Spinning Manual

majacraft the double treadle spinning wheel company Spinning Manual

Using your Majacraft double-treadle spinning wheel

all you need to spin your dreams... majacraft majacraft the double treadle spinning wheel company 1 the double treadle spinning wheel company CONGRATULATIONS! INDEX

You have just purchased a unique spinning wheel, SECTION - SUBJECT PAGE handcrafted from Rimu timber by Majacraft of New Introduction 1 Zealand. To increase your enjoyment of your 1 - Index 2 Majacraft wheel, take a few minutes to read this 2 - Wheel parts diagram 3 manual, and then sit down and delight in the smooth 3 - Wheel parts description 5 easy action. 4 - Preparing your wheel for spinning 10 5 - To begin spinning 11 6 - Threading up and spinning 12 Majacraft handcraft spinning wheels that have been designed to spin 7 - Changing ratios 13 large quantities of yarn quickly and effortlessly with the comfort of 8 - Drive band 14 the spinner in mind. 9 - Spinning head 15 10 - Learning to spin with Majacraft 16 They are very easy to learn on and have a great range of tried and tested features to appeal to the experienced spinner also. 11 - How to ply 19 12 - Where do you start with fibre? 21 The versatility, ease of use, compact size, contemporary and 13 - Handy hints 25 traditional designs are a hallmark of Majacraft wheels. 14 - Troubleshooting 26 We combine practicality and innovation to manufacture quality 15 - Warranty 31 products that will make your spinning a pleasure. 16 - Technical dimensions 32 17 - Accessories 33

We use: Contact details 35 Frictionless sealed roller bearings for long life Stretchy drive bands with low tension and drag Low tension braided brake bands Carefully calculated treadle angles to reduce strain on leg and calf muscles Large bobbins Sliding flyer hooks Individually balanced flyers Precision brass hinges Stainless steel flyer shaft Beautiful Rimu timber native to New Zealand

1 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 2 majacraft majacraft the double treadle spinning wheel company 1 the double treadle spinning wheel company CONGRATULATIONS! INDEX

1 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 2 majacraft majacraft 2 the double treadle spinning wheel company the double treadle spinning wheel company WHEEL PARTS DIAGRAM Rose Suzie Flyer BRAKE BAND TENSION KNOB

TENSION SPRING Tension Knob

DRIVE BAND Tension Spring and Cord

Handle DRIVE WHEEL

Handle Nut Drive Wheel

Bobbin Storage Rod

CARRY HANDLE Bobbin B ar

Side P lates ( L&R) SLIDING FLYER HOOK Footman HEAD BOLT FLYER WHORL DELTA ORIFICE Pedals Head N ut (a nd bo lt)

DRIVE BAND Whorl

Front Foot Pedal Hinges Drive Belt

CRANK ASSEMBLY HANDLE KNOB Crank Assembly

FOOTMEN Footmen OR or CONNECTING RODS connecting rods

PEDALS 8mm Rubber Connector

3 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 4 majacraft majacraft 2 the double treadle spinning wheel company the double treadle spinning wheel company WHEEL PARTS DIAGRAM Rose Suzie Flyer BRAKE BAND TENSION KNOB

TENSION SPRING Tension Knob

DRIVE BAND Tension Spring and Cord

Handle DRIVE WHEEL

Handle Nut Drive Wheel

Bobbin Storage Rod

CARRY HANDLE Bobbin B ar

Side P lates ( L&R) SLIDING FLYER HOOK Footman HEAD BOLT FLYER WHORL DELTA ORIFICE Pedals Head N ut (a nd bo lt)

DRIVE BAND Whorl

Front Foot Pedal Hinges Drive Belt

CRANK ASSEMBLY HANDLE KNOB Crank Assembly

FOOTMEN Footmen OR or CONNECTING RODS connecting rods

PEDALS 8mm Rubber Connector

3 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 4 majacraft majacraft 3 the double treadle spinning wheel company the double treadle spinning wheel company WHEEL PARTS DESCRIPTION

Pedal and footmen or connecting rods Whorl The pedal is the flat piece of wood down by the floor that converts This is the small pulley driven by the drive wheel through the drive the foot power to turn the drive wheel. The footmen are band. It is secured to the flyer shaft with a small grub screw. The permanently attached to the drive wheel and have a flexible joint whorl drives the flyer and the different sized grooves on it provide onto the treadle. the different ratios for spinning.

Drive wheel Leader yarn The large wheel that is turned when the treadle is pressed, and, This is usually a commercial yarn that is tied to onto the core of through the drive belt, turns the bobbin and flyer assembly. the bobbin tightly enough to not slip. It is long enough to be threaded through the flyer hooks, out the orifice and still be long Drive belt enough for you to start spinning your fibre onto it. A leader yarn The drive belt is the cord that attaches the drive wheel to the consisting of two threads may be easier to use. bobbin and flyer assembly. Scotch tension Flyer A single belt connects the drive wheel and the flyer whorl. The The flyer is U shaped with two arms and is attached to the flyer bobbin has a separate cord with a spring attached to “brake” or slow shaft. It has a twofold purpose of putting twist into the yarn and the bobbin down. then providing transport for the yarn onto the bobbin. Brake band tension knob The knob that is turned to tighten the cord around the bobbin and Flyer hooks thus increase tension. The flyer has a sliding hook over which the spun yarn moves. This allows the yarn to be spread over the total length of the bobbin. It Drive band tension is necessary to regularly move the sliding hook manually to achieve The drive band connects the drive wheel and the flyer via the whorl. this. The hook may be placed on the right side of the flyer for The drive band must be tight enough to turn the flyer when the spinning “Z” twist, and the left side for plying “S” twist. drive wheel is turning. Raise or lower the spinning head to achieve this. Flyer shaft The shaft attached through the spinning head, which holds the Brake tension device bobbin. This is a cord that is attached by a spring to the spinning head. Bobbin The cord is draped over the bobbin and tied to a knob shaft. The The bobbin is the receptacle that the yarn is wound automatically knob fits into a hole in the spinning head and the cord is wrapped onto after it is pun. The bobbin rotates freely on the flyer shaft and around the shaft of the knob to tighten (tension) the cord. A small is turned and controlled by the brake band. The bobbin groove must turn on the knob dramatically increases the tightness of the cord remain smooth for maximum efficiency. and the braking action on the bobbin, with this action of tightening the cord being called “increasing the tension” on the wheel. The Orifice tighter the brake the slower the bobbin rotates in relation to the The orifice is the opening that allows the spun thread to pass flyer, which increases the pull of the yarn onto the bobbin. The through the flyer en route to the bobbin. The orifice must be kept brake cord should not cut into the bobbin. The spring allows for perfectly smooth so that it does not snag the yarn as it moves smaller and more precise adjustment. through it. The size of the orifice will dictate the thickness of yarn you can spin. 5 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 6 majacraft majacraft 3 the double treadle spinning wheel company the double treadle spinning wheel company WHEEL PARTS DESCRIPTION

Drive wheel Leader yarn The large wheel that is turned when the treadle is pressed, and, This is usually a commercial yarn that is tied to onto the core of through the drive belt, turns the bobbin and flyer assembly. the bobbin tightly enough to not slip. It is long enough to be threaded through the flyer hooks, out the orifice and still be long Drive belt enough for you to start spinning your fibre onto it. A leader yarn The drive belt is the cord that attaches the drive wheel to the consisting of two threads may be easier to use. bobbin and flyer assembly. Scotch tension Flyer A single belt connects the drive wheel and the flyer whorl. The The flyer is U shaped with two arms and is attached to the flyer bobbin has a separate cord with a spring attached to “brake” or slow shaft. It has a twofold purpose of putting twist into the yarn and the bobbin down. then providing transport for the yarn onto the bobbin. Brake band tension knob The knob that is turned to tighten the cord around the bobbin and Flyer hooks thus increase tension. The flyer has a sliding hook over which the spun yarn moves. This allows the yarn to be spread over the total length of the bobbin. It Drive band tension is necessary to regularly move the sliding hook manually to achieve The drive band connects the drive wheel and the flyer via the whorl. this. The hook may be placed on the right side of the flyer for The drive band must be tight enough to turn the flyer when the spinning “Z” twist, and the left side for plying “S” twist. drive wheel is turning. Raise or lower the spinning head to achieve this. Flyer shaft The shaft attached through the spinning head, which holds the Brake tension device bobbin. This is a cord that is attached by a spring to the spinning head. Bobbin The cord is draped over the bobbin and tied to a knob shaft. The The bobbin is the receptacle that the yarn is wound automatically knob fits into a hole in the spinning head and the cord is wrapped onto after it is pun. The bobbin rotates freely on the flyer shaft and around the shaft of the knob to tighten (tension) the cord. A small is turned and controlled by the brake band. The bobbin groove must turn on the knob dramatically increases the tightness of the cord remain smooth for maximum efficiency. and the braking action on the bobbin, with this action of tightening the cord being called “increasing the tension” on the wheel. The Orifice tighter the brake the slower the bobbin rotates in relation to the The orifice is the opening that allows the spun thread to pass flyer, which increases the pull of the yarn onto the bobbin. The through the flyer en route to the bobbin. The orifice must be kept brake cord should not cut into the bobbin. The spring allows for perfectly smooth so that it does not snag the yarn as it moves smaller and more precise adjustment. through it. The size of the orifice will dictate the thickness of yarn you can spin. 5 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 6 majacraft majacraft the double treadle spinning wheel company the double treadle spinning wheel company

Practice using your brake cord tensioner Loose tension is required when To see how the brake cord tension works, firstly adjust your drive You want a high twist yarn band tension so the flyer is turning when the drive wheel is turning. You want a very fine yarn Then tie a metre of yarn onto the leader yarn, thread it through At the start of a new bobbin Spinning a slippery fibre like mohair or a short fibre like cotton the orifice and hold it straight out in front of the wheel. Begin The fibre is constantly pulled out of your hand treadling and try altering the tension on the brake cord as you treadle. There is a point where the tension is so loose that the yarn Ratios you are holding has no “pull on feeling”. There is also a point There is a mechanical relationship between the moving parts of a where the tension is so tight that it is difficult to treadle at all. spinning wheel. One depression of the pedal results in one Slowly treadle the wheel. When you allow the yarn to move freely revolution of the drive wheel. One revolution of the drive wheel onto the bobbin, the bobbin slows down (because of the brake) and results in a number of revolutions of the flyer. This number of the rotating flyer draws the yarn onto the bobbin. If you hold the revolutions is dependent on the size of the whorl and the size of yarn tight when you treadle then both the bobbin and the flyer turn the drive wheel. The relationship between the two is identified as a at the same speed so the yarn gets twisted but doesn't get drawn ratio, which tells the number of times the flyer rotates for a single onto the bobbin. An overtwisted yarn will not feed on. complete turn of the drive wheel. Adjusting the tension This is a two step process Calculating the drive wheel ratio Loosen both the drive band tension and the brake band Adjust the drive belt tension so that when the drive wheel turns the tension, while treadling and tighten the drive band tension until flyer also turns. Put a chalk mark at the top of your drive wheel the flyer starts turning. and on top of your flyer. Place the drive belt on a whorl groove and Pull your leader yarn out through the orifice, hold it and begin a wheel groove to calculate the ratio for that particular treadling again. Tighten the brake cord tension until you can configuration. Slowly rotate the drive wheel by hand and count the just feel the leader yarn being pulled. Start spinning at these number of times the flyer rotates while the drive wheel does one tension settings, you can and will adjust the brake tension as complete revolution. The ratio then, is a way of stating that every your bobbin fills and the load increases. A fraction of a turn time you press the pedal down the drive wheel rotates once and on the brake tension makes a big difference. the flyer goes around a number of times, i.e. 6:1 means that one revolution of the drive wheel creates six revolutions of the flyer. Tight tension is required when Majacraft wheels have a choice of wheel grooves and whorl grooves You want a low twist yarn giving a wide range of ratios to suit every use. The smaller the Your hands are moving quickly enough that you want the yarn to groove on the whorl, the higher the ratio as the flyer turns faster. go onto the bobbin more quickly The larger the groove on the whorl, the slower the ratio because To allow for the thicker bulk of either the bobbin filling up or for a thicker the flyer turns slower. yarn

7 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 8 majacraft majacraft the double treadle spinning wheel company the double treadle spinning wheel company

7 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 8 majacraft majacraft the double treadle spinning wheel company 4 the double treadle spinning wheel company PREPARING YOUR WHEEL FOR SPINNING

The ratio is unaffected by how fast you treadle. The rotation of Oiling the flyer puts the twist in the yarn so the higher the ratio the more A new wheel may need the pedal hinges oiled within the first few twist you are putting in the yarn and vice versa. With a choice of hours; a light oil such as sewing machine oil is fine. After that, a ratios a low ratio is used to put sufficient twist in a soft thick yarn, few drops of sewing machine oil every six months should be or if your hands are moving slowly because you are having difficulty adequate. A Majacraft wheel is virtually free of oiling maintenance. drafting the fibre. A high ratio will put more twist in for a finer A smear of Vaseline, petroleum jelly, or light oil on the flyer shaft tighter twist yarn or if you are spinning a fibre that drafts really will keep bobbin noise to a minimum and also protect the shaft. easily. The brake band controls the bobbin rotation. The different Perhaps once a year you may wish to lightly oil the central bearing rotation speed of the bobbin dictates the amount of twist that the on the crank assembly. drive ratio is putting into the yarn. In spite of all the above, the correct drive ratio for you is the one that allows for the speed of Majacraft offer a lavender oil and beeswax polish that can be used your hands to do what they have to do, then allows what you to keep your wood looking as beautiful as the day the wheel consider is the correct amount of twist in the yarn, before the pull arrived. of the yarn wanting to go onto the bobbin gets too great.

For Majacraft ratios see page 13 & 32.

9 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 10 majacraft majacraft the double treadle spinning wheel company 4 the double treadle spinning wheel company PREPARING YOUR WHEEL FOR SPINNING

For Majacraft ratios see page 13 & 32.

9 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 10 majacraft majacraft 5 the double treadle spinning wheel company 6 the double treadle spinning wheel company TO BEGIN SPINNING THREADING UP AND SPINNING

If you have not used a double treadle wheel before, practice Most Majacraft wheels have a delta orifice flyer. This is very easy to treadling before you try spinning on it. Try to use both feet equally, thread but you do have to draft straight back from the loop. The push deliberately with both your heels and your toes. See how fast handle assembly may be repositioned to allow this. The spinning you can treadle, how slow you can go, and what speed is most head can go up or down in the handle slot, or the complete comfortable for you. You will find that with practice you can start assembly may be pivoted to the right or left by moving the handle the wheel just with your feet and will not need to use your hands. in the preferred direction or, in the case of the Little Gem, by turning the spinning head. The fine fibre flyer can be threaded by Tie a leader to the bobbin; it may help to stop the leader from doubling the yarn and guiding it through the round orifice. No slipping to place a piece of sticky tape over it. Don't tie the leader threading hook is required on Majacraft wheels. through the holes in the bobbin. The standard bobbin holds approximately 180gms (6oz) of fibre and can be safely immersed in Take a leader across to the butterfly yarn guide on the flyer arm, boiling water or steam to set the twist if required. through the wing closest to the bobbin, forward through the front hook on the flyer, then through the delta orifice on the Suzie, Little The flyer screws onto the front of the flyer shaft and has to be Gem and Millie, and the round orifice on the Saxonie. The Rose unscrewed to change bobbins. To change the bobbin, hold the rear comes with both flyers for extra versatility. When plying, you may whorl steady while turning the flyer to ease the tension, then simply like to change the butterfly hook to the left arm of the flyer. To hold the flyer while treadling with the wheel moving in a clockwise move the yarn guide, gently pinch the wings together and slide (Z) direction to remove it, and an anti-clockwise (S) direction to put along the flyer arm. it back on. Give it a final little twist with your hand to tighten the flyer, again holding the rear whorl steady. Spin clockwise with the brake tension band crossed for the maximum friction on the bobbin. Ply anti-clockwise as normal and with the brake band uncrossed. On the Little Gem just cross the upper drive belt for plying, this reverses the direction of the flyer. Turn the spinning head to reduce the possibility of the belt rubbing on itself. Your treadling should be at a comfortable even pace. Increase twist in your yarn by reducing bobbin brake tension. If your yarn is over twisted then tighten brake band tension for faster draw in. The flyer spindle should be kept clean and a smear of Vaseline helps the bobbin spin quietly and freely. Always use the least possible tension on the brake spring.

11 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 12 majacraft majacraft 5 the double treadle spinning wheel company 6 the double treadle spinning wheel company TO BEGIN SPINNING THREADING UP AND SPINNING

11 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 12 majacraft majacraft 7 the double treadle spinning wheel company 8 the double treadle spinning wheel company CHANGING RATIOS DRIVE BAND

Majacraft wheels have built in ratios. The polycord belting that we use is stretchy and has a “memory” so The Suzie and Millie have twelve from 4:1 to 15:1 will easily accommodate quite big changes in ratios. Your drive band The Saxonie has five from 6:1 to 15:1 can be repaired if it breaks by cutting it square with sharp scissors, The Rose ranges from 4.25:1 to 19.5:1 then holding the two cut ends near a flame until they just soften The Little Gem has five from 4.5:1 to 12.7:1 and taking care not to let the ends burn. Quickly push the two ends together and roll them between your thumb and forefinger for There are other combinations available by moving the whorl to about 20 seconds. Let the join rest for about five minutes. Be sure match other wheel grooves. To set the slowest speed (4:1) place to join the band on the wheel! To fit, put the belt on the whorl the green drive band on the largest whorl groove, and the smallest before putting it on the drive wheel. We use and recommend heat drive wheel groove. These are both closest to the spinner. For faster guns that are freely available in hardware stores to heat the speeds (used for plying and spinning short slippery fibres such as polycord belt for joining. silk or cotton), move the drive band to the smallest whorl groove and the largest drive wheel groove. For average spinning speed choose center grooves. On the Suzie and the Rose, if the drive band is too loose, lever the entire spinning head higher with a seesaw motion, you may need to The general rules governing ratios are: loosen the dome/wooden nut to do this. The Millie may be altered likewise by loosening the gold bolt with the allen key provided. The “The larger the whorl, the thicker the yarn, the less the Little Gem has a height adjustable head, loosening the wooden knob twist, the greater the brake tension” on the side of the stem and easing the entire spinning head upwards will tighten the drive belt. “The smaller the whorl, the finer the yarn, the tighter the The Little Gem lower drive belt can be repaired in a similar fashion twist, the less the brake tension” with heat. It needs to fit quite tightly and the join must be smooth. On a Little Gem 2 the crank assembly is removable for easy belt replacement.

13 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 14 majacraft majacraft 7 the double treadle spinning wheel company 8 the double treadle spinning wheel company CHANGING RATIOS DRIVE BAND

13 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 14 majacraft majacraft 9 the double treadle spinning wheel company 10 the double treadle spinning wheel company SPINNING HEAD LEARNING TO SPIN WITH MAJACRAFT

The correct position for the spinning head is about half an inch These are general hints for spinning an even smooth yarn. As you below the top bolt. In this position, the belt is tight on the smallest become more experienced there are many ways to achieve a great groove and the largest wheel groove and the ratio can be altered variety of yarns. When learning to spin, the first step is to master with no further adjustment required. The wheels can be adjusted to the treadling action, which is a heel and toe rocking movement. A suit left or right-handed spinners by simply inverting the spinning Majacraft wheel will start without having to touch the drive wheel head. Leaning the handle/spinning head over to put a “bend” on the and you will soon learn the technique for this. Turn the wheel in a wheel while spinning can also make long draw a pleasure. The Millie clockwise direction, if it starts to go the wrong way, give a little spinning head may also be inverted. The Little Gem has a height “flick” with the feet and it will change direction. A general rule of and direction adjustable spinning head. Simply turn it until the flyer thumb is this, “assuming that the wheel has been spinning in a shaft points to where you want it, and adjust the height by clockwise direction, pushing the pedal on the downward stroke loosening the wooden knob on the side of the stem and easing the pedal will start the spinning in the correct direction”. Don't attempt entire spinning head upwards. to handle any wool until you can keep the wheel turning slowly and always in the same direction automatically. It is not necessary to treadle quickly.

15 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 16 majacraft majacraft 9 the double treadle spinning wheel company 10 the double treadle spinning wheel company SPINNING HEAD LEARNING TO SPIN WITH MAJACRAFT

15 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 16 majacraft majacraft the double treadle spinning wheel company the double treadle spinning wheel company

Now you need to choose your fibre. It is as well at first to seek Spin with both hands help in selecting something suitable. Carded sliver is easiest when You spin with both hands, working together as a team. It is worth you are just beginning. Look for a good quality sound fibre, trying the whole procedure using your hands in the opposite probably with a micron count that is not too fine. A Romney fleece positions as this is more comfortable for some people. Get into the with a count of around 30 to 38 would be suitable. New Zealand habit of always moving your hook along as you join on a new Perendale is particularly good. Take a short length of sliver and pull piece. The bobbin will fill more evenly, hold quite a bit more and the end until it is just a few fibres thick. Lay the fibres against the look neater and more professional. As bobbins fill, both in spinning spinning thread of the leader (the piece of yarn left permanently on and plying they get appreciably heavier, so that you have to tighten each bobbin) treadling slowly until you see it twist and join. the brake cord tension before the bobbin will fill properly.

The wool sliver should be lying loosely in the palm of the left hand, controlled lightly by the left thumb and using no grip at all. Now Faults to watch for in spinning with the right thumb and forefinger tips, PINCH the emerging fan of Letting the twist pass your right thumb. fibres near your left hand and PULL it towards the orifice in the flyer and, without lifting your right thumb at all, keeping a firm and Jumping in big leaps down the yarn instead of sliding so that you constant pressure on it, you SLIDE your thumb and forefinger have lumps and patches of hairiness instead of a smooth yarn with steadily down again to your left hand. Continue in that pattern every end tucked neatly away into the spin. pinch, pull, slide. Don't rush, stop, snatch or grab; just easy and Clutching with your left hand so that the yarn can't flow. smooth and flowing. The twist goes from the orifice in the flyer to your carefully closed right thumb and should not be allowed to pass Hanging on to the yarn with both hands while treadling busily until it. You should feel the twist forming between your thumb and it all kinks up into “barbed wire”. The opposite is feeding it in at fingers, following closely behind them as they slide. The place you such a pace that it isn't spun at all and falls apart. The STRENGTH must watch is between your two thumbs, where the fibres should lie is in the spin. smooth, free and even. Your attention should be focused on arranging the same number of fibres there so that the finished yarn comes out even throughout its whole length. The fingertips should be directly under the thumb. It is at the tips that the sensitivity develops. You will see that the right thumb is in complete control of the twist, the left thumb is spreading the fibres, eliminating bumps. The left hand does most of the skilled work it holds the wool; very lightly. As you spin, the thumb and fingers roll against the sliver and spread it out; if a lump appears between the two hands use the left hand to pull it back.

17 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 18 majacraft majacraft the double treadle spinning wheel company the double treadle spinning wheel company

17 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 18 majacraft majacraft 11 the double treadle spinning wheel company the double treadle spinning wheel company HOW TO PLY

When you have two bobbins full of reasonably good yarn (and it's Too tight amazing how well bumpy yarn knits up), you are ready to ply. This is much easier with a lazy kate.

It's a good idea to leave your filled bobbins for 24 hours or so to Just right set the twist before plying. It makes the wool more docile and easier to handle. Every bobbin should have a leader permanently on it. Take about a yard of single ply yarn and double it. Put the loop around the bobbin twice and tie it tightly. Remember that to ply Too loose you must turn the wheel in the opposite direction ANTI-clockwise. This takes out half the spin, doubles the thickness and the strength of the yarn. Put the ends from two filled bobbins between the split Joining ends of the lead-in and overspin until the join is secure and in on Joining is very important as poor joins make the yarn annoying for to the bobbin. Now put the forefinger of the left hand between the knitting and useless for weaving. When spinning, hold the end of threads coming off the lazy kate, close your hand and rest it on or the sliver against the spinning thread until you see the tip twist on, near your hip and leave it there. (Its job is to keep an even makes perfect joins. You join about five inches up the thread, and tension on both threads) Now start the wheel and, putting your always above your thumb, and hold it back until it has joined before right thumb and forefinger against the flyer, slide it steadily right feeding it in. It is a good idea to practice and perfect this by back to your left hand in one long smooth sweep. A rough rule is pulling the sliver off and rejoining again and again without letting to count your foot beats 'one-two-three' as your right hand travels the wheel stop. slowly down the yarn and then 'four' as you move it quickly in on to the bobbin. Your tension needs to be a bit tighter and you may use a ratio with a faster speed. You watch near the orifice for this task and not between your thumbs as in spinning.

Faults to avoid The most common fault is wrapping. This is where one thread is wrapped around the other instead of combining to make a perfect cord. It is caused by an imperfect grip so that one thread is pushed past the other as it goes onto the bobbin. As you slide your fingers down, the spin should be tight against your right thumb all the When plying, the joining is different. You hold the wool back and time. Over and under plying are, as the name suggest, either too treadle until it is very tight and then stop the wheel and split the tight or too loose. wool for about five or six inches and place the thin tip of the wool you are joining in the centre between the two tight threads. This needs to be done very carefully. Now let the over spin run down about halfway and then move the short end over into the middle of the other two and let the over spin run right down and take care of that before starting the wheel again.

19 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 20 majacraft majacraft 11 the double treadle spinning wheel company the double treadle spinning wheel company HOW TO PLY

When you have two bobbins full of reasonably good yarn (and it's Too tight amazing how well bumpy yarn knits up), you are ready to ply. This is much easier with a lazy kate.

19 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 20 majacraft majacraft 12 the double treadle spinning wheel company the double treadle spinning wheel company WHERE DO YOU START WITH FIBRE?

When you purchase fibre for spinning you may receive it either as You should only need one more pass to completely comb the staples greasy fleece or carded sliver. Greasy fleece will need to be washed Now “diz” the fibre off the comb. Thread the fibre onto the diz and and prepared for spinning. Carded sliver is the easiest way to start, pull through while holding the comb in place but in time you may want to do your own fibre preparation. This Using the double mini combs clamped to a table fibre preparation is done either by carding using a drum carder or as mini woolcombs hand cards, or alternatively using wool combs. Selection of fleece Recommendations for use of Majacraft mini combs Fleece should be of good strength (high tensile strength) and length by Pat Old to produce a good worsted yarn (70mm-150mm depending on the Advantages of the clamped mini comb system fleece type). Any tenderness will result in broken fibre and an Easy to use and carry around excessive amount of waste left on the comb. Light to use Long wool such as Romney and Border Leicester through to the fine Versatile wools such as the finest Merino can be combed easily using the Able to be used to created true worsted yarns using traditional mini combs. methods Fleece should be properly scoured (hot washed) and completely free of grease or wax. Hand held mini combs - Other necessary or recommended accessories Single or double row of tines Diz Fleece should be of even length, clean and have good strength (has Pad and clamp no breaks or tenderness). Small spritzer bottle filled with water to which a few drops of hair Greasy fleece may be used but wool grease and wax can collect conditioner has been added. This reduces the effects of static around the tines and is difficult to remove, so I would recommend electricity that the fleece be washed and scoured first. A hand-carder or flick-carder Instructions Instructions Clamp one comb to a bench or table set at a good working height Lash the butt end of the staples (locks) of fleece of fleece onto the (about waist height) with the tines vertical tines of the comb. I lay it so that 1/3 of the length of the staple is Pull the tips only of a staple of fleece through the carder or flick behind the tines. One row of staples, approximately 5 gms is about card enough Lash the butt onto the comb with 1/3 of the length behind the Hold the comb tightly (I brace it against my knee) with the tines tines. Repeat with a few more staples. Up to 10gm of crossbreed pointing to the side. Gently begin to comb downwards with the (long wool) is recommended and about 5gm of fine fleece other comb, starting by catching just the tips of the staples and Swing the packed comb around to the horizontal position working deeper until very little fibre remains on the first comb. With the other comb held firmly begin to comb downwards through What is left should be just short waste, which is put aside. (It's the fibre starting by just touching the tips and working progressively great to use as stuffing) deeper. Comb upwards occasionally too. Continue until only a few Now begin to transfer the fleece back onto the first comb by short fibres remain. Discard these short fibres. If static electricity striking sideways, once again beginning with the tips and working causes a problem, a light squirt with the spritzer will settle the deeper. The mass of the fibre should now be opening up and will be a bouncy mass of fibres. You have now completed one “pass”

21 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 22 majacraft majacraft 12 the double treadle spinning wheel company the double treadle spinning wheel company WHERE DO YOU START WITH FIBRE?

21 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 22 majacraft majacraft 13 the double treadle spinning wheel company 14 the double treadle spinning wheel company HANDY HINTS TROUBLESHOOTING Majacraft wheels are virtually maintenance free Bobbin They are fitted with sealed bearings which are made to last. The Will not turn inside round crank bearing may benefit from an occasional drop of Place on a firm surface and bang firmly together using a rubber oil. hammer or soft mallet Check the brake band tension Flyer yarn guides Rotate by hand to ensure that it spins freely These perform better with the ends of the pigtails pointing away from the spinner. If they are facing the spinner, the ends may catch Rattles the incoming yarn. Lightly smear Vaseline on the flyer shaft. A felt washer may help Orifice Spinning Head The cotton orifice flyer and the delta orifice flyer are interchangeable. The delta orifice flyer works best with the fibre Slips in groove going straight in from the spinner. Tighten knob or nut holding spinning head in place Vibrates Pedals Check the flyer shaft. If bent, replace the shaft. Contact your dealer Occasionally the pedals may squeak, a light drop of oil on the for instructions on how to do this hinges will fix this. Put a second flyer hook on the opposite flyer arm to balance the flyer at higher speeds. It will also be useful when you ply Tension knob Check the spinning wheel is on a level surface and does not rock For those with a loosening scotch tension knob, let a drop or two (no more) of PVA glue run down the inside of the knob hole while Clicks the knob is removed. Replace the knob when the glue has dried Whorl not done up tightly enough. Tighten small internal screw using allen wrench. Check the centre crank assembly bearing, oil if Wood care necessary Wood is a natural, breathing product and like any natural material Noisy can be affected by its environment. Avoid exposing wood to an excessively dry atmosphere and to direct heat sources including Remove, turn the flyer spindle and listen carefully. Return to your electric heaters, solid fuel stoves and direct sunlight. When heat is dealer for service if loud “crunchy” or “whirring” sounds come from concentrated on parts of the wheel it can cause them to shrink and the bearing dry out. This shrinkage can cause warping and cracking of the wood. “Whooshing” noise A very damp atmosphere will make the wood swell. To care for your Most common on new bobbins. Caused by brake tension cord. Will wheel, a gentle wipe with detergent or light furniture polish is all lessen as the bobbins settle in. Can experiment with different cord that is required. We suggest using our Majacraft lavender and materials - do not use monofilament fishing line beeswax polish. Pedals Tension spring Squeaks Do not over-tighten, very little tension is necessary. Oil hinges using a light oil Shake some talcum powder on the green joiners or belt BEWARE OF MOVING PARTS!

25 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 26 majacraft majacraft 13 the double treadle spinning wheel company 14 the double treadle spinning wheel company HANDY HINTS TROUBLESHOOTING Majacraft wheels are virtually maintenance free Bobbin They are fitted with sealed bearings which are made to last. The Will not turn inside round crank bearing may benefit from an occasional drop of Place on a firm surface and bang firmly together using a rubber oil. hammer or soft mallet Check the brake band tension Flyer yarn guides Rotate by hand to ensure that it spins freely These perform better with the ends of the pigtails pointing away from the spinner. If they are facing the spinner, the ends may catch Rattles the incoming yarn. Lightly smear Vaseline on the flyer shaft. A felt washer may help Orifice Spinning Head The cotton orifice flyer and the delta orifice flyer are interchangeable. The delta orifice flyer works best with the fibre Slips in groove going straight in from the spinner. Tighten knob or nut holding spinning head in place Vibrates Pedals Check the flyer shaft. If bent, replace the shaft. Contact your dealer Occasionally the pedals may squeak, a light drop of oil on the for instructions on how to do this hinges will fix this. Put a second flyer hook on the opposite flyer arm to balance the flyer at higher speeds. It will also be useful when you ply Tension knob Check the spinning wheel is on a level surface and does not rock For those with a loosening scotch tension knob, let a drop or two (no more) of PVA glue run down the inside of the knob hole while Clicks the knob is removed. Replace the knob when the glue has dried Whorl not done up tightly enough. Tighten small internal screw using allen wrench. Check the centre crank assembly bearing, oil if Wood care necessary Wood is a natural, breathing product and like any natural material Noisy can be affected by its environment. Avoid exposing wood to an excessively dry atmosphere and to direct heat sources including Remove, turn the flyer spindle and listen carefully. Return to your electric heaters, solid fuel stoves and direct sunlight. When heat is dealer for service if loud “crunchy” or “whirring” sounds come from concentrated on parts of the wheel it can cause them to shrink and the bearing dry out. This shrinkage can cause warping and cracking of the wood. “Whooshing” noise A very damp atmosphere will make the wood swell. To care for your Most common on new bobbins. Caused by brake tension cord. Will wheel, a gentle wipe with detergent or light furniture polish is all lessen as the bobbins settle in. Can experiment with different cord that is required. We suggest using our Majacraft lavender and materials - do not use monofilament fishing line beeswax polish. Pedals Tension spring Squeaks Do not over-tighten, very little tension is necessary. Oil hinges using a light oil Shake some talcum powder on the green joiners or belt BEWARE OF MOVING PARTS!

25 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 26 majacraft majacraft the double treadle spinning wheel company the double treadle spinning wheel company

Now strike sideways to return the mass of fibre to the first comb, Instructions once again starting by combing the tips only and working Lash the length of top onto the comb with about 15cms (6 inches) progressively deeper. Work slowly to ensure an even result. This hanging in front. completes one “pass”. Thread the diz onto a few fibres and begin to gently pull the fibre If you are using quality fleece that has been well scoured, one pass through. If the diz jams you are pulling too much through at one may well be sufficient. If bumps or lumps are still evident on the time. A little practice will result in an even loose roving. mass, repeat the process. Now return the clamped comb to the vertical position, thread the diz onto a few fibres and diz from side to side until only a few short fibres remain on the comb. Roll the resulting roving into a ball ready for spinning. Repeat.

Using single combs may require more passes to completely comb the fibre. They may also require care in execution of the above techniques.

Fleece prepared this way is used to produce true worsted yarns. Within the roving all fibres are of similar length and all are aligned from the butt to the tip. You are always spinning from the butt end of the fibre. Spin short draw to produce a smooth strong and even yarn. Blending colours and different fibres Blending is very successful on the combs, the main rule being that fibres should be of the same length, be clean and of good tensile strength. Sampling can be fun and rewarding.

Using one clamped mini comb as an aid in the preparation of carded and/or combed sliver or top

Top or sliver is an industrial preparation that is only a part of the process in the manufacture of yarn. The next step is the drawing out of the top into a thinner roving. If we do the same with our sliver or top we are able to spin yarns that are classy, even and very special.

Other necessary or recommended accessories One mini comb clamped to a bench A diz

23 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 24 majacraft majacraft the double treadle spinning wheel company the double treadle spinning wheel company

Using single combs may require more passes to completely comb the fibre. They may also require care in execution of the above techniques.

Using one clamped mini comb as an aid in the preparation of carded and/or combed sliver or top

Other necessary or recommended accessories One mini comb clamped to a bench A diz

23 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 24 majacraft majacraft the double treadle spinning wheel company the double treadle spinning wheel company

Uneven motion Drive Wheel Check conrods are fitted to the correct treadles. See assembly Keeps changing direction instruction sheet Treadle faster to keep wheel going in the same direction Stiff Practice treadling without yarn and concentrate on slowing down the Oil hinges. Check centre crank assembly is parallel to the drive wheel drive wheel Hard to treadle When Spinning Check drive belt tension is correct Is something jammed against the treadle restricting its movement? Fibre draws in too fast Are you sitting near enough to the wheel? Tension is too tight, loosen by turning the brake tension knob Try a different spring Drive Belt Whorl groove may be worn so the cord is not fitting down to the Too loose bottom of the groove thus affecting the grab or friction of the cord Check the brake band is not worn, replace if necessary Tilt or raise the spinning head to tighten. Cut the belt to shorten it Jerky or irregular/uneven pull of the yarn on to the bobbin may be if it is stretched caused by the brake cord running too smoothly over the bobbin. Too tight Lower the spinning head to loosen. Replace the belt Fibre doesn't draw in Slips Tension knob too loose, tighten by turning the brake tension knob Loosen all tension devices and retighten just enough to turn the flyer Spring has stretched and needs replacing Bobbin too tight on spindle see notes above for “bobbin will not Damaged turn” Trim a very small amount from both ends and rejoin (on the wheel) Flyer not screwed completely on to spindle using a flame or heat gun. Replace the belt Yarn caught around the flyer hook, or wrapped around the flyer Comes off spindle Check the whorl is lined up with the wheel Has a groove been worn into the flyer hook that is snagging the Check tension, the spinning head may need raising or lowering yarn? To fit new Check the drive belt tension - if too loose the whorl will not rotate properly (Rose/Suzie) Unscrew small screws on the conrods making sure you remember which rod goes into which pedal, push the pedals down Difficulties joining the leader thread to allow green joiners to separate from the conrods, slip belt on Start with a longer leader thread and then reverse the procedure to re-attach Tease out the fibre and start to join it about 30cm before the end (Little Gem 2) Mark a crank arm and end of the crank axle with a of the leader thread pencil or similar. Undo the bottom pulley grub screws and crank arm Moisten your fingers and the liquid will help the join to hold grub screws. Slide the fixed crank arm and axle half way out. Put Check your brake tension and loosen if necessary the new belt in place. Slide the axle back in place. Re-tighten the Yarn keeps breaking grub screws taking care to align the grub screws in location holes Insufficient twist Yarn may stay together whilst being spun but may fall apart at the plying, washing or drying stage

27 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 28 majacraft majacraft the double treadle spinning wheel company the double treadle spinning wheel company

Change to a faster ratio to increase the rotation rate of the flyer, A wet finger or sticky tape wrapped sticky side out on your finger increase the twist in the yarn and make it easier to spin finer may help singles without them falling apart Hard to join a separated thread Hold back the yarn whilst continuing treadling so that there is more Tease the fibres into a fan shape on the end of the thread and your twist added before the yarn goes on to the bobbin new fibre Slow down your hand and speed up your feet Start to join further back on your thread Yarn too thin Loosen tension until the thread is secure Hold the joining fibres onto join and treadle a couple of times to Make a conscious effort to get more fibre into the drafting triangle. build up twist before moving your hand back up The fibre between your two thumbs is the important place to watch for this Too much twist or overspinning Yarn too thick The amount of twist a yarn requires is dependent on its diameter and its end use. The less the twist, the softer, fluffier and weaker Have less fibre in your hand to start with and make a conscious the yarn will be. The increase in twist will result in stronger and effort to get less fibre into the drafting triangle harsher yarn Yarn not even The finer the yarn, the more twist it requires. To a great extent the Uneven yarn with thick and thin areas is part of the 'rite of plying of two singles will remove a lot of what may be seen as passage' you have to go through when learning to spin just keep over-twist in the singles. practicing! All newly spun singles will twist back on themselves when you Change to a slower ratio to make it easier to spin thicker singles release the tension on them. If you get snarls and spirals in your without them being over twisted singles then you have too much twist. Twist will always go to the Spend more time on fibre preparation so that the fibres part of the yarn with the finest diameter so if you have a thick/thin separate/flow easier Spin finer because fine yarns need more twist slubby yarn then the fine parts will look over-twisted and the slubby parts will not have enough twist. As your spinning improves even Yarn will not start winding on the bobbin this problem will disappear. Check that the leader cord is not turning round on the bobbin How to overcome too much twist centre. Put a short piece of sellotape on if necessary or retie the Treadle more slowly until your hands know how to work faster knot more tightly Change to a slower ratio that is to a larger whorl groove and a Is the yarn through the orifice? Is the yarn over the flyer hooks? smaller wheel groove. This will reduce the rotation of the flyer, Is the yarn caught on a flyer hook and not moving? lower the twist in the yarn and make it easier to spin thicker Check that the brake tension is correct singles without them becoming over-twisted. To achieve the thicker Check the drive belt is not too loose singles a shorter drafting pull is easier, and speed your hands up a bit. Lost the end of the yarn on the bobbin Spend more time on fibre preparation before you begin spinning so On a Majacraft wheel all you need to do is to look where your the fibre flows better. sliding flyer hook is, the yarn will be in that area on the bobbin Spin finer because finer yarns need more twist The end will usually “hide” in a low point on the bobbin It is not the wheel that over-twists the yarn, it is the spinner If you were spinning a “Z” twist then brush the yarn from right to treadling too quickly for the hand movements that are feeding the left to raise the end yarn onto the bobbin

29 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 30 majacraft majacraft the double treadle spinning wheel company the double treadle spinning wheel company

29 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 30 majacraft majacraft 15 the double treadle spinning wheel company 16 the double treadle spinning wheel company WARRANTY TECHNICAL DIMENSIONS

Your new Majacraft wheel is guaranteed to be free of defects in the Dimensions material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years following Model Millie Rose Saxonie Suzie Suzie Pro Little Gem the date of original purchase by the consumer. The warranty shall Maximum 780mm 780mm 800mm 780mm 780mm 740mm be limited to repair or replacement of defective parts which by Height 30.7” 30.7” 31.5” 30.7” 30.7” 29.1” examination by Majacraft or its nominated examiner shall prove to Maximum 360mm 380mm 700mm 380mm 380mm 380mm its satisfaction to be defective. The warranty card should be Width 14.0” 15.0” 27.5” 15.0” 15.0” 14.9” returned to Majacraft straight after purchase and failure to do so Maximum 450mm 450mm 490mm 450mm 450mm 360mm may jeopardize your warranty. If a problem occurs with your wheel Depth 17.5” 17.5” 19.0” 17.5” 17.5” 14.1” during the warranty period, contact your Majacraft dealer first. If Folded - 550mm - 550mm 550mm 150mm - 21.5” - 21.5” 21.5” 5.9” necessary you may then contact Majacraft. The product may be Height required to be returned to our factory for repair or replacement. Orifice 750mm 750mm 660mm 750mm 750mm 560mm(min) Height 29.5” 29.5” 26.0” 29.5” 29.5” 22.0”(min) The warranty covers normal consumer use and does not cover Weight 5.5kg 6.0kg 6.2kg 6.4kg 6.5kg 4.5kg damage resulting from accident, alteration, abuse, misuse or neglect. 12.1lbs 13.2lbs 13.6lbs 14.0lbs 14.2lbs 9.9lbs Transit damage is not covered except when shipped by Majacraft Drive Belt 1210mm 1520mm 1665mm 1260mm 1260mm 1100mm directly from New Zealand. Length 47.7” 59.8” 65.5” 49.6” 49.6” 43.3” Orifice delta delta fine fibre delta delta delta Type fine fibre Drive 350mm 445mm 445mm 330mm 340mm 220mm Wheel 13.8” 17.5” 17.5” 13.0” 13.2” 8.7”

Whorl Groove Ratios are 5 4 3 2 1 :1 Largest Smallest Millie 4.1 5.2 6.9 9.2 12.0

Rose 4.2 5.1 8.4 11.3 15.6 Large Rose 5.9 8.9 12.7 15.4 19.5 Small Saxonie 5.2 6.8 9.0 12.0 15.0

Suzie 4.0 6.3 9.2 11.5 15.0

Suzie Pro 4.4 6.5 9.5 11.8 14.0

Suzie 3.2 4.6 6.2 8.7 12.0 Slow speed Suzie 12.5 18.0 22.0 27.0 32.0 High speed Little Gem 4.5 6.0 8.5 10.5 12.7

31 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 32 majacraft majacraft 15 the double treadle spinning wheel company 16 the double treadle spinning wheel company WARRANTY TECHNICAL DIMENSIONS

Whorl Groove Ratios are 5 4 3 2 1 :1 Largest Smallest Millie 4.1 5.2 6.9 9.2 12.0

Rose 4.2 5.1 8.4 11.3 15.6 Large Rose 5.9 8.9 12.7 15.4 19.5 Small Saxonie 5.2 6.8 9.0 12.0 15.0

Suzie 4.0 6.3 9.2 11.5 15.0

Suzie Pro 4.4 6.5 9.5 11.8 14.0

Suzie 3.2 4.6 6.2 8.7 12.0 Slow speed Suzie 12.5 18.0 22.0 27.0 32.0 High speed Little Gem 4.5 6.0 8.5 10.5 12.7

31 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 32 majacraft majacraft 17 the double treadle spinning wheel company the double treadle spinning wheel company MAJACRAFT ACCCESSORIES

Majacraft Accessories available include Diz polished brass with three holes for excellent fibre preparation Lazy kate essential for plying, tensioned to prevent bobbin over-run, holds Spinning chair three bobbins with a sprung back and just the right height for use with Majacraft wheels. Also available with a Rose motif Niddy noddy unique dolphin design for skeining yarns, skein size is 130mm/51” Trundler for transporting your Suzie or Rose Wheel skeiner Wool combs fits all Majacraft wheels and will skein in several sizes single and double-row mini combs for excellent fibre preparation. Clock skeiner They also can be table mounted, by using a Majacraft comb block free standing wheel skeiner with an elementary counter

High-speed head multiplying spinning head for use with a Suzie

Fast whorl increases the high-end ratios on all Majacraft wheels

Slow-speed kit low ratio whorl for use with a Suzie to spin bulky yarns

Lace kit fat cored wooden bobbins and low drag flyer for spinning lace weight yarns

Plying set jumbo bobbin and flyer for plying two standard bobbins without having to break the yarn

“E” system ultra smooth, long lasting, ceramic inserted flyer and hook for lace yarns and greasy wools

Wild flyer kit huge orifice flyer and jumbo bobbin for spinning “wild” and bulky yarns

33 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 34 majacraft majacraft 17 the double treadle spinning wheel company the double treadle spinning wheel company MAJACRAFT ACCCESSORIES

High-speed head multiplying spinning head for use with a Suzie

Fast whorl increases the high-end ratios on all Majacraft wheels

Slow-speed kit low ratio whorl for use with a Suzie to spin bulky yarns

Lace kit fat cored wooden bobbins and low drag flyer for spinning lace weight yarns

Plying set jumbo bobbin and flyer for plying two standard bobbins without having to break the yarn

“E” system ultra smooth, long lasting, ceramic inserted flyer and hook for lace yarns and greasy wools

Wild flyer kit huge orifice flyer and jumbo bobbin for spinning “wild” and bulky yarns

33 all you need to spin your dreams... all you need to spin your dreams... 34 majacraft the double treadle spinning wheel company

CONTACT

For further information and for a complete range of accessories and products, contact your Majacraft dealer or:

MAJACRAFT LTD Oropi Road Phone +64 (7) 543-3618 RD.3 Fax +64 (7) 543-3718 Tauranga 3021 Email [email protected] New Zealand Web www.majacraft.co.nz

Dealer

35 all you need to spin your dreams...