Medieval Spindle and Wild Fibre

Early Medieval Spindle Whorls & Dartmoor Oak Shafts

Here is a bespoke offering of genuine early medieval spindle whorls, paired with interchangeable spindle shafts, hand-crafted from local Dartmoor oak.

Each spindle set is entirely unique, bringing together an object that has travelled through hundreds of years of human history with newly shaped wood from the landscape of Dartmoor.

There is a deep magic in working with a spindle whorl that was once held in the hands of another spinner, then buried in the earth for many generations, before being unearthed and brought back into use.

These genuine early medieval spindle whorls were found by metal detectorists in Sussex, southern England. Once used as humble tools for the ancient practice of hand spinning, they have lain dormant in the deep earth and are now reawakened with stems made from Dartmoor oak.

Each set comes with two interchangeable shafts: a traditional, hand-shaped medieval-style stem, and a more contemporary hooked style, allowing different approaches to drop spinning.

Alongside the spindle set, you will receive Icelandic breed wool and naturally dyed madder root woollen roving, a length of linen thread to use as a leader, and a simple cotton drawstring craft bag.

These spindles are best suited to those who already have some experience with drop spinning and hand-spinning techniques.

May these ancient whorls, once held by hands long since returned to the earth, imbue your craft practice with beauty, magic and mystery — creating a thread between past and present.

We are currently working on a tutorial video and will release it as soon as possible.

There are 3 different spindle sets here. Upon purchasing one, you will receive your set at random. This creates a sense of oracular magic, where the spindle set for you chooses to meet your hands.

Approximate spindle lengths

Medieval-style shaft: 30cm

Contemporary hooked shaft: 21cm