Refresh Your Wheel by Replacing the Polycord Drive Band

The Ashford Traditional was Diana Twiss’s first spinning wheel. Over time, the polycord drive band naturally becomes loose. While most manufacturers suggest removing the band between spinning sessions to relieve tension, many of us simply don’t. If your wheel stops responding the way it should or your cord has worn out or snapped, this quick tutorial will help you get spinning again in no time.

Diana Twiss teaches several courses in the School of SweetGeorgia. This tutorial was filmed during her Colour and Fibre Play 2 course, where she explores how to blend and refine colours in fibre prep and how to recreate them on a larger scale for bigger projects, along with spinning techniques like thick singles, marled yarns and more! Below the video, you’ll find written instructions and links to Diana’s courses and articles, as well as ways to connect with the SweetGeorgia community.

Materials & Tools Shown

More About Diana Twiss

Polycord comparison

Notice the difference in colour between the two polycord bands, the older one has yellowed with time.
Print

Replacing Your Spinning Wheel Polycord Drive Band

Equipment

  • 1 Spinning Wheel
  • 1 Flame source (lighter or candle)
  • 1 Scissors

Materials

Instructions

  • Lower the maidenhead and remove the old polycord.
  • Find the length of your new band by wrapping it around the drive wheel and over the flyer whorl until both ends meet. Overlap the ends by about an inch, then trim the excess. You’ll lose roughly ⅛ inch as the ends melt.
  • You can remove the flyer to make this step easier, but it’s not required. Keep the cord looped around the wheel; do not remove it as you fuse the ends. Carefully melt both ends with your flame.
  • Press them together while they’re still hot, using the wooden block to protect your fingers. Hold firmly for at least 30 seconds.
  • Once cool, gently roll the join between your fingers to smooth the bulge.
  • When fully cooled, trim away any excess with scissors or a utility knife.
  • Place the band back around the wheel and flyer whorl, raise the maiden, and you’re ready to spin again.

Need More Help?

Do you have questions about changing your polycord drive band? 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 Diana Twiss 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 4th, 2022; Refreshed: July 8th, 2025  

The post Refresh Your Wheel by Replacing the Polycord Drive Band appeared first on SweetGeorgia Yarns.



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