It’s Not You, It’s The Spindle! Finding the Right Spindle

Spindle spinning is such a wonderful way to begin your spinning journey. It’s low-cost, portable, and comes with a wide variety of spindle options. But what happens if you start spinning and don’t love the experience right away? As Debbie Held says in this video, “It would be so unfortunate to give up on a skill, and frankly, a potential passion, without a full chance.” Sometimes, it isn’t the skill that is a problem, but the tool that needs changing. In this case, finding the right spindle!

Felicia’s Spindle Spinning Experience

Felicia always felt a bit off when spinning with spindles; it felt wobbly and uncomfortable, and she was never quite able to keep going. While filming with Debbie in the studio, they started to talk about Felicia’s past experiences and why spindle spinning never felt natural for her. Before long, it was clear this conversation needed to be shared, as many others likely feel the same way.

Debbie Held teaches several courses at the School of SweetGeorgia, including Spinning Textured Yarn, Spinning with e-Spinners, and Blending Boards: From Rolags to Roving, which pairs beautifully with the release of her book The Spinner’s Blending Board Bible. This video clip comes from her course Spinning with a Supported Spindle. Below the video, we’ve included key takeaways for those unable to watch, along with links to connect with Debbie and the SweetGeorgia fibre arts community.

When to Know It’s Time to Try a Different Spindle

Trying different spindle sizes was already making a difference for Felicia. With Debbie’s help, she tested a variety and found a 9-inch pocket spindle that felt more comfortable and successful. The top tip of the supported spindle also mattered; Felicia liked the thinner shaft and fine point on this pocket spindle, while Debbie found it a bit too slippery due to the gloss finish. They discovered that what works for one spinner might not work for another, and that’s perfectly okay.

Debbie encourages trying several spindles. Just because one is labelled “beginner-friendly” doesn’t mean it’s the right one for you. In their conversation, they also touch on topics like cross-hatching and other cop techniques, holding the fibre at a 45-degree angle rather than straight up, a small change that made things feel much easier for Felicia, and setting the spindle bowl between the legs also felt more natural and stable, improving Felicia’s comfort even more.

Debbie coaching Felicia
Debbie coaching Felicia as she spindles on various spindles.

Practice Makes Progress

Debbie recommends practicing for just 15 minutes a day. It’s like patting your head while rubbing your tummy, it might feel awkward at first, but over time, your hands will remember the motions, and it becomes second nature.

Spindle spinning can even become something you do while watching TV or relaxing. A little here and there adds up, you’d be surprised how much yarn you can spin in a single day.

More About Debbie Held

Debbie's spindles and bowls
These are just a few of the spindles Debbie brought to the studio, which Felicia got to try before finding the right spindle.

Need More Help?

Do you have questions about finding the right spindle? If you’re an All-Access School of SweetGeorgia member, join us in our Community Forums! One of the great perks of being an All-Access member is the opportunity to ask Debbie Held questions about their articles and courses and connect with fellow members.

Not yet a member of the School? We invite you to come and see what it is all about! Use the code: EXPLORETHESCHOOL to save 15% on an All-Access monthly membership!

You’re also welcome to join us on the SweetGeorgia Yarns Discord server. Our community has discussion threads on knitting, spinning, weaving, crocheting, dyeing, and much more. Feel free to start a conversation, get inspiration from fellow SweetGeorgia Yarns members and ask any questions you may have. 

Together, we share, learn, and grow as a community. We would be happy to have you join us!

Original publication: October 3rd, 2022; Refreshed: July 1st, 2025  

The post It’s Not You, It’s The Spindle! Finding the Right Spindle appeared first on SweetGeorgia Yarns.



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