Description
These cross-arm (also known as Turkish style) spindles were developed for a drop spindle class I taught at our local library. In stock spindles were used for testing (by me) and may have small imperfections that do not affect their function. None have been abused. If you want a brand new spindle, choose the custom option and I will be in touch to get the details for your brand new custom spindle after purchase.
The 5″ arms are printed in PETG – which is less brittle than other popular printed materials and thus more resilient to drops and breakage. The shafts are wood which is far stronger than any printed shaft. The notches were made using a wood lathe. The custom shaft options are turned with available locally available woods (usually Maple or Beech) and will vary in appearance.
These spindles were designed to be new spinner friendly. They’re relatively heavy which is good for the thicker yarns that new spinners tend to make. (For comparison, I tend to spin lace to fingering weight yarns on a 11 – 16g cross arm spindle) The wide arms will keep these spindles spinning longer than shorter arms and provide lots of room for bulkier yarn. The trade off with heavier spindles is that they tend to spin a little more slowly than lighter spindles and are a little less ideal for very thin high twist yarns.
As an approximate guideline:
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- 12g-24g (just under half an ounce to just under an ounce)
- Good for thin yarns – laceweight to light fingering. It will backspin early due to light weight but will add twist quickly. This is would make a good second spindle for people who like making thinner yarns. Will do fine with shorter fibers (camelids, cashmere, etc.) Might still be too slow for cotton, medium length fibres do just great. I have spun long wools on these spindles as well. It’s all about technique.
- 25 – 30g (just under to just over an ounce)
- This spindle will be quite versatile for both lighter and mid-weight yarns. It will tend to backspin earlier due to its light weight but it will spin faster than a heavier spindle which is what makes it better for thinner yarns. More suitable for shorter fibres but will do fine with medium length fibres as well. Its tendency to backspin will mean new spinners will need to keep an eye on it or risk drops. It may be better for a second spindle rather than a very first.
- 30 – 35g (just over an ounce to about 1.25oz)
- This spindle will be great for mid-weight yarns. It won’t backspin as early as the lighter one but it will still spin fairly fast. It will be excellent for an almost all purpose spindle. Also beginner friendly.
- 36 – 45g (1.25oz to about 1.6oz)
- This is a wonderful weight for beginner spinners as well as experienced spinners who like to spin bulkier yarns! It will tend to carry its spin well and for a long time. It will suit heavier weight yarns and beginner yarn but not be so heavy that it creates arm fatigue. More suitable for longer fibres that require less twist, including possibly flax and hemp.
- Heavier than 45g (more than 1.6oz)
- These are very heavy spindles and the cross arm spindle isn’t really suited to this sort of weight. I do not make spindles in this weight range.
- 12g-24g (just under half an ounce to just under an ounce)
More spindles may be added later. If you’re looking for a spindle like this but in a different colour, size, weight, etc please drop me a line here and let me know what you’re looking for.
sold individually. Weights are approximate. My scale is temperamental.
