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Carded wool was spun into thread—twisted to create strong, continuous strand that could be woven into cloth.
The Spindle:
The primary tool was the drop spindle—a weighted shaft that twisted as it hung, drawing out fiber and spinning it into thread. The spinner held carded wool in one hand, the spindle in the other, letting gravity and rotation do the work.
Good spinners developed rhythm—pull, twist, wind, repeat—that could continue for hours, the motion becoming meditative, the hands working almost without conscious thought.
The Spinning Wheel:
Later (though still within Celtic period), the spinning wheel arrived—allowing faster production, more consistent thread, less physical strain. But traditional spindle spinning persisted, especially for the finest threads or when portability was needed (spindle could be carried and used anywhere, wheel required stationary setup).
The Thread Quality:
Thread thickness and tightness of twist affected the final fabric. Tightly twisted, thin thread created smooth, strong cloth. Loosely twisted, thick thread produced soft but weaker fabric. The spinner controlled this, creating thread appropriate for intended use.
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