Drop Spindle for Beginners with Becks of Tiny Fibre Studio

Drop Spindle for Beginners with Becks of Tiny Fibre Studio

Learn to spin your own yarn on a drop spindle. Aimed at beginners but also helpful for anyone who would like a refresher.

By John Arbon Textiles

Date and time

Sat, 7 Jun 2025 09:30 - 12:30 GMT+1

Location

JAT Open Weekend - The Town Hall

5 Broad Street South Molton EX36 3AB United Kingdom

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event

About this event

  • Event lasts 3 hours

Back by popular demand! If you've ever dreamed of spinning your own yarn for knitting, crochet, weaving (or just for fun!) then this is the perfect class for you.

Spinning on a drop spindle—also known as a suspended spindle—is an ancient craft, perfect for creating your own yarn with minimal investment in tools and its highly portable nature means you can take advantage of any spare moment to indulge in this relaxing activity.

In this hands-on class, Becks will break down the key skills of spinning yarn into manageable sections, allowing you to learn at your own pace. You'll build your confidence step by step and learn how to adapt the techniques for increased efficiency as you gain experience.

Starting with an overview of the tools and fibres you’ll be using, as well as other potential options you might encounter as you advance in your spinning journey, you’ll then delve into the process of adding twist to wool fibres to create a single strand of thread. Next, you’ll learn how to double the ‘singles’ to form a balanced, plied yarn. Finally, you’ll discover how to wet-finish your yarns, preparing them for use in your preferred craft.

By the end of the class, you’ll leave with a small skein of your 2ply hand-spun yarn and the confidence to keep creating your own yarn at home!

Skill Level Information: The class is aimed at beginners. No prior knowledge or experience of spinning is necessary.

What is included? You will receive 50g Appledore tops and a beginner spindle as class materials. These will be yours to keep and continue practicing with after the class. Appledore is our grippiest fibre, so the best suited to beginner spinners. You will also receive a complimentary voucher for a beverage from the pop-up MOW café.

What do students need to bring? Nothing, just an open mind and a willingness to learn something new.

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This workshop is part of our Mill Open Weekend celebrations.

Time: 9:30am to 12:30pm - 3 hours. Please arrive 30 mins before event starts, to check in.

Date: Saturday 7th June, 2025

Location: The Mayor's Parlour, South Molton Town Hall, EX36 3AB

For more information about our Mill Open Weekend celebrations please visit our website.

We are so looking forward to throwing our doors open and inviting you inside for our MOW celebrations!

- The Mill Folk x

Tutor Bio: Becks began spinning in 2011 and quickly fell in love with the process of creating yarn. When an aspect of spinning takes her interest, she pursues it with relentless curiosity and shares her findings in her talks and workshops.

An educator by trade with a background in film and television, Becks combined her professional experience and love of fibre arts in 2017 with the launch of her YouTube channel, Tiny Fibre Studio. There she shares the projects she’s working on and provides instructional content for other spinners. She also has a keen interest in the intersection of spinning and technology, developing online tools for the fibre community.

website: tinyfibrestudio.com | youtube: YouTube.com/tinyfibrestudio | instagram: @tinyfibrestudio

Organised by

We are an independent, woman owned business making Yarns and Fibre Tops in our small scale, worsted spinning Mill in North Devon (one of only a handful still operating in the UK). Where possible we source fibre locally, or through trusted suppliers in the Falklands and worldwide. We use predominantly vintage machinery that we have lovingly restored and maintained to create wonderful artisan goods using a hands-on approach to production. All our Yarn and Tops ranges are blended and designed by our team of trusty mill folk, inspired by the natural world around us or our interests in art, music and nostalgia.

www.jarbon.com | @jarbontextiles | YouTube