Welcome to Part 4 of my blog series, Considerations of a Hand Spinner. If you were with me for my earlier parts where we explored different fibre choices, spinning techniques and tension systems, welcome back! But if you’re just joining me now, don’t worry,
we can refresh on how this series came to be and why it’s such an important topic for hand spinners.
Over the past twelve years, I’ve had the pleasure of teaching countless new spinners and welcoming them into the wonderful world of hand spinning. Each of you has brought your own unique touch, and I’ve been continually inspired, intrigued, and proud of your achievements.
Recently, I’ve been reflecting not just on the joy of teaching new spinners, but also on the essential considerations every spinner—whether new or experienced—should keep in mind when embarking on a new project.
That’s why I’ve decided to create a blog series entitled Considerations of a Hand Spinner. In this series, I’ll dive into the different aspects of a spinning project, offering insights that will hopefully inspire you to explore your own spinning practice more deeply. My goal is to help you understand what’s happening at each stage of your project and why, setting you up for success with every spin.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with spinning purely for the joy it brings. I encourage you to do just that! Spinning can be one of the most relaxing and mindful activities, and the more you enjoy it, the more you’ll want to spin. However, by taking a moment to reflect on the areas I’ll be exploring in this blog series, you can unlock a whole new level of precision and fulfilment in your hand spinning journey.
I hope you’ll join me in each instalment as we explore these considerations together. And as we go through this journey, I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences along the way!
My topic for this blog is all about gears and ratios so if you have felt a bit overwhelmed by this concept do read on and all will become clear!
I have also created a video which explains and demonstrates the process of changing gears where you can also see the effects of the changes but don't cheat, read on first!
During my years of teaching hand spinning it has become apparent that many spinners are somewhat baffled by the topic of gears and ratios on their spinning wheels. I for one am a bit of a lazy spinner, preferring to let the wheel do the work for me which makes my spinning all the more relaxing. And for many spinners, whether beginner or seasoned, understanding the relevance of using different gears on a spinning wheel can be transformative once the spinner understands what the gears are and just how they can help the spinning. Much like a cyclist uses different gears to tackle varied terrains, the spinner’s ability to switch between gears influences the texture, consistency, and speed of the yarn production, but how exactly does it work, and why is using the full range of gears on your spinning wheel so important?
So what are the gears on the spinning wheel I hear you ask? Gears on a spinning wheel refer to the ratio between the drive wheel (the large wheel) and the flyer (the part that twists the fibre into yarn). This ratio determines how much twist is applied to the fibre with each turn of the wheel. Most modern spinning wheels offer multiple ratios, achieved by changing the whorl (a small groove or pulley) that the drive band loops over.
A higher ratio means the flyer turns more times with each treadle, applying more twist in less time. A lower ratio, conversely, means fewer flyer rotations per treadle, resulting in less twist per length of yarn. It is worth noting that the higher ratio, giving more twist will be the smaller gear, or groove on the whorl whereas the lower ratio will be the larger gear on the whorl giving less twist.
If your wheel does not have a range of gears already you may be able to adapt it to use a jumbo flyer for less twist and thicker yarns or to use a high speed flyer which will give more twist suitable for finer yarns. Do check the manufacturer information to tell you the range of gears your wheel will currently have and what adaptations are available.
We refer to the ratios in terms of something: 1 eg 6:1, 8:1 or 18:1 which simply means that for every on rotation of the drive wheel the flyer rotates x amount of times depending on the gear you have chosen. So 6:1 means that the flyer os rotating 6 times for every one treadle and rotation of the wheel. I am lucky enough to have a variety of wheels with a great range of gears between 6:1 and 25:1 allowing me to spin a wide range of fibres with varying amounts of twist.
Why Is Gear Range Important?
Using a range of gears on your spinning wheel offers numerous benefits:
1. Control Over Yarn Thickness
The amount of twist you apply to the fibre directly affects the thickness of the yarn. Lower ratios are ideal for thicker yarns, as they allow you to draft more fibre without introducing excessive twist. Higher ratios, on the other hand, are perfect for finer yarns, where more twist is needed to maintain strength and consistency.
By experimenting with different gears, spinners can produce a wide array of yarns, from bulky, lofty singles to fine, strong lace weight yarns. Mastering gear use is a key step toward versatility in spinning projects.
2. Adapting to Fibre Type
Not all fibres behave the same way. For instance, short-staple fibres require more twist to hold together, making higher gear ratios essential. In contrast, long-staple fibres can tolerate less twist, so a lower ratio will prevent over-twisting, which can make the yarn wiry and hard.
Understanding which gear to use based on the fibre type ensures that your yarn not only looks and feels good but also holds up to wear and tear and is ultimately suitable for the project in mind.
You may find it helpful to experiment with a range of fibres using all of the gears to be able to see and feel the difference a range of gears makes to your yarns. This will enable you to determine which gear will give the best result for the fibre you intend to use and for the project in mind. However, do be aware of what the results mean. If your yarn is kinking up on itself, you’re likely using too high a ratio for the fibre or thickness you’re spinning. If the yarn is too loose or breaks easily, you may need to increase the twist by moving to a higher gear.
3. Enhancing Spinning Speed
Proper use of gear range lets you balance speed and precision, making the spinning process smoother and more enjoyable. It is also true that if you are learning a new spinning technique or using a new fibre then slowing the process down can allow your hands and feet to stay in rhythm to give you time to understand the process before moving on to perfect your yarn. For new spinners this can also help to improve your yarn consistency overall. Remember, slow and sure wins the race!
The range of gears on a spinning wheel is more than just a feature; it's a key tool in the spinner’s toolkit. Learning to use these gears effectively can dramatically expand your capabilities as a spinner, improving the quality and variety of yarns you produce. By mastering gear changes, you’ll find greater control, adaptability, and creative expression in your spinning projects.
So, the next time you sit down at your wheel, don’t shy away from adjusting those gears. Dive into the possibilities they offer, and watch your spinning evolve!
As always I hope that you have found this blog interesting and would love to hear from you. So do share your thoughts, projects and any tips that you may have as well.
Bye for now and....
Happy Spinning
Theresa
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