of knowing this modest machine inside and out gives me a lot of pleasure. Likewise, I appreciate being able to get replacement parts as needed.

[@krankywitch]

I was sure the Traddy would #1, mainly because they are so accessible in good used condition for very little money - nobody wants to spend a lot when embarking on a new hobby, just in case they don’t enjoy it. I still use my first Traddy - a 1983 model and I’ve recently added a double treadle for my poor old knees. I purchased it from the local guild equipment officer for a song. The price included one 15 minute lesson, which was all I needed. I just wish she had told me that 17.5 micron merino is not the best fibre to learn on, but that’s what my sheepies were wearing so that’s how I started out and I got a grasp on it after a couple of hundred grams of combed fleece. I love my Traddy so much I picked up a 1982 double drive from someone who no longer loved it - sadly the original owner purchased it with a single drive flyer and I’m still trying to locate an original double flyer. I could buy a new double drive flyer but it would be so much nicer to have one in the original mahogany finish, so for now I use it as a single and it’s my plying wheel.

[@sarabaumann7410]

I’m in the antique wheel as a first wheel group. While I love that wheel, I had done a lot of research beforehand so the useless flyer contraption that came with the wheel didn’t stop me. For those with a functioning antique wheel but maybe not a functioning Flyer assembly… Bobbin Boy is where I got my flyer assembly made. It involved sending my entire MOA to him to get the size right, but he made the flyer, 3 bobbins, and whorl and included an orifice hook turned to match the maidens. It wasn’t cheap, but for me it was worth it to get the wheel working. For reference, it’s an antique saxony flax wheel with bent wood distaff. It was not a SWSO, just not a fully functioning wheel when I got it.

[@kevinmonceaux2101]

I've wanted to try spinning for a long time, but was hesitant due to the cost of wheels. Not long ago I decided to give an EEW 6.0 a try, knowing if I stuck with it I would eventually want a treadle style wheel. Before the EEW arrived, I spotted an Ashford Traditional on an online marketplace with a combination of price and condition I couldn't resist. From Ashford's Traditional timeline, it looks like it's from around 1981. I received both wheels recently, but haven't spun on either of them yet. It's debatable which is my first wheel. I ordered the EEW first, but will probably end up spinning on the Ashford first.

[@vernonbowling5310]

Still loving the kiwi 3 like me it's not fast but very dependable 🙂

[@juliesellars969]

I learned on a Louet and I found it a great wheel to learn on through my guild. I wasn't crazy about the looks of it though, so when I was watching for second hand wheels (more in my budget) and my Ledrum became available, I jumped at it. I also recently bought an Ashford Traditional (an old one) and I love both of my wheels.

[@alisonhenry820]

Hi Beks! Glad to see you back! This is the first recent video of yours to show up in my feed, and I'm so glad it did! Looks like I have a few to catch up on. All the best!!

[@valeriefelicetti9144]

I am looking to get my first wheel so this is super helpful

[@julieedwards6937]

Very useful thankyou, do you have any opinions or experiences of the Kromski wheels? I’m looking for a compact wheel as space is very tight.

[@thegreypoet9518]

I just got my first wheel as a midwinter gift this year! Its an electric eel wheel nano 2. I love it, tho I took out the orifice restricter so I could spin a bit chunkier.

[@sandracontreras3232]

Ashford Joy 2 and spinolution polywog are my first two

[@kate5176]

My first wheel was a Canadian Production Wheel. I learned to spin on it. I still have it and its still in working order! But I recently purchased an Ashford Kiwi 3 .

[@Carolleemakesthings]

Recently, I purchased an antique wheel (well used, but very damaged). My boyfriend restored it to full capacity, though the wood looks super old and I’m afraid it will break apart). Now, of course, I want a collection of wheels! Great information here, as I join what appears to be a community of spinners and weavers.

[@Kristie.Jennings]

My first wheel my husband bought for me in 2021 is a Vintage Ashford Traveller (Bernice) and my second wheel he bought for my birthday February 2022 was a Vintage Louet S75 (Doris Aubrie). Also, I have 2 Spin-e-Kube electric spinners named Bethany & Bridgette. I use all of my wheels! One wheel is used daily until the fiber is all done. Then I switch to a different wheel for the next spinning session with a new fiber from my collection.And I have lots of bobbins for each girl. I really love and enjoy spinning! I spin only singles and I use my yarns for crocheting myself sweaters, scarves, and beanies. 😍

[@habituscraeftig]

I am borrowing an S10 from my guild to learn the basics, but my first wheel for myself will be the Kromsky minstrel. I just need to get through spring gardening expenses so I can start to save up.

[@robinboston5948]

I have the Kiwi, and tomorrow I am buying the ashford traditional 2nd hand, it does appear to work. Fingers crossed

[@susancorbett8155]

I was delighted to see Peacock on the list. My sister and I both have them. Hers was originally our mother's, mine was (coincidentally) a recent gift from a friend. The amazing thing is that the original maker was the husband of a friend of mum's and we used to visit their house as children (over 50 years ago!) to learn crafty things.

[@TinyFibreStudio]

That’s so interesting! I have to confess I’d never heard of them until I did that poll so I had to Google to see what they were like. Very nice looking little wheels. I’m not sure if many made it to the UK abut I hope to see one in person one day. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@calcrules]

My first wheel was a Heavenly Handspinning Fidelis. (I think this company is still in business, but they are no longer producing treadle wheels, only electric spinning wheels.) It was Irish tension and was a good first wheel. But, I now have an Ashford Traditional, and I can't imagine going back to my old wheel. The traditional is definitely a good investment!

[@jenm4721]

I am shopping for my first wheel! So this was very informative and helpful!

[@calcrules]

I would definitely agree with the video. The Ashford Traditional has been an amazing wheel. It did take me a slight adjustment to go from an Irish Tension wheel to a scotch tension wheel, but I'm soooooo glad I did.

[@adamakaru2683]

For beginner as I am and for spinning Flax, I will choose the "Ashford double drive".

[@jessicavenable5638]

I didn't see any of your polls, but my first wheel in 2016 was a kromski minstrel and I still spin on her! I don't have any other wheels, though I have quite a few spindles. ETA: my guess for number 1 was bang on though. :)

[@soapturtle]

My first was Kromski Sonata. My need for a first wheel was timed well with their introduction to the market. I'm not sure I'd think it was in the first wheel price range nowadays. It turned out to be a good choice for me however and I didn't get a second wheel until 15 years later when I picked up a used Schacht Flatiron.

[@hadleyjolley3375]

Mine too, and probably about the same time! It was a great wheel for a beginner.

[@kasandramckenna3250]

The minstrel is my first wheel and it has a jumbo flyer AND a huge “great jumbo” flyer. I bought it for its versatility and lightweight size. I’m liking it alot the only complaint I could have is the tensioning screw being a big tough but I think it just needs to settle more.

[@QuzieSuzieQ]

My first wheel was an Ashford Traveler single treadle. I struggled with it. I replaced it with a King Bee and I fell in love with Spinolution wheels. Now, I own that same King Bee as well as a Monarch and a Firefly. ❤️ Someday, I wouldn’t mind purchasing a Matchless just for the double drive and tension options.

[@jsan3743]

Are you still a Spinolution fan? If so, what wheel is your favorite?

[@cheryl9044]

Traddy was my first but it was loaned. I bought an Ashford Scholar Mark 2 but wished I'd stuck with a traditional as I h a d to treadle very fast to get a fine alpaca/angora skein made. I moved to Louet wheels and have an s76 dt, s10c, and s95- spinning but still learning from 1990 to 2022 so far.

[@anneoneill537]

The answer to this really depends on when you got your first wheel. When I started out pretty much the only wheels readily available were Ashford and Louet. My first was a Traditional. Then I got a Rick Reeves Frame wheel which was the prototype for the Matchless.

[@TinyFibreStudio]

That’s very true. I had to go and look the Rick Reeves frame wheel up as I don’t think I’ve seen one before. Very interesting - you can definitely see the origins of the Matchless in there. Do you still have it?

[@PandTRanch]

My first wheel is a SpinWell! I can’t believe it’s not on your list!! Made in Canada, I believe! It was my grandma’s wheel, which also makes it pretty sentimental for me. 😊

[@TinyFibreStudio]

Don’t worry, Spinwell is represented. It’s in the ‘all responses’ list at the end at 8:55. Checking my spreadsheet there was one person who said their first wheel was a Spinwell. I love that it was your grandma’s wheel - that definitely makes it very special. 😊

[@joolzmurray5751]

Thanks for your video.

[@catzkeet4860]

My first wheel was a Rappard wee Peggy wheel. This one was designed to be transportable and is probably an antique now. I'm in NZ, and rappard was a small maker here who became Ashford in the 60s I believe. Sadly that wheel is no longer with me and I miss her. My current wheel is another NZ made wheel from the 30/40s. She's a double drive castle wheel, tho it looks like someone has tried to set her up for scotch tension some stage by the addition of a tension peg and brake band. Atm she's out of action, due to the old leather joint that connects the footman to the wheel giving up the ghost lol. I've found someone to replace it now(it's connected differently to an Ashford so I can use their conrod joint kits) but this person is happy to set it up specifically for her so hopefully I'll soon be back spinning on her. She was a learning curve.... first time using double drive.

[@Neurogod1]

This was my first wheel as well. I have several wheels now, but I still have and adore my Wee Peggy.

[@morgantrias3103]

Really surprised more people aren't starting with the EEW. Seems like a no-brainer in terms of price and space.

[@lindarylands21]

I recently bought two Ashford traditionals, one which is a 1980s-1990s model and one which is about 1970s, I love them both, I paid £200 for the two second hand... xx

[@TinyFibreStudio]

Ooh, great deal, well done!

[@woochles]

Yay for new video!

[@francispetipher-bartley2591]

Well I now have to Google a whole heap more stuff I didn’t know starting with the different tensions

[@TinyFibreStudio]

I do have a video for that: Spinning Wheel Drive Systems 101 kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqCwY6aimZyen7c

[@karena5975]

I bought a cherry ladybug last year and am having problems getting going, I learned to spin about 30 years ago and have not spun for about 28 years so no expert, no local groups etc so please how about a beginners encouragement video. After all it is your fault I bought one, I just loved watching your videos and of course your cats.😍

[@sarabaumann7410]

You can do it!! 🥳🥳🥳

[@TRaceTK]

I vote my one and only wheel….a traditional Lendrum. I have had it for over 35 years 😃

[@imaharper]

My first, and only, wheel is a Lendrum DT and I absolutely love it!

[@rachelwofford4166]

my dad has a Kronsky minstrel and im going try to learn how to use it 😃

[@צילהחסוי]

Hey I will ask for your recommendation, I want to start weaving in a spinning wheel, what is recommended and easiest to operate. I live in Israel and do you know of anyone here who can help me. Than

[@liza5532]

Rarity. Not really an antique, the Ashford Scholar from the mid 80’s that can be upgraded using kiwi parts. It has a folding treadle but the wheel is all real wood. The MOA doesn’t move but I run it in DD by using custom 2 poly band system for each whorl using poly bands from a big box craft store. This year I finally got a new Matchless after saving for years. I mainly use the old Scholar for travel and re-winding bobbins.

[@SherrisPlace]

It would’ve been nice to see Majacraft be considered in your videos. They are stunningly beautiful wheels.

[@TinyFibreStudio]

I agree but they didn’t come in the top 10 in the poll. I did have a couple in the Choosing Your First Wheel video thought.

[@robinboston5948]

Ashford kiwi, polywog, leouett

[@athertonca]

Ashford Joy was my first wheel; the Schacht Matchless was my second. I still have both.

[@sleepydrJ]

In my home, there is no “place” possible for a traditional wheel- but I’m addicted to, and devoted to, my EEW 6 e-spinner. And can’t beat the entry price either! I realize I will become an adept spinner who has never treadled, but that’s preferable to a wanna-be spinner that would like to treadle someday…

[@TinyFibreStudio]

100%. If I were buying my first wheel now, with the constraints I had when I first started spinning, in terms of available space and the need for portability, I would choose an eSpinner. If there are any constraints which mean it’s a case of eSpinner or nothing, I’d absolutely recommend the eSpinner. I had a chance to try the EEW 6 at my guild and it’s a great choice.

[@hydraxisfrimon9785]

I too have an EEW 6, it is a great little machine but I find it a bit sterile, I LOVE treadling, find it very meditative and enjoy the hand AND foot connection with the yarn. But definitely if you have a space issue, e-wheels are the way to go.

[@keturahspencer]

My first and only is a Kromski Symphony and I'm glad it is. My guesses though are: Kiwi (I believe that's an Ashford) Shact ladybug Kromski sonata or fantasia

[@marybrown4448]

My first and only is also a Kromski Symphony.

[@hydraxisfrimon9785]

My second wheel was a Kromski Symphony, having had a brief learning experience with an antique wheel and also having had a lot of learning through trying to build my own wheel! The Symphony is a wonderful wheel, beautifully balanced and soooo flexible (I love double drive) and the only reason we parted company is because I wasn't doing much spinning for a while and it is quite a large wheel that takes up a fair bit of space. A lovely young lady bought her from me and it became her and her mum's first wheel, so it has done a great job! I have started spinning again and now have an electric wheel that sits neatly on a bookcase that also houses my looms, but I am hankering again after the perfect double-drive wheel but not sure what it is yet, want something that doesn't look traditional (love the Kromski build, can't fault that but don't like all the twiddly bits). May end up with a Matchless if I can find one at the right price...

[@jlward07]

Louet s10,

[@nblmqst1167]

I loved the Penquin Quill. (sigh)

[@maggiepatterson7949]

I have just recently seen one on KZbin. Where can you get one in the US?

[@nblmqst1167]

@@maggiepatterson7949 They are no longer being produced. Manufacturing stopped in the 70s I believe.

[@3Dhyana]

Ashford kiwi and schaht lady bug

[@eileen5631]

My first wheel, kromski Fantasia, second is ashFord kiki2 , folds up for travel, my third is kromski sonata traveler also folds and has a backpack Carrie case. All has some upgrades of jumbo flyer, and woolie winder. Lace flyer too.

[@Gigiknittingandmore]

Lendrum rose and traditional

[@TinyFibreStudio]

Ooh, two out of three! Good guess! The Rose was in equal 14th place in the Spinner’s Study poll.

[@Gigiknittingandmore]

Rose is a little pricey is why. But a nice wheel. Your topics are epic. Keep them coming.

[@moonboweve]

Ah so it's not the top 10 'best' it's the top 10 'most popular'. I think the Woolmakers Bliss would be up there for the 'best' criteria, but the problem with polls is the catch area of people i.e. where they live, price point etc.

[@TinyFibreStudio]

Yeah, I’m playing with the KZbin algorithm a bit with the title 😉 I think it’s almost impossible to define a ‘best’ list since the criteria varies so wildly for different people.

[@moonboweve]

@@TinyFibreStudio Thought so 😉

[@mirjamberetta9337]

Ashford Traditional

[@MaryCummingsMaryland]

Ashford Kiwi

[@woochles]

I bet the Schacht Ladybug is on there.

[@adamakaru2683]

🙄🙄🙄 Are they all come with the most weird colours?.

[@TinyFibreStudio]

No, I just prefer to spend all of my free time for a week creating illustrations rather than using stock photos. I’m sorry you don’t like the colours.

[@adamakaru2683]

Hahahahahaaah you are very funny thanks.