Whorls for Matchless, Sidekick, Ladybug

Description

For the Schacht Matchless, Ladybug  and Sidekick spinning wheels we offer a wide spectrum of whorls to aid the handspinner in achieving the best spinning speed for the task at hand.  Maple in stock.  Cherry available by special order. Contact us for details.

Matchless Whorl Ratios
extra slow 4:1 & 4.5:1.**
slow 6:1 & 7.5:1
medium (included with wheel) 9:1 & 10.5:1
fast (included with wheel) ratios of 12.6:1 & 15:1
high  17 1/2:1 & 20:1
*super high 18:1 & 21:1**

Ladybug Whorl Ratios
extra slow 3.2:1 & 3.6:1
slow 4.7:1 & 5.5:1
medium (included with wheel) 6.5:1 & 8:1
fast (included with wheel) 9:1 & 10.5:1
high 11.5:1 & 14:1
super high 12:1 & 14.5:1

Sidekick Whorl Ratios
slow 4.25:1 & 5.25:1
medium (included with wheel) 6.25:1 & 7.5:1
fast (included with wheel) 9:1 & 11:1
high 12.5:1 & 13.75:1

*Schacht recommends using the high speed bobbin with these whorls when in double drive mode.

What Whorl do I choose?

It depends… on your treadling rate, the fiber you’re spinning, and the type of yarn you want. There are no hard and fast rules about whorls. What is important is that you choose a whorl that helps your wheel do as much of the work for you as possible. In general: the bigger the whorl, the coarser the fiber, the thicker the yarn; conversely, the smaller the whorl, the finer the fiber, the smaller the yarn.

Below are some suggestions:

Extra Slow Speed and Slow Speed Whorls are excellent for thick, low-twist yarns, and useful for novelty yarns. A longer drive cord may be needed when the slowest whorls are used.

Medium Speed Whorl (included with Ladybug and Matchless wheels) is good for medium diameter wool fibers, flax, and some silks. It is good for plying.

Fast Speed Whorl (included with Ladybug and Matchless wheels) can be used with fine, short staple wools, angora, line flax, silk and cotton.

High Speed and Super High Speed whorls are excellent for all finer fibers, especially when a fine, high-twist yarn is desired. A High Speed Bobbin should be used with these whorls if used in double drive mode.

Please Note: The Extra Slow Speed and Super High Speed Whorls are not recommended for use with the Sidekick Spinning Wheel.

Not sure which whorls you currently have?  Use this whorl ruler to measure and find out!