How do you use a spinning wheel?

spinning wheels are one of the oldest and most traditional forms of crafting. Today, however, more and more people are looking to spin their own fibers for practical, creative and eco-sustainable reasons. Whether it's for making yarn out of sheep's wool or cotton, spinning is a rewarding and calming experience that anyone can learn with the right tools and knowledge. Here's how to use a spinning wheel.

1) Gather Your Materials: Before you start, make sure you have the correct spinning supplies such as wool fibers, a distaff, spindle, spindle whorl (acts as a weight on the spindle to help maintain an even spinning speed), bobbins (plastic or metal containers that hold the spun fibers) and scissors.

2) Make sure your Wheel is Properly Set Up: Make sure your wheel has been correctly set up with the right turn speed. Typically this is based on the weight of your fiber – heavier fibers need slower speeds while lighter ones require faster speeds.

3) Prepare Your Fiber: Once you've gathered all your supplies, prepare your fiber by combing it into manageable strips if needed. This will make it easier for spinning later on.

4) Attach Your Bobbin to the Wheel: Now take one of your bobbins (make sure it's empty) and attach it to the spinning wheel spokes using either a tension clip or string wound around spokes in an "X" pattern depending on your wheel model. It should be snug so there isn't too much slack when you begin spinning.

5) Place Your Spindle onto The Flyer: The flyer is attached to the end of the wheel arm that spins; place your spindle onto this arm with enough space between itself and the bobbin so that when you spin faster there won't be any friction between them.

6). Start Spinning: Turn your wheel slowly until your spindle starts moving then pick up some strands of fiber in your hand using either drafting techniques or using a distaff and pinch twist them together in order to spin them onto the spool creating thread which can be wound off onto other bobbins as needed! Once all desired length has been achieved –stop winding! Always remember to cut any remaining ends securely! Congrats you just spun some yarn!