A short history of spinning yarn
Handspun yarn has been an integral part of human history, weaving together cultures and traditions across millennia. In New Zealand, this art form holds a special place, considering we are well-known as the land where sheep outnumber humans. There’s something truly special about knowing where the wool in your hands comes from (if not the sheep itself, but the area).
The craft of spinning fibre into yarn dates back over 20,000 years. Initially, humans twisted plant fibre or animal fur/fleece by hand, rolling it on their thighs or between their fingers to create long, continuous thread or yarn. The invention of the spindle, a simple tool to hold and twist fibres, revolutionised this process, making it more efficient and consistent.
The spindle evolved with the addition of a whorl — a weighted disc — that maintained momentum during spinning. This innovation allowed for the development of the drop spindle, meaning spinners were able to produce longer threads before winding. The drop spindle technique is still used today as a great beginner-friendly (and budget-friendly) way to get into spinning yarn — and it’s also plenty of spinners’ preferred method.
The spinning wheel further transformed yarn production by increasing speed and reducing manual effort. Fast forward to today and there are now espinners, which remove the need to coordinate your feet and hands, and instead allow a spinner to set up the speed and tension to whatever suits them, and then just focus on the hands to do the work.
In Aotearoa, the art of handspinning has deep roots. Māori traditionally used native plants like harakeke to create fibres for weaving. With European settlement, sheep farming expanded, introducing wool as a primary fibre for spinning. Today, New Zealand boasts a vibrant community of artisans dedicated to preserving and innovating the craft of handspinning and weaving.
At The Artisans, we honour this rich heritage by offering a curated selection of handspun yarns and spinning fibre and batts. Our collection includes locally sourced fibre, of which some comes from farms where we get to see the sheep in real life. Other fibre is purchased from New Zealand suppliers and also from opportunistic situations (like a stash clear out we’ve happened to stumble across). Whether you’re a seasoned spinner or new to the craft, The Artisans’ range will have something for anyone of any skill level to try.
By embracing the timeless art of handspinning, we connect with a tradition that has shaped cultures and communities worldwide. At The Artisans, we’re proud to be part of the legacy of fibre art in Aotearoa New Zealand, supporting and inspiring the next generation of fibre artists.