The Timeless Spin: A Brief History of the Drop Spindle

There’s something truly magical about the drop spindle. With just a simple tool and a handful of fibre, you can create yarn, just as spinners have done for thousands of years. If you’ve ever found yourself mesmerised by the rhythmic spin of a spindle, you’re part of a long and beautiful tradition.

Ancient Beginnings
Long before spinning wheels existed, before machines whirred and hummed, people spun fibre by hand. The drop spindle is one of the oldest known tools for making yarn, dating back at least 10,000 years. Archaeologists have uncovered spindle whorls (the weighted discs attached to spindles) from ancient civilisations across the world, from Mesopotamia to the Andes, Scandinavia to China. These little remnants of history remind us that textiles have always been an essential part of human life.

A Tool of Necessity
For much of history, spinning wasn’t just a hobby, it was a necessity. Every thread of cloth had to be spun by hand, making the drop spindle a constant companion for many. Women (and some men) carried their spindles everywhere, spinning while walking, watching over children, or tending animals. The spindle was small, portable, and incredibly effective, transforming raw fibre into the foundation of clothing, sails, tapestries, and more.

The Evolution of Spinning
As technology advanced, so did spinning tools. The spinning wheel emerged in the Middle Ages, speeding up production and changing the way yarn was made. But the drop spindle never disappeared. Even today, spindles are cherished by fibre artists for their simplicity, portability, and connection to the past.

A Resurgence in Handspinning
In our fast-paced, machine-made world, many people are rediscovering the joy of handspinning. The drop spindle is often the first tool new spinners try, offering a meditative, hands-on experience that connects them to the artisans of history. It’s a way to slow down, to feel the fibre in your hands, and to truly appreciate the craft.

So next time you pick up your spindle, take a moment to appreciate the generations of spinners who came before you. You’re carrying on an ancient tradition, one twist at a time.

Happy spinning!