6 Best Drop Spindles For Portable Plying To Own
Discover the top 6 portable drop spindles for plying. Learn how to choose the right weight and balance for efficient, on-the-go spinning and yarn crafting.
Finding the perfect drop spindle for plying on the go is a rite of passage for every fiber artist looking to take their craft beyond the spinning wheel. Whether you are spinning during a lunch break or plying yarn while waiting for a flight, the right tool makes all the difference in consistency and comfort. This guide explores the top spindles that balance portability with performance, helping you turn singles into balanced, durable yarn anywhere. By understanding the mechanics of weight and balance, you can ensure your portable kit is as effective as your home studio.
Schacht Hi-Lo Drop Spindle: Best Overall Pick
The Schacht Hi-Lo is the workhorse of the spinning world for a reason. It features a unique design that allows you to move the whorl—the weighted disk—to either the top or the bottom of the shaft, offering two distinct spinning experiences in one tool.
When you place the whorl at the top, it acts as a high-whorl spindle, perfect for quick, flick-based spinning. Move it to the bottom, and you have a low-whorl spindle that provides the stability needed for plying heavier, multi-ply yarns.
This versatility is a massive advantage for knitters who want to experiment with different yarn weights without buying a dozen tools. It is sturdy, reliable, and fits easily into a project bag, making it the ultimate "do-it-all" spindle.
Jenkins Turkish Spindle: Best for Portability
If you have ever tried to wind a center-pull ball of handspun yarn, you know the struggle of keeping it tangle-free. The Jenkins Turkish spindle solves this by allowing you to wind your plied yarn directly into a neat, self-contained ball as you spin.
These spindles are small, incredibly light, and beautifully crafted from exotic woods. Because the cross-arms are removable, the entire tool can be disassembled and tucked into the smallest corner of your knitting bag.
They are ideal for plying because they don’t require a separate bobbin or niddy-noddy to manage your yarn. You simply ply your singles together, slide the arms off, and you are left with a perfect, ready-to-knit center-pull cake.
Kromski Sonata Spindle: Best for Fast Spinning
The Kromski Sonata spindle is designed for those who value momentum and speed. It is weighted toward the outer edge of the whorl, which creates a powerful centrifugal force that keeps the spindle spinning longer with a single flick.
For plying, this is a game-changer because it allows you to maintain a steady, consistent twist while your hands are busy managing the two or three strands of singles. You don’t have to stop and restart the spindle nearly as often.
It is a slightly more specialized tool, so it might feel a bit heavy for a total beginner working with lace-weight silk. However, for a knitter plying worsted-weight wool, the efficiency of the Sonata is unmatched.
Bosworth Mid-Weight Spindle: Best for Balance
Balance is the most critical factor in plying, as any wobble in the spindle will introduce inconsistencies in your yarn’s twist. Bosworth spindles are legendary in the fiber community for their impeccable balance and smooth, long-lasting spin.
The mid-weight option is the "Goldilocks" choice for most knitters. It is heavy enough to handle the tension of plying two strands of yarn, yet light enough to prevent wrist fatigue during long plying sessions.
Because these are handcrafted, they feel like an extension of your hand rather than a piece of hardware. If you are serious about producing high-quality, consistent yarn for your next sweater project, this is the investment piece to choose.
Snyder Turkish Spindle: Best for Beginners
Learning to ply can be intimidating, especially when you are trying to manage the tension of two different singles at once. The Snyder Turkish spindle is exceptionally forgiving, offering a steady spin that doesn’t demand perfect technique.
The arms are shaped in a way that makes it easy to "park and draft"—a technique where you rest the spindle on your lap to control the twist. This is essential for beginners who aren’t yet comfortable with a spinning, hanging spindle.
These spindles are also quite durable, which is important when you are still learning the ropes and inevitably dropping your tool on the floor. It is a reliable, stress-free entry point into the world of plying.
Golding Student Spindle: Best for Durability
If you are looking for a tool that will last a lifetime, the Golding Student spindle is built to endure. The construction is robust, and the finish is smooth enough that it won’t snag delicate fibers like mohair or angora.
While marketed as a "student" model, don’t let the name fool you; this is a professional-grade tool. It has a high-quality bearing and a perfectly centered shaft, which ensures that your yarn remains balanced and free of unwanted kinks.
Its durability makes it a great choice for travel. You can toss it into a suitcase without worrying about the shaft warping or the whorl cracking, ensuring your spinning practice remains consistent no matter where you go.
How to Choose the Right Weight for Your Spindle
Choosing the right weight is a balancing act between the thickness of your yarn and the amount of twist you want to apply. A heavier spindle is generally better for plying, as it provides the momentum needed to pull two strands into one.
- Under 20 grams: Best for lace-weight singles and delicate fibers.
- 20–40 grams: The sweet spot for plying standard fingering or sport-weight yarns.
- Over 40 grams: Necessary for plying bulky, heavy-duty wools or rug yarns.
Always consider the fiber type as well. Slick fibers like silk or bamboo require a slightly heavier spindle to maintain tension, whereas grippy wools can be plied on lighter tools.
Understanding Spindle Whorl Placement Basics
The placement of the whorl dictates the "personality" of your spindle. High-whorl spindles (whorl at the top) are generally faster and better for spinning thin, airy yarn.
Low-whorl spindles (whorl at the bottom) provide a lower center of gravity. This makes them significantly more stable, which is exactly what you need when plying.
If you are plying, a bottom-heavy spindle will resist wobbling even if your plying technique is slightly uneven. If you are struggling with your yarn twisting back on itself, try moving your whorl to the bottom position.
Essential Tips for Plying Yarn on the Go
Plying on the go requires a bit of logistical planning to keep your singles from becoming a knotted mess. Use a "lazy kate"—a simple stand that holds your bobbins or balls—to keep your singles feeding evenly into the spindle.
If you don’t have a lazy kate, you can place your two balls of singles into a heavy mug or a small basket. This keeps them from rolling away and ensures they feed at the same tension.
Always keep a small pair of scissors and a leader thread attached to your spindle. If your yarn breaks during a plying session, having a leader ready to go will save you from having to re-tie your yarn to the shaft.
Maintaining Your Spindle for Longer Lifespan
Most quality spindles are made of wood, which can react to changes in humidity and temperature. Store your spindle in a cool, dry place and avoid leaving it in a hot car during the summer months.
If the wood starts to look dry, a tiny drop of walnut oil or specialized wood wax can restore its luster and protect the grain. Avoid using heavy polishes, as these can make the shaft too slick to hold the yarn properly.
Check the shaft for nicks or burrs regularly. If you find a rough spot, gently sand it with a very fine-grit sandpaper to ensure your yarn glides off the spindle smoothly without snagging.
Plying your own yarn is one of the most rewarding ways to personalize your knitting, turning raw fiber into a fabric that is truly your own. By selecting a spindle that matches your project needs and your travel habits, you transform a chore into a meditative practice. Remember that the "best" spindle is the one that feels comfortable in your hands and keeps your yarn consistent. Happy spinning, and may your plied yarn be perfectly balanced for every stitch you cast on.
