Spinning wheels for beginners
Your first spinning wheel should be easy to set up, comfortable to treadle, and forgiving while you learn. These wheels were picked with new spinners in mind: the Kromski Fantasia and Prelude, the Lojan Buddy, Louet S10 and S17, Majacraft Luna, Pioneer X, and Rose, Schacht Ladybug, SpinOlution Echo and Pollywog, and the Louet Jenn-E electric spinner.
Three things to decide before you buy
Treadle style. A single treadle is simple and lets you rest one foot. A double treadle uses both feet and many spinners find the rhythm smoother and easier to keep steady. Tension system. Scotch tension (flyer-lead) has a gentle pull that's easy to adjust, and Irish tension (bobbin-lead) has a stronger pull that helps with thicker yarn. Double drive wheels are balanced for smooth, consistent spinning once set up. Ratios. Lower ratios put in less twist and help with thicker, beginner-friendly yarn. Higher ratios are for fine yarn. A wheel with a few ratios gives you room to grow.
Short on space or planning to travel? Compare travel spinning wheels. Then pick up some easy-to-spin wool roving to practice with.
