These simple-looking spools are part of a larger tool – a spinning wheel – used to spin sheep, alpaca, rabbit and other natural fiber (more experienced folks can even spin dog and cat hair!) into yarn. Despite its simple design, a spinning wheel has many moving parts. The bobbin, which collects single strands of twisted fiber, is especially key to the yarn-making process.

If you’re making double-ply yarn, you’ll need three bobbins. The first two each fill up with a single strand of twisted fiber (like thread being twisted around a spool). The third twists those single-strand bobbins into a double-ply yarn.

For this Louet wheel, a “Lazy Kate” is an extra wooden attachment with a rod that holds extra bobbins and allows them to spin easily. The Kate allows the person spinning to pull the strands through the wheel onto the third bobbin to complete a double-ply yarn.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.