Best Spinning Wheel for Beginner & First Time Spinners
If you're considering getting started with handspinning or are looking for the perfect gift for a first-time handspinner, then this list of the 3 best spinning wheels for beginners will be just what you're looking for.
In this article we list 3 excellent beginner spinning wheels which are easy to learn on, durable, high-quality, and come from trusted manufacturers. There are a number of choices when it comes to spinning wheels, but these three models are ones which beginners have been learning to spin on for years and in our view you can't go wrong with any of these spinning wheel options.
In this article we list 3 excellent beginner spinning wheels which are easy to learn on, durable, high-quality, and come from trusted manufacturers. There are a number of choices when it comes to spinning wheels, but these three models are ones which beginners have been learning to spin on for years and in our view you can't go wrong with any of these spinning wheel options.
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Spinning Wheel for Beginners
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In compiling this list of the top 3 entry-level spinning wheels we took into consideration the following factors: price, ease of use, brand reputation, and quality of construction.
We feel these are the most important factors to consider when shopping for a spinning wheel for beginner handspinners, but other considerations you might be interested in are appearance, portability, size (footprint and weight) and more. |
Your handspun yarn might not be perfect, but your first spinning wheel can be!
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We'll try to discuss all of these factors for each wheel listed below so you can make an educated choice when selecting the best spinning wheel for you.
Our Pick: The Best Over-All Spinning Wheel for Beginners
Double Treadle, Good Learning Ratios, Unfinished Allowing You to Choose Desired Finish Color
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Ashford is known as one of the most respected spinning wheel manufacturers, producing simple, well-built spinning wheels that can last forever if properly maintained. The Ashford Kiwi Spinning Wheel which is our top pick is simple in its design, comes unfinished (you can choose your favorite wood stain to give your wheel a custom look if desired) and has storage space for extra bobbins, making it easy to keep spinning if you run out of room on your current bobbin, or to ply two different yarns you've spun together.
The two-treadle design is popular with beginners as it helps you maintain good positioning and rhythm, and the small footprint of this wheel makes it easy to store or set-up in front of any chair in your living room or at the fair. It's also pretty light-weight and easy to transport ... in most cars you can buckle it right into the passenger seat if you're joining a local spinning group. It's a great investment at around $450 and you can purchase it on Amazon with free shipping. |
More Great Spinning Wheel Options for Beginners (Ranked)
9 Pound, Saxony Style Wheel with Beautiful Style & Great Ratios (6, 10.5, and 13 : 1). Attached Lazy Kate
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You may be surprised that such a beautiful, Saxony-style spinning wheel costs under $450, but the Unfinished Kromski Prelude is a wonderful and affordable entry-level spinning wheel. This unfinished version (like the Kiwi above) allows you to choose the stain and finish that you prefer (though it also comes pre-finished with a higher price-tag).
With comfortable ratios (6:1, 10.5:1, 13:1) and an attached Lazy Kate, learning to craft your own handspun yarns is a breeze on the Prelude, and since this wheel only weighs 9 pounds it's surprisingly portable. Unlike some of the upright wheels on this list, the Prelude is a showpiece once stained, so you don't have to worry about putting it away ... you can keep it out in your living room and it will enhance nearly any decor as a terrific conversation piece. 3 Bobbins are included when you purchase the Unfinished Kromski Prelude online at Amazon, where it ships for free. |
Sturdy Laminated Hardwood with Birch Finish, Maintenance-Free Ball-Bearings Throughout
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While the Louet S17 Upright Spinning Wheel isn't necessarily the most beautiful wheel, it's the cheapest on our list and it's just as functional as any of the others. When I learned to spin I learned on an upright Louet wheel, and I can tell you that these wheels are built to last for years.
By using different types of bobbins and flyers, you can make this budget-friendly spinning wheel last into your advanced handspinning days as you'll be able to spin nearly any type of fiber and yarn on this wheel. Whether you're just learning to spin wool from roving or you're plying together mohair and silk blends, you really can't go wrong with a Louet ... one of the most trusted and recognized brands of spinning wheel. It's available partially-assembled for under $400 on Amazon. |
Choosing the Best Spinning Wheel for You as You Begin Handspinning
While there are many more expensive and fancier spinning wheels available, if you're looking to purchase your first wheel, we feel that each of the three entry-level spinning wheels above (each of which costs $450 or less) are solid options which will allow you to spin beautiful yarn without going overboard on price until you're sure that handspinning is a craft you love and plan to continue with for the long haul.
With that said, a spinning wheel is a beautiful investment and they hold their value well if properly cared for. There are always people nearby who are looking for used spinning wheels for sale, so if you find a terrific spinning wheel that you fall in love with, don't be afraid of investing a little extra in getting exactly what you want. I'm also of the opinion that once you're an avid handspinner it's worth having two wheels - a high-end wheel that you use at home, and a less-expensive, portable spinning wheel like those mentioned above, which you can take with you if you travel to a fair, fiber festival, or a spinning group.
Do you have an opinion on what is the best spinning wheel for beginner or first-time handspinners just learning the craft? Leave a comment and let us know!
With that said, a spinning wheel is a beautiful investment and they hold their value well if properly cared for. There are always people nearby who are looking for used spinning wheels for sale, so if you find a terrific spinning wheel that you fall in love with, don't be afraid of investing a little extra in getting exactly what you want. I'm also of the opinion that once you're an avid handspinner it's worth having two wheels - a high-end wheel that you use at home, and a less-expensive, portable spinning wheel like those mentioned above, which you can take with you if you travel to a fair, fiber festival, or a spinning group.
Do you have an opinion on what is the best spinning wheel for beginner or first-time handspinners just learning the craft? Leave a comment and let us know!
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