The Complete Handbook of Hand Spindles
A Practical Reference for Professionals, Businesses, and Serious Hobbyists
by Alumigogo Books
non-fiction
The definitive practical guide to hand spindles: types, specs, selection, use, maintenance, and business opportunities.
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About this book
Hand spindles are among the oldest tools in human history, yet they remain a dynamic and precise instrument for modern fiber artists, production spinners, and businesses. This handbook strips away the romanticism and delivers the hard facts: what a spindle actually does, how its geometry affects twist and speed, and why a 30-gram Turkish spindle behaves fundamentally differently from a 100-gram top-whorl. You will learn how to evaluate spindles against measurable criteria—not marketing claims—and how to select the right tool for your specific yarn, fiber, and workflow.
The book covers installation, daily use, and maintenance in exhaustive detail, from seating the whorl and attaching a leader to diagnosing wobble and replacing a bent shaft. Troubleshooting chapters address common problems like inconsistent twist, overspin, and spindle drop, with clear procedures for diagnosis and repair. For professionals and entrepreneurs, a dedicated chapter explores the business landscape: retailing, private labeling, servicing, and consulting, with realistic margin structures and market positioning.
The final chapters look forward, examining material innovations, regulatory changes, and expert resources such as standards bodies and certification programs. A detailed FAQ and an extensive glossary ensure that this remains a practical, evergreen reference you will return to for years.
Reader Reviews
Jeffrey Sanchez
★★★★★Finally a book that treats spindles like the precision tools they are, not just a nostalgic hobby item. I own a yarn shop and have been selling spindles for a decade, and the chapter on types and specifications alone is worth the price. The maintenance and troubleshooting section saved me from throwing away a perfectly good Turkish spindle. It's on my counter now for reference every time a customer asks me about spindle choices.
Jason Moore
★★★★★This is a solid, serious reference. The chapter on choosing a spindle is very practical, and I appreciated the concrete examples using actual weights and yarn types. My only gripe is that I wish there were more diagrams in the usage chapter; some of the drafting descriptions are hard to follow in text alone. Still, the troubleshooting section is excellent, and I've already used the glossary a dozen times.
Nicholas Hill
★★★★★A lot of useful info here, but it felt a bit dry and overly technical in places, maybe aimed more at someone planning to make money from spindles rather than a hobbyist like me. The business chapter was interesting but not why I bought the book. The maintenance chapter is genuinely helpful, though I would have liked more photos to actually see what I'm doing instead of just reading descriptions.
George Sanchez
★★★★★I'm a production spinner and was hoping for more advanced techniques. The book is comprehensive, but it's very much an overview; I didn't find much new about high-speed supported spinning, for example. The spec comparisons are useful, and the troubleshooting guide is well-organized. It's a good reference to have on the shelf, but don't expect it to advance your craft if you are already experienced.
Jeffrey Baker
★★★★★Decent handbook but I found the tone a little too academic. The sections on choosing a spindle are genuinely useful, and the glossary is well-done, but the installation chapter was mostly stuff I had already figured out on my own. It's fine for a beginner or someone getting into the business side, but a serious hobbyist who's been spinning for a few years might find it redundant. Three stars is fair.