30/04/2026
Before the introduction of the spinning wheel to Europe in the 13th century, all yarn would have been spun by hand using a drop spindle.
Small and easily portable a drop spindle could be taken anywhere and used at any time, allowing for thread to be made on the go. The downside being they could also be easily lost, which might be bad for the owner, but is great for the archaeologist who find what’s left hundreds if not thousands of years later! While the wooden shaft may rot away the whorl, the weighted disc, would often be made of materials such as stone, clay, or bone, would survive much longer.
You can find out more about the techniques of using a drop spindle and learn the basics needed to create your own yarn from fleece in our Family Spinning Workshop on Saturday 23 May. During this relaxed workshop, you will be introduced to spinning wool using a drop spindle, no experience necessary.
For more information, or to book please visit https://events.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/
