A spinning wheel is a tool used to twist loose fibre into yarn.

Although spinning wheels can look very different from one another, they all perform the same basic task: the wheel drives a flyer or spindle mechanism, allowing the spinner to introduce twist into fibre while controlling the amount of yarn being created.

A spinning wheel consists of several important parts, including the drive wheel, flyer, bobbin, orifice, treadle and drive system. Each has a role in determining how the wheel behaves.

Understanding these components makes choosing and using a spinning wheel much easier.

At Kromski, spinning wheels are designed to combine practical function with the character of traditionally crafted woodwork. Each wheel is made to be a working tool first — but also something that can be enjoyed for generations.

Choosing a spinning wheel is not simply a matter of finding the most expensive or most advanced model.

The right wheel depends on what you want to spin, how often you intend to spin, how much space you have and which features are important to you.

Before choosing a wheel, consider:

• What type of yarn do you want to make?
• Are you a beginner or an experienced spinner?
• Do you need a portable or folding wheel?
• Do you prefer a traditional or modern design?
• Will you spin fine yarn, thicker yarn, or both?
• Do you want additional ratios or flyer options?
• How important is bobbin capacity?
• Will the wheel remain in one place or travel with you?

Kromski offers several distinct spinning wheel designs, each with its own character and purpose.

The best wheel is the one that suits the way you want to spin.

Explore the Kromski Spinning Wheel Collection →

Your first spinning wheel should make learning enjoyable rather than complicated.

For beginners, important characteristics include predictable operation, comfortable treadling, accessible controls and a design that leaves room for developing your skills.

A beginner does not necessarily need a basic wheel. A well-designed wheel can remain useful long after the first stages of learning are complete.

When comparing wheels, consider the drive system, ratios, flyer options, bobbin capacity, portability and the availability of accessories.

Kromski wheels are designed as complete working instruments rather than disposable beginner equipment. This means that choosing a Kromski wheel as your first wheel can also give you room to explore more advanced spinning later.

Explore Kromski Spinning Wheels →

Spinning wheels have developed into many different forms.

Traditional Saxony-style wheels place the wheel and flyer assembly prominently alongside the spinner. Castle-style wheels use a more compact vertical arrangement. Folding wheels prioritise portability, while compact modern designs are intended to make efficient use of space.

The shape of a wheel is not simply decorative. Its architecture affects portability, footprint, balance and the relationship between the spinner and the working parts.

Kromski designs include several different approaches to the spinning wheel, from traditional forms to compact and folding models.

Understanding the differences allows you to choose based on how you actually spin rather than choosing a wheel based only on appearance.

One of the most important differences between spinning wheels is the way the drive system controls the relationship between the wheel, flyer and bobbin.

In a Scotch tension system, the drive band turns the flyer while a separate tensioning system controls the bobbin. This gives the spinner direct control over the take-up of yarn.

In a double-drive system, the drive band runs around both the flyer whorl and the bobbin whorl. The difference between their sizes creates the relationship that controls take-up.

Neither system is simply “better”.

Experienced spinners often develop strong preferences based on their style of spinning and the yarns they enjoy making.

Understanding how each system behaves is more useful than choosing based on a simple ranking.

Learn more about Kromski drive systems and individual wheel models →

The ratio of a spinning wheel describes how many times the flyer rotates during one revolution of the drive wheel.

A higher ratio means the flyer rotates more quickly. A lower ratio produces slower flyer rotation.

This matters because different fibres and yarns benefit from different amounts and rates of twist.

Fine yarns often require more twist and can benefit from faster ratios. Thicker yarns and some fibres may be easier to manage at slower speeds.

Many Kromski wheels offer multiple ratios, while optional whorls and flyers can further expand the range of spinning possibilities.

Kromski has an existing detailed guide to spinning wheel ratios, including an explanatory video and comparison information.

The flyer guides yarn from the orifice onto the bobbin.

Different flyers can change the character and possibilities of a spinning wheel. Standard flyers are suitable for everyday spinning, while faster or jumbo configurations can be useful for particular types of yarn.

When choosing a flyer, consider:

• Yarn thickness
• Desired spinning speed
• Bobbin capacity
• Orifice size
• Type of fibre
• Intended plying method

A jumbo flyer, for example, provides more room for yarn and can be particularly useful for thick yarns or larger quantities of singles.

Kromski offers additional flyer options for selected wheels, including jumbo and faster flyers.

The goal is not to find the “best” flyer, but the flyer that complements the yarn you want to create.

The bobbin stores the yarn as it is spun.

Its capacity, compatibility and relationship with the flyer are important considerations when choosing spinning equipment.

A larger bobbin can be useful when spinning long runs of singles or when plying larger quantities of yarn. Smaller bobbins can be practical when working with several colours or when keeping different yarns separate.

Before purchasing an additional bobbin, always check compatibility with your specific Kromski wheel and flyer.

Kromski also offers jumbo bobbin configurations for selected wheels. These allow spinners to increase yarn capacity without changing the basic character of their wheel.

Wool is one of the most versatile fibres for learning to spin.

Before beginning, prepare your fibre so that it can be drafted smoothly. Depending on the preparation, wool may be spun from roving, top, batts or other forms of prepared fibre.

Begin with a comfortable wheel speed and concentrate on controlling the fibre rather than trying to produce yarn quickly.

The basic process is:

1. Prepare your fibre.
2. Attach the leader to the bobbin.
3. Establish the desired direction of twist.
4. Allow twist to enter the drafted fibre.
5. Control your drafting distance and fibre supply.
6. Build a consistent yarn.
7. Wind the finished yarn onto the bobbin.

Consistency comes with practice. Your first yarn does not need to be perfect.

The important thing is to learn how your hands, fibre and wheel work together.

Lace-weight yarn requires control, patience and a suitable amount of twist.

Because the finished yarn is fine, small changes in drafting and wheel speed can have a noticeable effect.

Begin with well-prepared fibre and establish a comfortable drafting technique. A faster wheel ratio can help introduce the amount of twist needed for fine yarn, but speed alone does not create a good lace yarn.

Pay attention to:

• Fibre preparation
• Drafting distance
• Twist
• Wheel ratio
• Tension
• Yarn consistency

It is often useful to spin a sample before committing to a larger quantity.

Remember that lace yarn is not simply “thin yarn”. Its strength, twist and structure all contribute to how it behaves when knitted, crocheted or woven.

Art yarn gives the spinner permission to experiment.

Instead of aiming for perfect uniformity, art yarn can incorporate texture, colour, thick-and-thin sections, coils, loops, locks and other deliberate effects.

The wheel becomes a creative instrument rather than simply a machine for producing consistent yarn.

Start by deciding what effect you want to achieve. Different techniques require different approaches to drafting, twist and fibre preparation.

A larger orifice and higher-capacity flyer can be useful when creating particularly thick or heavily textured yarns.

The most important rule is simple:

There are no unnecessary imperfections when they are part of the design.

Experiment with different fibres, colours and structures, and let the character of the material become part of the finished yarn.

A rigid heddle loom is a compact and versatile weaving loom designed around a rigid heddle.

The heddle performs several functions: it spaces the warp threads, helps separate the warp into weaving sheds and provides a surface against which the weft can be beaten into place.

Rigid heddle looms are popular because they provide an accessible introduction to weaving while still allowing experienced weavers to explore a wide range of techniques.

With different heddle densities, yarns and weaving structures, the same basic loom can produce very different fabrics.

Kromski developed the Harp loom in 2001 and continues to produce rigid heddle looms and accessories for weavers around the world.

Explore the Kromski Harp Forte →

The most important decision when choosing a rigid heddle loom is often its width.

Think about the projects you would like to make.

A smaller loom can be convenient for narrow projects, travel and limited working space. A wider loom provides greater flexibility for scarves, table runners, garments and larger pieces.

Also consider:

• Heddle options
• Portability
• Folding design
• Warping method
• Stand availability
• Accessories
• Possibility of double-heddle weaving

The Kromski Harp Forte is available in several widths and includes a built-in warping board, giving the weaver more than one way to prepare the loom.

Choose the loom that fits both your current projects and the direction in which you would like your weaving to develop.

A beginner’s loom should make the fundamentals understandable.

A good rigid heddle loom allows a new weaver to learn the relationship between warp, weft, heddle, tension and beat without requiring unnecessary complexity.

The Kromski Harp Forte is designed to provide this foundation while leaving room for more advanced work.

It includes features such as a built-in warping board, direct warping equipment, heddle, shuttles, pickup stick and threading hook.

As your experience develops, additional heddles and accessories can expand the techniques available to you.

The best beginner loom is therefore not necessarily the simplest loom.

It is the loom that makes your first projects approachable while giving you somewhere to go next.

Explore the Harp Forte →

Loom width determines the maximum width of fabric you can weave without changing the basic setup of your loom.

For narrow projects such as scarves, bands and smaller decorative pieces, a compact loom can be ideal.

Wider looms provide greater flexibility for larger scarves, table runners, blankets and other projects.

However, a wider loom is also physically larger, so consider where you will use and store it.

Kromski Harp Forte looms are available in 8″, 16″, 24″ and 32″ widths.

There is no universally correct width.

Think about the projects you are most likely to make and choose accordingly.

If you are uncertain, consider the smallest width that comfortably accommodates the projects you expect to make most often.

The term “dent” refers to an opening in a heddle.

Heddles are commonly described by dents per inch (DPI). For example, an 8-dent heddle has eight openings per inch.

The appropriate DPI depends largely on the yarn you are using and the density you want in the finished fabric.

A lower DPI generally accommodates thicker yarns, while a higher DPI is suitable for finer yarns.

However, DPI should not be considered in isolation. Sett, yarn structure, fibre characteristics and the desired fabric all influence the final result.

A useful approach is to make a small sample before beginning a larger project.

Kromski offers heddles in different densities for the Harp Forte, allowing the same loom to be adapted to different yarns and fabrics.

Warping is the process of preparing the lengthwise threads of your project and attaching them to the loom.

It can seem complicated the first time, but once the sequence becomes familiar it becomes a repeatable part of weaving.

The general process involves:

1. Determining warp length and width.
2. Preparing the warp.
3. Threading the heddle.
4. Attaching the warp to the back beam.
5. Winding the warp evenly.
6. Threading the heddle holes.
7. Attaching the warp to the front beam.
8. Establishing even tension.

The Kromski Harp Forte provides both a built-in warping board and direct warping equipment, allowing the weaver to choose the method that best suits the project.

Watch the Kromski Harp Forte warping tutorial →

The yarn you choose has a direct influence on the fabric you create.

Consider:

• Fibre
• Yarn weight
• Twist
• Strength
• Texture
• Sett
• Intended use of the finished fabric

Warp yarn needs to withstand repeated tension and abrasion as the loom is operated. Weft yarn has different requirements because it is carried across the warp.

Cotton, wool, linen, silk and synthetic fibres can all behave differently on the loom.

Do not choose yarn simply because its label says it is suitable for weaving.

Consider the relationship between the yarn, heddle density and the fabric you want to create.

Sampling is one of the most useful habits a weaver can develop.

Using two heddles can significantly expand the possibilities of a rigid heddle loom.

A second heddle creates additional control over the warp threads and allows structures that cannot be produced with a single heddle.

Double-heddle weaving can be used to create finer fabrics, additional shafts and more complex weaving structures.

It does require a better understanding of threading, sett and tension, so it is generally best approached after becoming comfortable with basic rigid heddle weaving.

The Kromski Harp Forte can be equipped for double-heddle weaving with the appropriate additional components.

Think of the second heddle not as a completely different loom, but as an extension of the possibilities already available to you.

There is no single spinning wheel that is right for every spinner.

The best choice depends on your experience, the yarns you want to make, the amount of space available to you and whether you value portability, traditional design, larger capacity or additional spinning options.

If portability matters

Consider a folding design such as the Kromski Sonata.

If you prefer a traditional appearance

Explore models such as the Kromski Fantasia, Minstrel or Polonaise.

If you want a compact design

Consider the Interlude or Prelude.

If you want a versatile everyday wheel

Compare the different Kromski models according to their ratios, drive systems, flyer options and intended use.

Take your time.

A spinning wheel is not simply a piece of equipment. For many spinners, it becomes part of their creative practice for years.

Compare Kromski Spinning Wheels →

Choosing a loom begins with the projects you want to make.

Ask yourself:

• How wide will my projects be?
• Do I need a folding loom?
• Will I travel with it?
• Do I want to explore double-heddle weaving?
• How much room do I have?
• Would a built-in warping board be useful?

The Kromski Harp Forte is available in several widths and can grow with the weaver through additional heddles and accessories.

If you are new to weaving, begin by considering the projects you are most excited to make.

A scarf, table runner and blanket each suggest different requirements.

Explore Harp Forte →

Comparing spinning wheels only by price or appearance can be misleading.

Instead, compare the characteristics that affect how you actually spin.

Consider:

Drive system
How does the wheel control flyer and bobbin rotation?

Ratios
How quickly can the flyer turn?

Flyer options
What yarn sizes and techniques can the wheel accommodate?

Bobbin capacity
How much yarn can you spin or ply before changing bobbins?

Portability
Will the wheel remain at home or travel with you?

Design
Do you prefer a traditional or contemporary form?

Kromski offers seven distinct spinning wheel models, giving spinners different combinations of these characteristics.

The purpose of a comparison is not to declare one wheel universally superior.

It is to help you identify the wheel that is most appropriate for your own spinning.

When comparing rigid heddle looms, look beyond the frame itself.

Consider the working width, folding mechanism, warping system, heddle options, included accessories and possibilities for future expansion.

The Kromski Harp Forte combines a folding rigid heddle design with an integrated warping board and the possibility of expanding the loom with additional heddles and accessories.

Different weavers will prioritise different features.

Someone who travels frequently may value portability. A weaver making wide textiles may prioritise working width. Someone interested in developing more complex structures may value double-heddle capability.

The right loom is therefore the one that supports your particular way of weaving.

Understanding Fibre

Every yarn begins with fibre.

Wool, alpaca, cotton, silk, linen and other fibres behave differently when drafted, spun and woven.

Fibre length, strength, crimp, softness and preparation all influence the finished yarn.

Learning to recognise these differences allows you to make better decisions before you even sit at your wheel or loom.

Understanding Yarn

Yarn is more than simply “thick” or “thin”.

Its structure includes twist, diameter, ply, fibre and overall balance.

When spinning, your choices determine how the finished yarn behaves.

When weaving, the yarn’s structure affects sett, drape, texture, strength and appearance.

Understanding yarn therefore helps connect spinning and weaving into one continuous craft.

Rigid heddle weaving can begin simply and become remarkably sophisticated.

Start with plain weave and gradually explore techniques that introduce additional texture, colour and structure.

Explore:

Plain Weave
The fundamental structure of rigid heddle weaving.

Colour & Weave
Use contrasting warp and weft colours to create visual patterns.

Pick-Up Techniques
Use a pickup stick to manipulate warp threads and create additional patterns.

Double-Heddle Weaving
Expand the structure and density possibilities of the loom.

Tablet Weaving
Use the rigid heddle loom in specialised setups for narrow woven bands.

Pattern Weaving
Combine threading, colour and structure to create more elaborate designs.

Kromski’s existing educational material includes tutorials for beginning weaving, warping and specialised techniques such as tablet weaving.

Spinning Techniques

Spinning becomes much more interesting when you begin experimenting with technique.

Explore the relationship between fibre preparation, drafting, twist and wheel speed.

Explore:

Short Forward Drafting
A controlled drafting technique particularly useful for developing consistent yarn.

Long Draw
A fluid technique that allows the spinner to work with a longer drafting distance.

Plying
Combining two or more singles to create a balanced finished yarn.

Fine Spinning
Working with carefully prepared fibre and higher twist to create delicate yarns.

Thick & Thin Spinning
Deliberately varying yarn diameter to create texture.

Art Yarn
Combining texture, colour and structure to create expressive yarns.

The best way to learn is to experiment.

Make samples. Change one variable at a time. Observe what happens.

Over time, you will begin to understand not only what your wheel can do, but what your fibre can do.

Learn Through Making

One of the best ways to understand spinning and weaving is to make something.

Projects turn technical knowledge into practical experience.

Start with something manageable and use it to learn how your equipment behaves.

Beginner Spinning Projects

• Your First Handspun Yarn
• Two-Ply Yarn
• Simple Art Yarn
• Fine Lace Yarn
• Colour Blended Yarn

Beginner Weaving Projects

• Your First Scarf
• Kitchen Towels
• Simple Table Runner
• Colour-and-Weave Scarf
• Narrow Woven Band

Each project should teach something new.

Do not worry about producing perfect results immediately. The samples, experiments and unexpected results are part of learning the craft.

Explore Kromski Project Guides →

When Things Do Not Go as Planned

Every spinner and weaver encounters problems.

Yarn breaks. Tension changes. A bobbin fills unevenly. Warp threads become tangled. The fabric does not look the way you imagined.

These problems are not failures. They are part of learning how the tools and materials behave.

Spinning Troubleshooting

• Why does my yarn keep breaking?
• Why is my yarn too thick?
• Why is my yarn too thin?
• Why is my yarn over-twisted?
• Why is my wheel slipping?
• How do I adjust drive-band tension?
• Why is my bobbin not filling evenly?

Weaving Troubleshooting

• Why is my warp tension uneven?
• Why does my fabric draw in?
• Why are my edges uneven?
• Why is my shed difficult to open?
• Why is my fabric too loose?
• Why are my warp threads tangling?

When troubleshooting, change one thing at a time.

Observe the result.

Understanding the cause is more valuable than simply correcting the symptom.

Learn by Watching

Some techniques are easier to understand when you can see them in action.

The Kromski Video Library brings together demonstrations, product overviews, assembly instructions and practical tutorials for spinning and weaving.

SPINNING

Explore videos covering:

• Kromski spinning wheel overviews
• Wheel assembly
• Bobbin changes
• Flyer installation
• Drive-band adjustment
• Spinning wheel ratios
• Jumbo flyer adaptations
• Individual wheel features

Kromski already has video material covering models including the Polonaise, Symphony, Interlude, Prelude, Sonata and Minstrel.

WEAVING

Explore:

• Harp Forte assembly
• Warping
• Starting your first weaving project
• Using the built-in warping board
• Using the warping peg
• Dressing the Harp
• Beginning your first scarf
• Tablet weaving

Watch, try, adjust and repeat.

The craft becomes clearer when knowledge moves from the page into your hands.

Check out our FAQ here: https://kromski.com/frequently-asked-questions/