Most spinners use a Turkish drop spindle in suspended mode — hanging freely while twist builds. But Turkish spindles can also be used for supported spinning, where the tip rests on a surface. This makes them unusually versatile tools.
What Is Supported Spinning?
Supported spinning means the spindle tip rests on a smooth surface — like a bowl, a plate, or the floor — rather than hanging freely. This removes the spindle's weight from the yarn entirely, which is especially useful for very fine or fragile fibers that might break under a suspended spindle's pull.
How Turkish Drop Spindles Work
Understanding how Turkish drop spindles work in suspended mode helps clarify what changes in supported mode. The crossed-arm design and low weight distribution that make Turkish spindles spin steadily in suspended mode also make them stable when resting on a surface. Learn more about why Turkish drop spindles spin so steadily.
How to Use a Turkish Drop Spindle for Supported Spinning
- Place a smooth bowl or plate on a stable surface
- Rest the spindle tip in the bowl
- Spin the spindle with your fingers
- Draft fiber while the spindle turns in the bowl
- Allow twist to travel up into the drafted fiber
- Wind the yarn onto the spindle arms and repeat
Best Fibers for Supported Spinning
Supported spinning is particularly well suited to fine or fragile fibers. The center-pull yarn ball still builds on the arms as you spin, so the finished yarn is ready to use when the spindle is full. See my guide on best fibers for Turkish drop spindle spinning for fiber selection advice.
Which Size Works Best for Supported Spinning?
Any size can be used for supported spinning, but the tip shape and balance matter. The Mini is the lightest and most responsive. The Medium is the most versatile. The Mega carries the most momentum. See my guide on Turkish drop spindle sizes explained for a full comparison.
Controlling Yarn Thickness
Supported spinning gives you more control over fine yarn because the spindle's weight isn't pulling on the fiber. See my guide on controlling yarn thickness on a Turkish drop spindle for technique guidance.
Getting Started
If you're new to Turkish drop spindles, start with my beginner's guide to spinning yarn on a Turkish drop spindle before trying supported spinning. My handmade wool combs and wool hackles help prepare fiber for smooth, consistent drafting in either spinning mode.
0 comments