So far in the series of spinning direction we have looked at the hand movements and the physiology of spindle spinning. We have also looked at the results of a spinning poll. In this post, we will look back in time at how spun yarn has been used in textiles historically to find a clue to spinning habits today.
Archaeological finds
When it comes to archaeological finds of spinning there are tons of metal, clay or stone spindle whorls to look at. But when it comes to organic materials like wood and textile fibers, most of them have disintegrated through time. But there are still some finds. With a quick Google search, it seems like most textile finds before medieval times were woven with a z/clockwise spun warp and weft. From the medievals most finds were woven with clockwise warp and counter-clockwise weft (sources here and here). In some of the sources there are also a connection between handedness and spinning direction (here and here). This is also confirmed by Maria Neijman, craft consultant in Stockholm and co-founder of Historical textiles.
Looking at a textile find
Looking a bit closer at the featured photo (by Maria Neijman), we see that it is a twill weave with a z-spun warp and s-spun weft. The warp is quite tightly spun, with an angle at about 60–70°. The weft is looser, around 40–50°. The weft is also more unevenly spun with both thick and thin spots. For the weave to hold in the loom, the warp needs to be strong. The weft, on the other hand, can be more loosely spun.
What can we derive from the textile history?
If spinning direction in the medievals has a connection to handedness, can it be the case that spinners (of whom around 80–90 % were and are righthanded) have spun most of the yarn clockwise (pulling) because it was more ergonomic for the spinner? The quality of the weft is not as important as the warp when it comes to strength. Is it possible that the counter-clockwise spun weft was looser and more unevenly spun because it was less natural for the righthanded spinner to spin counter-clockwise (pushing)?
What about the lefties?
I am a leftie, and I know that many lefties have had to do things awkwardly. In the crafts lessons at school I wasn’t taught how to crochet since the teacher didn’t know how to teach me. Many leftie friends have had the same experience. With this background, one side of me is a bit annoyed at this biased righthanded history of spinning. But another, much bigger side of me is fascinated at how much we can learn about spinning from looking at textile finds. I am also grateful that I know more now about possible reasons for my spinning cramp and the fact that I can change hands or spinning directions.
Is this true?
We do not know if any of this is true, we can only make more or less qualified guesswork. But somehow it seems logical, and it gives me a peace of mind to know that it may be true. Most commercial yarns today are z-spun and s-plied. Can this be a remnant from the spinning habits of medieval spindle spinners? This thought is thrilling and gives me goosebumps.
This was the last post in this first blog post series. I hope you have enjoyed it!
Oh, this is so fascinating! My second passion besides everything wooly is history, and there are so many things we do as we do them today because they have been passed on like this for centuries, and nobody ever questioned it. When I first learned spinning on a wheel in high school, I was taught that you spin clockwise and twine/ply counter-clockwise, period (no explanation given). To think that this is just a hard and fast rule because the majority of first spinners on a spindle where “righties” who did what was easiest on their hands … I totally share your goosebumps! Thank you for digging so deep in this!
Well, I play with the thought that ergonomics have something to do with historical spinning direction. And it’s a game I like. Thank you for the encouragement!
By the medieval period, the weft may have been spun on a great wheel. That would be less sensitive to handedness, as the right hand could easily turn the wheel either way.
Yes, probably!
What if the warp and the weft were done by 2 people? A rightie that has had a lot of miles beneath her belt for the warp and a leftie that still is learning for the weft?
That’s a possible scenario. But there are (and were) still a lot more righties than lefties.
Another factor beside right- and lefthandedness can be the position of the whorl. With the bottom whorl spindle it is more natural for me to spin clockwise, and with the top whorl counterclockwise. The same motion of the fingers sets the spindle spinning in the opposite direction.
Interesting! But as I understand it, most spindles were medieval style spindles with a belly, used with a distaff and spun in-hand style.