Intro to Drop Spindle Spinning
Trowbridge Museum, Trowbridge, BA14 8AT
Saturday 9th May 2026
Workshop: Introduction to Drop Spindle Spinning
Unplug from the digital world and rediscover the ancient, rhythmic art of hand-spinning. This workshop introduces you to the drop spindle, a simple yet powerful tool used for centuries to create yarn. You’ll learn how to take unspun wool and turn it into a beautiful, functional strand of yarn that you can use for knitting, crochet, or weaving.
What We’ll Cover
This session is designed to be tactile and meditative, focusing on the core mechanics of spinning:
Understanding Fibres - Explore the basics of fibre preparation and why some fibres are easier for beginners
The "Park and Draft" Method: A foolproof technique for beginners that breaks the process down into manageable steps to prevent frustration.
Drafting Techniques: Learn the art of pulling and thinning out fibre to control the thickness and consistency of your yarn.
Managing Twist: Find out how the spindle creates energy (twist) and how to "balance" your yarn so it doesn't kink.
Workshop Details
Experience Level: Absolute Beginner. No prior textile experience required!
What to Bring: Just your patience and a pair of comfortable shoes, as some prefer to spin while standing (though sitting is perfectly fine!).
Unplug from the digital world and rediscover the ancient, rhythmic art of hand-spinning. This workshop introduces you to the drop spindle, a simple yet powerful tool used for centuries to create yarn. You’ll learn how to take unspun wool and turn it into a beautiful, functional strand of yarn that you can use for knitting, crochet, or weaving.
What We’ll Cover
This session is designed to be tactile and meditative, focusing on the core mechanics of spinning:
Understanding Fibres - Explore the basics of fibre preparation and why some fibres are easier for beginners
The "Park and Draft" Method: A foolproof technique for beginners that breaks the process down into manageable steps to prevent frustration.
Drafting Techniques: Learn the art of pulling and thinning out fibre to control the thickness and consistency of your yarn.
Managing Twist: Find out how the spindle creates energy (twist) and how to "balance" your yarn so it doesn't kink.
Workshop Details
Experience Level: Absolute Beginner. No prior textile experience required!
What to Bring: Just your patience and a pair of comfortable shoes, as some prefer to spin while standing (though sitting is perfectly fine!).
