10 Reviews: Best Spinning Wheel for Plying (Dec 2023)

This lovely, compact, portable wheel has a broad, stable base for the twin treadle action and a bigger wheel than many upright wheels. The wheel is simple to install on the two support posts. The third post may hold a distaff if desired. One of Kromski’s most well-known castle-style wheels. The Minstrel is bigger than the Kromski Mazurka, with stronger, bolder lines and a larger base to handle the greater wheel diameter and double treadles. It is a double drive wheel, but it has a Scotch tension set-up for people who prefer a single drive experience. The Minstrel is crafted of European alder and birch and has an ancient aspect that makes it ideal for re-enactors.

I have been using g a drop spindle for years but was ready to try my hand with an actual wheel. I am really enjoying using the Kromski Minstrel wheel. It’ runs smoothly. It was very easy to follow the directions to put it together when it arrived. Overall I am very pleased with my new wheel. ❤️❤️

by Stephanie L.

One of Kromski’s most popular wheels for traveling around. Kromski’s new folding wheel blends the traditional architecture of its previous wheels with the practical needs of a folding wheel to make a beautiful and small wheel. You’ll get both of them. In this case, it’s a full-size spinning wheel that folds up into a small container. This makes it great for travel and guild meetings, as well as storing when not in use. Besides being able to fold, the Sonata is a lot more. Sonatas come with padded carry bags made by the Kromskis in Poland. padded on both sides, with extra padding on the bottom to help support a wheel that’s been rolled up and put away. There is a big outside pocket for spinning materials, as well as a lot of space inside.

I've had this wheel for almost 20 yrs, with jumbo and fine flyers and now the new magnetic flyer (which enables it to operate in double drive). It's every bit as versatile as the Matchless and for me operates absolutely smoothly. Plus it folds up! [...]

by Kate

Schacht’s traveling spinning wheel is known as the Sidekick. It is meant to be simple to fold while yet being a strong spinner. It is equipped with a twin treadle and scotch tensioning. For travel purposes, it has integrated storage for bobbins, flyers, and whorls. In the range of 4:1 to 13:1, the ratios are used. The drive band tension adjuster enables the use of a single drive band to drive all whorls. A set of ball bearings drives the drive wheel, and a set of self-aligning bearings drives the flyer.

The Schacht Sidekick is a tremendous wheel. It’s a joy to use and my transition to it was flawless. I can’t imagine a more user-friendly wheel. The Woolery was very easy to work with and the wheel was shipped out to me within days!

by Konrad H.

The Schacht Ladybug Spinning Wheel is easy to use, easy to take with you and looks like a bug. It’s good for beginners, too. The Ladybug is made of solid Schacht construction, and its unique design is both functional and charming. It is also easy to use and look at. The Ladybug is easy to pick up and move because it has built-in handles and isn’t very heavy. There is an option for a Lazy Kate that can be attached to the front leg. This makes it easy to take along, too! Uses Scotch tension, and can also be used in double drive mode. There are medium and fast flyer whorls that come with the Ladybug. The slow and high-speed whorls can also be used for a wide range of ratios as well.

Beginner spinner here. The wheel works great, I haven't tried double drive yet but so far it does fine even though I don't really know what I'm doing yet.

by Summer F.

Using either the left or right flyer, the beautiful Flatiron spinning wheel may be produced. It will all work out with self-aligning bearings in the maidens and a fully adjustable driving wheel. It’s simple to change bobbins thanks to the clever fast-release mechanism. In addition to Schacht’s ingenious fine threaded tension control, three different methods of tensioning the Flatiron are available. The Flatiron may be used with Schacht’s current whorls, allowing you to create yarns of any kind, from fine frog’s hair to art yarn.

I'm learning to drive on a Cadillac, but boy, is it enjoyable! I'm new to spinning, learning via videos, but I wanted to be able to do the whole range of yarns from frogs hair to art yarn, and this wheel will do it. [...]

by Jennifer D.

For portability, a smaller, lighter wheel is used. In terms of design, it is similar to the Traditional, but it is now only available with a twin treadle. This lightweight, compact castle wheel’s four driving ratios spin fine to medium yarn, and the optional giant flyer spins chunky yarn. Starting the wheel is made simple by double treadles that bend to provide a comfortable heel-toe motion. The use of ball bearings guarantees a smooth and pleasant ride. This castle-themed spinning wheel is now for sale on Etsy. The bobbin and drive band adjustments are simple for beginners to understand and execute.

I have to say that this is my first spinning wheel. The shipping went smoothly. The instructions for assembling were clear and the wheel is quiet, smooth and efficient. [...]

by Tara

This is the most recent item in the Kromski collection. You can tell it was made by Kromski because the idea and design are very sophisticated, but everything else about it is very advanced too. What isn’t obvious at first is that a new single-drive flyer design has been added. To change speeds, there is no need to deal with a drive band. This is an adaptation of the Kromski Quick Change Flyer. The whorl can be “moved” for different speeds, and to change bobbins, the front of the flyer is just pulled off. It takes a very short time to change the bobbins. The wooden spinning wheel and flyer are both mounted on sealed bearings, which makes them very sensitive to the touch.

As someone who's been spinning for a year but never laid a finger on a wheel until now, I have to say I'm surprised at the simplicity of the function on this guy. It spins intuitively, the setup for the flyer and the bobbin and the whorl is easy to sort out and adjust, and so is the tension. [...]

by Hannah

This is the most recent version of the Kiwi Spinning Wheel that everyone knows and loves. Folding treadles are now on the market for easy storage and transportation. Because it has simple learning ratios, a twin treadle, and a low price, this is a good wheel to use when you are learning to ride. Twin treadles and ball bearings make it easy to start and stop. The treadles are bent so that you can move your heel and toes in a natural way. When you change from one ratio to another, the flexible driving cable doesn’t need to be changed. It always has the right amount of tension. When you use scotch tension, it’s easy to keep track of the drafting process. It will be good for both right- and left-handed spinners. The wheel is easy to make with the Allen key that comes with it, and the sturdy design makes it great for people, schools, and businesses.

Love, Love, Love this company!! The wheel is outstanding and so is the customer service I received. There was an issue with shipping that was outside of their control but were still willing to help resolve it. I have and will continue to use them for my spinning needs! I highly recommend! 💗

by Jennifer D.

Lovely: This wheel is small and easy to take with you. It has a wide, stable base for the twin treadle action and a bigger wheel than many upright wheels. The wheel is easy to put on the two posts that hold it in place. If you want, the third post can hold a distaff. There are more lines on the Minstrel, which is bigger than the Kromski Mazurka. It has a bigger base to handle the bigger wheel diameter and two treadles. A double drive wheel with a Scotch tension set-up is for people who prefer to drive with one hand. The Minstrel is made of European alder and birch and has an old look that makes it great for re-enactors.

Oh my goodness....I love my new Minstrel. I am a relatively new spinner and my first wheel was a Kromski Prelude. The Minstrel is like "butter"!!! So smooth and elegant. Just spun up some Lace weight for the first time. Love it!!!!

by Patty R.

When it comes to spinning wheels, the Schacht Matchless Spinning Wheel is the most responsive one on the market today. It doesn’t matter if you use one treadle or two, Schacht wheels are unmatched in their abilities. The Schacht Matchless Spinning Wheel can be used in double drive, Scotch tension, and bobbin-lead modes. Wheels come with two flyer whorls (medium and fast) and four more flyer whorls that can spin from 4:1 to 21:1. To make sure the machine moves smoothly, the 19.5′′ drive wheel and flyer shaft is held in place by self-aligning bronze bearings. Each flyer is balanced on its own, and the bobbins and flyer whorls are aligned on center for long and better service.

I thought for some that the Matchless is going to be the perfect spinning wheel for me, because of its versatility. Then I tried it out and now I have it and I am absolutely happy with it. [...]

by Gisela B.