Top 10 Most Popular Spinning Wheels for Beginners

Ever wondered what the most popular spinning wheels in the world are? Me too! Following an intensive period of research, I discovered the top 10 first spinning wheels for beginners were and here I present my findings, complete with a run-down of the main features of each wheel.

Of course many spinners don't still own their first wheel, so an appearance on this list isn't necessarily an indication of user satisfaction — it's always wise to do your own research to see if a wheel will suit you, but I don't think you can go too far wrong with any of them... except maybe one...!

**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by:

CORRECTION: Schacht now only makes the double treadle version of the Matchless, but they made the single treadle for about 3 decades so there are plenty of pre-loved wheels out there if that's what you're looking for. Thanks to viewer Alison for letting me know! :)

[TinyFibreStudio]

NOTE: The Schacht Matchless is now only available new as a double-treadle. Thanks to Alison for letting me know! If you're looking for a single treadle version there are 35 years-worth of pre-owned ones out there! :)

**I love helping people learn about fibre arts... I also have to pay the bills! A lot of work goes into these videos so if you found it helpful, please consider supporting the channel by:

[howlingwind]

My first wheel was an Ashford tradition, I got it for my 21st birthday present, I'm now 62yrs old. Even though I now have other wheels including a schaht that I inherited from a good friend of the family and electric spinning wheels, I still use my trust old friend, she helps me to still make lovely hand spun yarn, and has also assisted me in teaching and sharing the art of spinning. Cheers!

[oonarhu]

I'm in the predictable Ashford Traddy group, bought mine in 1991 and thoroughly enjoyed finishing and assembling it myself. I'm aware that it doesn't arouse any envy among the spinning gentry, but the sense of knowing this modest machine inside and out gives me a lot of pleasure. Likewise, I appreciate being able to get replacement parts as needed.

[JoyceWillis-hb]

I just bought a spinning wheel with a c and back words c together and 101 I can't seem to find it any where I hope you can help identify it. I can send you a picture?

[valeriefelicetti]

I am looking to get my first wheel so this is super helpful

[DAYBROK]

my first wheel was an aram paridis canadian production wheel. i have now added an ashford traditional

[robinboston]

I have the Kiwi, and tomorrow I am buying the ashford traditional 2nd hand, it does appear to work. Fingers crossed

[PandTRanch]

My first wheel is a SpinWell! I can’t believe it’s not on your list!! Made in Canada, I believe! It was my grandma’s wheel, which also makes it pretty sentimental for me. 😊

[jessicavenable]

I didn't see any of your polls, but my first wheel in 2016 was a kromski minstrel and I still spin on her! I don't have any other wheels, though I have quite a few spindles.

ETA: my guess for number 1 was bang on though. :)

[catzkeet]

My first wheel was a Rappard wee Peggy wheel. This one was designed to be transportable and is probably an antique now. I'm in NZ, and rappard was a small maker here who became Ashford in the 60s I believe. Sadly that wheel is no longer with me and I miss her. My current wheel is another NZ made wheel from the 30/40s. She's a double drive castle wheel, tho it looks like someone has tried to set her up for scotch tension some stage by the addition of a tension peg and brake band. Atm she's out of action, due to the old leather joint that connects the footman to the wheel giving up the ghost lol. I've found someone to replace it now(it's connected differently to an Ashford so I can use their conrod joint kits) but this person is happy to set it up specifically for her so hopefully I'll soon be back spinning on her. She was a learning curve.... first time using double drive.

[julieedwards]

Very useful thankyou, do you have any opinions or experiences of the Kromski wheels? I’m looking for a compact wheel as space is very tight.

[morgantrias]

Really surprised more people aren't starting with the EEW. Seems like a no-brainer in terms of price and space.

[eileen]

My first wheel, kromski Fantasia, second is ashFord kiki2, folds up for travel, my third is kromski sonata traveler also folds and has a backpack Carrie case. All has some upgrades of jumbo flyer, and woolie winder. Lace flyer too.

[woochles]

I bet the Schacht Ladybug is on there.