Drop Spindle

What: A drop spindle is one of the oldest methods for spinning fibers into yarn or thread. Its parts are the tapering rod or spindle and the round disk or whorl. The rotation of the spindle twisted the fibers and the yarn or thread was wound around the spindle as is spun. A drop spindle could easily be made. They were very easy to transport from place to place and store. Many early American Indians used pieces of pottery for their whorls.

With the development and spread of the spinning wheel about 800 years ago, a person was able to spin better and more yarn or thread in a shorter amount of time. Spinning wheels varied depending on the type of fiber being spun or from where the spinning wheel came. A spinning wheel would have to be purchased and took up space in a pioneer's home or wagon.

Who: People have used drop spindles since ancient times. Both American Indians and pioneers used the drop spindle. It is still commonly used in many developing countries.

Play the drop spindle movie. 198kb Quicktime movie

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Updated: December 20, 2003