It can be overwhelming to choose your perfect Turkish spindle, especially if you’re new to spinning. But don’t worry – I’ll guide you through the features of each size and model so you can fiind your perfect Turkish spindle!
My Turkish spindles come in three models – Athena, Aphrodite, and Artemis – and each model is available in four sizes. The weight of each spindle depends on the type of wood used. Additionally, there’s a special model, the Hebe, which comes in just one size.
If you’re only looking for the key features per size, check out the table below. Want to skip the detailed explanation? Go straight to the quick advice and choose your perfect Turkish spindle!
| Size | Weight (grams) | Yarn | Needle (mm) | Needle (US) | Skill level |
| Hebe (0) | 6 – 8 | Cobweb to fine lace weight | 1,5 – 2 | 1 | Experienced |
| 1 | 6 – 12 | Cobweb to light fingering | 1,5 – 2,5 | 1-1,5 | Experienced |
| 2 | 10 – 22 | Fine laceweight to DK | 1,5 – 4 à 4,5 | 1-6 | Beginner |
| 3 | 17 – 38 | Fingering to worsted | 2,5 – 5,5 | 1,5-9 | Beginner |
| 4 | tot 50 | Bulky, art yarn, plying | 4 – 8 | 6-11 | Spinning: Experienced
Plying: Beginner |
Please keep in mind that the features listed in this table are guidelines. Your own experience and personal preference play a major role in choosing the perfect Turkish spindle. In the end, it’s all about what works best for you!
Why Weight Matters
While it’s tempting to focus on the appearance of a spindle, its weight is far more important. The weight determines not only what kind of yarn you can spin but also how the spindle feels in your hand. The heavier a spindle, the thicker the yarn you can spin.
My advice: Start by identifying the ideal weight and model for your spinning journey, and then choose the spindle that you love most!
Sizes and Weights
The weight of each spindle varies based on the type of wood and the specific model. The Artemis is always the heaviest, the Athena the lightest, and the Aphrodite falls neatly in between.
Here’s an additional overview:
| Size | Dimensions (Cross x Shaft, cm) | Speed | Yarn | Athena weight (g) | Aphrodite weight (g) | Artemis weight (g) |
| 1 | 7,5 x 9,5 | Zeer hoog | Cobweb to light fingering | 6 – 10 | 7 – 10 | 8 – 12 |
| 2 | 10 x 13 | Hoog | Fine laceweight to DK | 10 – 20 | 11 – 18 | 13 – 22 |
| 3 | 12 x 16 | Normaal | Fingering to worsted | 17 – 32 | 17 – 35 | 22 – 38 |
| 4 | 13,5 x 19 | Langzaam | Bulky, art yarn, plying | Up to 50 | Up to 50 | Up to 50 |
What Does This Mean for Your Spinning?
Now that we know everything about the sizes, the question is: How do these features influence your spinning? Why does a lightweight spindle spin faster, and why is a heavier spindle ideal for thick yarn?
The answer lies in the combination of weight, spin speed, and momentum.
A lightweight spindle spins very quickly because it requires less effort to set it in motion. This allows you to build up a lot of twist in a short time. Fine yarns need a lot of twist to be strong because fewer fibers make up the thread. A lightweight spindle is ideal for this but requires more control: its speed means you must draft your fibers quickly and evenly. This is why very light spindles, like the Hebe and Size 1, are best suited for experienced spinners. Beginners who have practiced can start with Size 2. If you’re keen to try a Hebe or Size 1 as a beginner, the Park & Draft method will help you gain confidence.
Momentum
A heavier spindle spins slower but has more momentum – the force that keeps it spinning longer once it’s in motion. This gives you more time to draft the fibers, which is helpful when spinning thicker yarns. Thick yarns need less twist because the greater number of fibers already provides strength. Size 3 is perfect for beginners, offering a great balance of speed, stability, and versatility.
With very heavy spindles like Size 4, spinning can become more challenging for beginners. The higher weight pulls on your yarn, which may cause it to break if you’re still developing your drafting skills. However, Size 4 is perfect for spinning thicker yarns or plying, and the Park & Draft method makes it very beginner-friendly.
Weight Distribution and Balance per Model
Each model has its own weight distribution, which influences the spindle’s balance, stability, and spin duration. All models are carefully designed to spin perfectly balanced, but each in its own way:
- Athena: The lightest model, with thin arms that spread the weight outward. This design ensures excellent spin duration and balance, even at lighter weights.
- Aphrodite: A well-balanced weight distribution with minimal shift toward the center. This results in a calm, smooth, and stable spin.
- Artemis: The heaviest model, with a slight weight shift toward the center. This creates extra momentum, allowing for powerful yet perfectly stable spinning.
If you’re unsure which to choose, remember that the differences are subtle and may not be immediately noticeable when you’re just starting out. Whichever model you choose – Athena, Aphrodite, or Artemis – you’ll always have a perfectly balanced and stable spindle!
Hebe
The Hebe is a unique spindle that doesn’t fit within the standard sizes. Its shaft is as long as Size 1, but its cross is narrower at 6 cm. Due to its small size, the Hebe weighs about 6-8 grams.
Thanks to its narrow arms, the Hebe spins incredibly fast – much like a figure skater spinning faster when they pull their arms in. This spindle is designed for spinning the thinnest threads, such as silk, and is a must-have for spinners who love ultra-fine yarns.
Advice to choose your perfect Turkish spindle
- New to spinning? Start with a Size 3 spindle – versatile, beginner-friendly, and perfect for a range of yarn weights. The Aphrodite is a great choice for its smooth and stable spin.
- Looking to expand? Choose a Size 2 for finer yarns, like lace or fingering. The Athena excels with its long spin duration, while the Artemis provides more control.
- Need something heavier? A Size 4 Artemis is ideal for thick yarns or plying, thanks to its extra momentum.
- Love spinning ultrafine yarns? The Hebe or a Size 1 Athena is your best friend, especially if you like to take it with you on your travels.
Still Unsure? Try Them Out!
Visit me at one of the creative fairs where Studio Spintol is present. You can try out all the models and sizes for yourself and get personal advice.
Not able to visit in person? Feel free to send me an email. I’ll happily help you choose your perfect Turkish spindle for your spinning journey!