True to form, Schacht’s contribution to the world of traditional Saxony-style spinning wheels is anything but conventional. Built for consistency and speed the Schacht Flatiron is a modular, multi-drive spinning machine.

Made from formed maple ply the Flatiron includes all Schacht’s clever design features that we’ve come to regard, like quick release levers for easy bobbin and flyer changes, self-aligning bearings for precise action, and three drive modes for Scotch tension, double-drive or bobbin-lead configurations.

Completely customizable, the wheel can be assembled straight out of the box with the flyer on either the left or the right, and with double-treadle action you’re guaranteed an ergonomic spin.

Optional extras include the Schacht Bulky Plyer Flyer, and a range of whorl sizes from the ‘Extra-Slow’ up to the ‘Super High’ with a mind-boggling ratio of 26.1:1. 

Shipped with three Travel Bobbins, Medium and Fast whorls, a threading hook and both a cotton and poly drive band, you’ll have lots to explore with the Schacht Flatiron Spinning Wheel.

FEATURES YOU’LL LOVE

• Adaptable to any need, skill level or spinning technique

• Modular design and multiple drive modes allow for customization

• Interchangeable orifice/flyer positioning for ergonomic spinning

• Full maple ply construction

• Long, comfortable treadles

• Included whorls offer spinning ratios between 10.4:1 and 17.4:1

• Quick release levers for easy bobbin and flyer changes

• Precise control knob for fine tuning take-up

• Two-year limited warranty

OUR KIT INCLUDES

• Ladybug Spinning Wheel (complete specifications HERE)

• 3 x ‘Travel’ bobbins

• Medium speed whorl (WS6706)

• Fast speed whorl (WS6707)

• Threading hook

• Black poly drive band

• Cotton drive band

• Instruction manual

• Loom & Spindle Leader Yarn 3 Pack

• Loom & Spindle Yarn Gauge

CUSTOMISATION AND ACCESSORIES

The Flatiron uses the same bobbins, whorls, and flyer as the Schacht Ladybug, Flatiron, and Sidekick wheels. Accessories available include:

• Extra Slow, Slow, High, and Super High-speed whorls 

• Bulky Plyer Flyer Package

For custom order enquiries please get in touch to discuss your needs. We would love to help you out!

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Schacht Flatiron Spinning Wheel

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Some time ago I was in the mood for a bit of a ‘de-stress’ spin.

To just spin and let a project evolve organically.

I didn’t want to think too hard about all the variables that often stop a new project in its tracks. Things like fibre prep, colour distribution and what the final project might be.

I just wanted to spin a yarn, then knit the yarn.

With this ethos I made my start. Along the way there were some key decisions that helped shape the direction of the project. I’ve detailed this journey below.

Andrea - Loom & Spindle

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STUDIO PROJECT: Grateful Moments Shawl

INTENTION

• Spin a yarn.

• Knit the yarn.

SKILLS

HAND SPINNING

• Fibre preparation

• Spinning singles

• Plying

• Finishing hand spun yarns

KNITTING

• Casting on/off

• Knitting flat

• Increasing and decreasing

• Reading charts for lacework

TOOLS

HAND SPINNING

• Louet S17 Spinning Wheel

• Yarn Gauge

KNITTING

• 3.5 mm (US 4) 80cm circular needles (I used Chiaogoo Spin Bamboo Interchangables)

MATERIALS

100g x Wren & Ollie Superwash Merino/Nylon Spinning Fibre | Colourway, Salt and Pepper

PATTERN

The Grateful Moments shawl pattern was designed by Sylvia McFadden, first published in September 2015. It is available to purchase as a digital download at Ravelry.com.

PROCESS

THE SPIN

• On fibre selection - I really just let the fibre choose me. I had a braid of Wren & Ollie Superwash Merino/Nylon spinning fibre that I’d recently acquired. I was drawn to its saturated splashes of pink and attention-grabbing speckles.

• Loosening the braid, I made a quick assessment of the dye placement and the hand-feel of the fibres. My notes here - the fibres were next to skin soft with a seemingly unfussy distribution of colour.

• Determining the spin parameters, I stuck to my ethos of keeping it simple. I opted for a 2-ply construction with a plan to spin the singles at my comfort grist – usually around 30 wraps per inch resulting in a fingering/4ply weight yarn when two singles are plied.

• Prepping the fibre, I split the tops in two, lengthwise. I set one length aside for the first single and then split the remaining half lengthwise again for the second single. This would hopefully maintain some of the original colour placement but also distribute the colours throughout to produce a variegated and self-striping yarn.

• I spun both singles on a Louët S17 spinning wheel. I used a yarn gauge to track my WPI and maintain some uniformity between the singles.

• I kept the finishing minimal plying both singles together directly from their bobbins and finished the skein with a short soak to revive the fibres.

• The resulting yarn was light and soft with moderate twist. I didn’t measure the yardage but thought it likely to be around 400m at fingering/4ply weight.

THE KNIT

• Finding a suitable project started with plugging all the parameters into the Ravelry pattern search - weight, yardage and category. Given the yardage and character of the yarn I thought a cowl or small shawl would work well.

• Wanting to learn more about shawl construction and lacework I went with the Grateful Moments shawl pattern, it already had several projects using hand spun yarns to great effect so seemed like the perfect fit.

• I didn’t swatch, I just jumped in and knit until I ran out of yarn!

FINISHING

I gave the shawl a short soak in a bath of cool water. I pinned the shawl out on a blocking mat giving attention to opening out the full wingspan and pinning out the selvage to highlight the lace detail.

INSIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

THE SPIN

• The fine superwash Merino fibre made for an easy spin without having to do too much prep work.

• Some of the splashy colour within the original braid did dilute with drafting but that was to be expected. I was happy to see much of the pink sections were preserved and come through in the resulting yarn.

• The S17 is such a solid wheel, I’m finding it just handles anything I throw at it. I love the huge bobbin capacity, there was more than enough room on one bobbin to ply the full 100g!

THE KNIT

• The pattern was well written and easy to follow. The lace chart wasn’t too complex for a first timer like me.

• I did bind-off one or two repeats early as I was about to run out of yarn. The resulting size was just right to wear the shawl in cowl or neckerchief style.

• The hand feel of the resulting fabric was light and next-to-skin soft.

• The interaction of colour in this piece is just amazing! I love studying the subtle gradients between the layers of pinks, purples and browns.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall, this was a very unstructured project. Though, when key decisions were made, I did make them with intention, understanding what impact they would have on the outcome of the project.

Hand spun projects don’t always have to begin with the end in mind. Being led by what you love most – the colours, textures, grist - is just a great way to get started. It also helps me stay interested and see the project out to the end!

Triangular shawls are such a great way to feature variegated yarns I definitely see more in my future.

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THANK YOU FOR READING!

Would you like to save this project for later?

Add it to your Ravelry favourites HERE.

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Do you love colour-play and creating texture?

Meet the Louët Blending Board, the fibre artists essential tool for experimenting with colour and blending your favourite fibres.

Suitable for a spectrum of fibre types and preparations, layer colour and texture onto the Louët Blending Board to create rolags, batts and rovings perfect for woollen-spun yarns, art yarns and custom spins.

With ergonomic carry handle and adjustable rotating keel that can be fixed in three places, you’re guaranteed the ultimate comfort while blending fibres for your next spin.

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More Fibre Prep Tools From Louët…

Hand Carders

Louët hand carders combine ergonomic design with a lightness in hand.

You’ll comfortably create rolags, mini batts and rovings ideal for woollen-spun yarns.

Available in a fine carding cloth of 110 tpi, suitable for a spectrum of medium to fine fibres.

Mini Combs

Louët Mini Combs are a compact option for de-hairing, blending and aligning your fibres for worsted spinning.

These combs are suitable for a spectrum of fine fibres.

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If you’re interested in exploring fibre prep and how it influences yarn characteristics we recommend these fantastic resources:

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WAITLIST

The Spinner’s Book of Fleece

Beth Smith introduces you to a range of spinning and fibre prep tools, providing guidance on choosing the right tool for your project.

She explores various combing and carding methods and shows you how these can be used to influence the look and feel of your spun yarns. Learn more…

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WAITLIST

Yarnitecture

Jillian Moreno delivers an in depth discussion on woollen and worsted yarns, presenting an amazing collection of spun samples to illustrate how fibre prep influences colour distribution and texture. Learn more…

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Schacht’s Ladybug Spinning Wheel just got a whole lot cooler! 

Introducing the limited-edition Schacht Cherry Ladybug Spinning Wheel.

With a sleek new black polyurethane drive wheel and stunning cherry ply finish, this limited-edition Ladybug offers the complete package at any skill level. 

A modular design encourages you to customise your experience. Alternate between Scotch-tension and double-drive modes, incrementally adjusting your spin using the factory set-up that’s geared for four speeds.

Three integrated carry handles make the Cherry Ladybug easy to pick up and transport, and adjustable front feet are certainly handy when you’re spinning on more adventurous terrain.

Among its many features, it’s the long comfortable treadles and centred orifice that will provide comfort and support, spin after spin.

The list of optional extras is generous with further whorl sizes for slow or super-fast spinning, an integrated tensioned lazy Kate system and a bulky flyer package, all now available in a matching cherry finish.

Schacht guarantees that every wheel is unique - somewhere on your Cherry Ladybug Spinning Wheel you’ll find your very own ladybug!

PLUS, all limited-edition wheels will ship with one of Schacht’s signature ladybug enamel pins.

*This limited edition wheel has now sold out.

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FEATURES YOU’LL LOVE

• A sleek black polyurethane drive wheel and stunning cherry ply finish.

• Modular design with multiple drive modes.

• A factory set-up that’s geared for four speeds.

• Long, comfortable treadles and centred orifice for ergonomic spinning.

• Three integrated carry handles make it easy to pick up and transport.

• Adjustable front feet for when you’re spinning on uneven ground.

• Precise control knob for fine tuning take-up.

• Adaptable to any need, skill level or spinning technique.

• Every wheel is unique! Somewhere on your Ladybug Spinning Wheel you’ll find your very own ladybug.

OUR KIT INCLUDES

• Ladybug Spinning Wheel (complete specifications HERE)

• 3 x ‘Travel’ bobbins

• Medium speed whorl (WS6706)

• Fast speed whorl (WS6707)

• Orifice hook

• Black poly drive band

• Cotton double-drive band

• Instruction manual

• Loom & Spindle Leader Yarn 3 Pack

• Loom & Spindle Yarn Gauge

CUSTOMISATION AND ACCESSORIES

The Ladybug uses the same bobbins, whorls, and flyer as the Schacht Matchless, Flatiron, and Sidekick wheels. Accessories available include:

• Extra Slow, Slow, High, and Super High-speed whorls 

• Bulky Flyer Package (available in cherry)

• Ladybug Tensioned Lazy Kate (available in cherry)

For custom order enquiries please get in touch to discuss your needs. We would love to help you out!

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Schacht Cherry Ladybug Spinning Wheel

*This limited edition wheel has now sold out.

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The expertly crafted Schacht Hi-Lo Spindle is the perfect introduction to top and bottom whorl spinning.

Simple and easy to use, it features a brass hook at the top for high-whorl spinning and a notched end for low-whorl spinning.

Made from high quality hard maple timber this spindle is both functional and ergonomic with a silky-smooth hand feel.

Available in three sizes, the Schacht Hi-Lo Spindle offers the best of both whorls.

SIZES + SPECS

 SMALL

• Weight, 31g (1.1 ounces)

• Whorl diameter, 5cm (2")

• Ideal for lightweight yarns (approx. 12-30wpi)

• Schacht product number, WS6407

MEDIUM

• Weight, 62g (2.2 ounces)

• Whorl diameter, 7.5cm (3")

• Ideal for medium weight yarns (approx. 8-20wpi)

• Schacht product number, WS6405

 LARGE

• Weight, 85g (3 ounces)

• Whorl diameter, 10cm (4")

• Ideal for heavy weight yarns (Approx. 5-8wpi)

• Schacht product number, WS6406

GETTING STARTED

We’ve put together a handy guide - How to Spin Yarn: Six Simple steps.

You might also like to watch Schacht’s guide to Spinning on a Drop Spindle, below.

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