Choosing a Spinning Wheel

Different Types of Spinning Wheels: Which One is Right for You?

If you're new to handspinning, choosing your first spinning wheel can feel overwhelming. With so many different styles, sizes, and features available, it's easy to wonder which wheel is best for your needs. The good news is that every spinning wheel has its own strengths, and the right choice depends on what you want to spin and how you like to work.

Saxony Spinning Wheels

The Saxony wheel is the classic fairy-tale spinning wheel that most people imagine. With its large drive wheel positioned beside the spinner, these wheels are elegant, smooth, and often beautifully crafted from hardwood.

Saxony wheels are well balanced and can be a joy to spin on. Many experienced spinners love them for producing fine, consistent yarns, although modern Saxony wheels are equally capable of spinning thicker yarns.

Best for: Traditional spinning, home use, and anyone who loves a timeless design.

Castle Spinning Wheels

Castle wheels have a more upright design, with the drive wheel positioned beneath the flyer. This makes them much more compact than Saxony wheels while still offering excellent spinning performance.

They're a popular choice for beginners because they take up less space and are easy to fit into a craft room.

Best for: Beginners, smaller homes, and everyday spinning.

Folding and Travel Wheels

If you enjoy attending spinning groups, festivals, or workshops, a folding wheel could be the perfect companion. These lightweight wheels fold down for transport without sacrificing performance.

Many modern travel wheels spin just as well as full-sized wheels and are ideal for taking your craft wherever you go.

Best for: Guild meetings, holidays, demonstrations, and spinning on the move.

Electric Spinning Wheels (E-Spinners)

Electric spinning wheels use a motor instead of a treadle, allowing you to control the speed electronically. They're especially useful for people with limited mobility or anyone who wants to spin comfortably without using foot power.

E-spinners are also incredibly portable and can produce a wide variety of yarns.

Best for: Accessibility, travel, and high-volume spinning.

Double Treadle vs Single Treadle

Many spinning wheels are available in either single or double treadle versions.

A single treadle wheel is operated with one foot and has a simple traditional feel.

A double treadle wheel uses both feet, often providing smoother, more balanced movement that many spinners find less tiring during longer sessions. You can also just use one foot, so they are more versatile.

Scotch Tension, Irish Tension and Double Drive

One of the biggest differences between spinning wheels is how they control yarn tension.

Scotch Tension

The most common system for beginners. It gives excellent control over yarn take-up and makes learning easier.

Irish Tension

Provides a stronger pull on the yarn, making it well suited to thicker, bulkier yarns.

Double Drive

Uses a single long drive band to power both the flyer and bobbin. It offers very smooth spinning and is often preferred by experienced handspinners creating fine yarns.

Which Spinning Wheel Should You Choose?

If you're buying your first wheel, don't worry about finding the "perfect" one. Most quality spinning wheels are incredibly versatile and can spin everything from laceweight to chunky art yarn with practice.

I would always recommend buying a 'brand' spinning Wheel as parts are readily available. Many handmade wheels were created to just be decorative, known fondly as 'spinning wheel shaped objects '.

Think about:

- Where you'll use your wheel

- Whether you need portability

- Your budget

- What types of yarn you'd like to create

- Whether you prefer a traditional or modern design

Whenever possible, try several wheels before making your decision. Every spinner develops their own preferences, and the wheel that feels right for one person may not suit another.

Start Your Handspinning Journey

Learning to spin is a wonderfully relaxing and rewarding craft. Whether you choose a traditional Saxony wheel, a compact Castle wheel, or a modern electric spinner, each offers the opportunity to transform beautiful fibres into unique handmade yarn.

At Jo Badger Textiles we're passionate about helping new and experienced spinners discover the joy of handspinning. Browse our range of spinning fibres, wheels, accessories, and books, or join one of our spinning workshops to find the perfect wheel for you.