Double or Single Treadle - Twin Willows Farm

Some spinners get quite emotional over this issue. If you have a favorite spinning wheel and make the yarn you want on it, then you’re all set. But if you’re just starting to look at wheels, or are thinking of a new wheel, and want a little input on the differences, here’s my understanding of double versus single treadle wheels. I have owned 2 single treadle (ST) wheels and 1 double treadle (DT) wheel.

My first wheel was an Ashford Traditional. This was back in 1978 when there were no DT wheels. It was my only wheel for 10 years and did everything I wanted it to do but was large and bulky for taking on the road with me. I was doing a lot of spinning demonstrations around that time. My second wheel was an Ashford Traveller ST bought in 1988. I don’t think they were making the DT yet then, or at least I didn’t know of them. The Traveller was nice to spin on but lacked the sturdiness of build I was looking for. I bought my Majacraft Suzie in 1997. The Suzie is a DT and my dream machine. She’s the only wheel I own now and I don’t envision ever buying another unless I wear the poor dear out.

The biggest difference I find in the DT versus the ST is in the spinner’s posture. When spinning on a ST, one tends to sit and little skiddy wampus to the wheel, especially a Saxony or flax style wheel. This may put a strain on the back, hips or knees of the spinner. I find that I cannot spin for as long on this type of wheel as I can on the DT. The DT makes one sit straight in front of the wheel and I find that I also sit up straighter and have all around better posture. Good posture lessens the strain on back, hips and knees for longer spinning sessions and better health.

Some people have good luck using both feet together on a ST. I’ve tried this on some different wheels with the large ST. For me, this was very hard on my lower back, making it almost impossible to spin. But I have friends who spin this way with no difficulty at all, so posture, bone structure, weight, etc. may all play a part in that. I also have tried some Saxony style DT wheels and they felt very awkward for me.

Using my DT wheel with both feet working opposite each other totally eliminates the back pain for me. I find no stress on my knees or hips either. It is less tiring so I can spin longer and get more done. Everything seems to be in balance and working together.

As far as spinning on a DT, the wheels are often smaller in diameter and you may find that you need to treadle a little faster. On the ST, you may be able to treadle slower but have that ‘dead spot’ at the top or bottom of your cycle where the wheel pauses. DT wheels do not have this ‘dead spot’, they continue on smoothly. With the DT, the wheel can be both started and stopped without using the hands. The ST often needs a quick push to get going or a hand for a brake. With the ST castle style wheel, the working foot can be alternated, leaving one foot to rest or even be propped up.

This comparison does not cover everything, but will hopefully give some insights to the wheel shoppers out there. There is no substitute, however, for experience. Whenever possible, ‘test drive’ a new wheel at a fiber shop, guild meeting or fiber festival. Sometimes what looks good on paper just doesn’t make it in person.

Twin Willows Farm - Choosing a Double or Single Treadle Wheel