Spinning

Spinning The proses of drawing out and twisting fibres into a strong thread suitable for weaving. The first machine for spinning was the spinning wheel (1500s), which was a mechanical means of drawing out and twisting the fibres and winding the thread so formed on a bobbin.

In the 18th century the invention of tree spinning machines made textile making an industry and launched the industrial revolution. They were
James Hargreaves' spinning Jenny (1767);
Richard Arkwright's spinning frame (1769);
Samuel Crompton's spinning mule (1779);

The mule is still used today. It has a movable carriage holding a rotating bobbin. The thread is drawn out as the carriage moves back. The other main modern machine is the ring spinning frame. It has a rotating bobbin that draws out the thread, while a 'traveller' revolves around the bobbin on a ring and imparts the twist.