What is Spinning Wheel?

The spinning wheel is the name given to a machine that allows spinning (reducing a fibre to thread). This device has a rod that ends in the head where the yarn is wound. It can carry out thanks to a crank (or a pedal), or rotating support.

Before fully entering the definition of the term spinning wheel, the first thing to do is to know its etymological origin. In this sense, we can determine that it derives from the Germanic “Rocco,” which was the word use to define an instrument used to produce to make woollen threads.

Spinning wheel Historians state that they emerged some three millennia before Christ. The first ones power by hand but, starting in the 16th century, a pedal add so that the user could have both hands free.

The Spindle and the Spinning Wheel

Posted on21 October 2012

Wool processing.

In our town, the wool of the sheep was spun on long winter nights in the warmth of the hearth, the art of our women of yesteryear.

First, it was necessary to shear the sheep in summer, then wash the wool in the river with the baskets for its transport, let it dry in the sun in the artos, and store it in fleeces. Once the wool fibres had sheared and washed, the first step in obtaining the thread was “carding”: the yarn, after wash, remain a little matter, and it was necessary to unravel it well before spinning it. Various cards use to do this, the oldest model of which is in this instrument with a handle formed by a wooden frame where the dry thistles inserting.

Origin of Spinning Wheel

Origin of Spinning Wheel

A spinning wheel is an ancient tool. The origins of the spinning wheel can trace back to an instrument known as the ‘spinning wheel,’ developed in India around 500 BC, which fell out of use 200 years ago when it replaces mainly by industrial machines. It is interesting to note that the “spinning wheel” does not use the feet. With one hand, you move the main wheel, and you drive the fibre with the other.

As historical data, it is essential to mention that in the middle of the 20th century. Gandhi used this instrument to symbolize his struggle for India’s economic and political independence. During the Middle Ages, this spinning machine was taken to Europe, where modifies its design. Later, with the different conquering currents in our continent, the company’s domestic manufacturing activities process various types of natural fibres. And operation, giving rise to the classic spinning wheel.

History of Spinning Wheel

Before the arrival of machines,  was by hand with a spindle, and a spinning wheel. It consists of a rod on which a portion (call a flake) of the fibre was to be spun fixe. The spinning wheel was held in the left-hand hook onto the belt. The spindle was a smaller piece of roughly conical shape. It turns by the right hand, winding the thread around it as it twists.

Around the 13th and 14th centuries, spinning wheels introduce to Europe from India, improving over spinning wheels. In many developing countries, hand spinning still the primary method use. The spindle place in a horizontal position. If turned by a wheel driven by a pedal and produces a single thread in the spinning wheel. To obtain a very fine yarn, two yarns are necessary.

The Spindle and the Spinning Wheel

In our town, the wool of the sheep spin on long winter nights in the warmth of the hearth, the art of our women of yesteryear.

First, it was necessary to shear the sheep in summer, then wash the wool in the river with the baskets for its transport, let it dry in the sun in the artos, and store it in fleeces. Once the wool fibres shear and washed, the first step in obtaining the thread was “carding”: the yarn, after wash, remains a little matter.

It was necessary to unravel it well before spinning it. Various cards use to do this, the oldest model of which is in this instrument with a handle formed by a wooden frame where the dry thistles inserting.

The Goal of the Spinning Wheel

The objective of spinning and the processes that precede it is to transform the individual fibres into a cohesive and manageable continuous yarn. The methods apply to the fibres vary according to the type used. Cotton, wool, linen, jute, and other natural fibres spin differently.

Some bark fibres can spin in two ways, resulting in yarns with other properties. In natural fibres, the process involves opening, blending, carding (in some cases also combing), and drawing.  In twisting to produce the material for the looms. Then the actual spinning takes place.

Conclusion

A spinning wheel an ancient tool use to spin textile fibres manually; It consists of a rod, generally made of a can. Which ends with a head-on in which the branch of yarn to turn is wound; in addition, it has a wheel, pedal or crank and fixed rotating support on which it can incorporate. A hose to make its extension and use more comfortable.

The use of the instrument above is undoubtedly historical since there are reliable records of its use as early as the 13th century; one of the most popular spinning wheels was that of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, who, when she became a very, very young widow, dedicate all his wealth to the poor, he built homes. Of course, with his, he spun for the unprotected.

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