Transforming fibers into yarn is called spinning. Let’s explore this art and its tools together. Stay tuned with Saed News.
Since the emergence of non-leather clothing, spinning must have existed. Archaeological references to spinning in different periods of life in Iran, including the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages, are only related to spindles found in ancient sites. For example, Ghirshman writes: "The discovery of a large number of spindles made from raw clay in Sialk indicates the existence of the spinning and weaving industry." Ghirshman refers to the finding of spindles from the second period of Sialk. The discovery of various types of spindles in archaeological excavations from different ancient layers in Iran demonstrates the ancient history of this handicraft. Archaeological finds, including many spindles, in the Shahdad region of Kerman, date the history of spinning in Kerman to around 5,000 years ago. From the graveyard mound of Dasht Qazvin, several handmade spindles made of fired clay and bone, and from the ancient site of Sorkh Dam Lakki Kouhdasht in Lorestan, spindles carved from stone, belonging to the Neolithic and Iron Ages, have been discovered.
Yarn Yarn has been used since ancient times and the Neolithic period to weave fabric and make clothing for early humans. Spinning tools, especially the spindle, have been discovered in archaeological sites, indicating the existence of an early form of spinning. The first spinning spindles in Iran were discovered and studied from the Neolithic period. The discovery of a seal featuring a woman spinning yarn at the Chogha Mish site in Khuzestan confirms this. The image on the seal clearly shows the presence of such a tool at the time for spinning. The image shows a woman with long hair, wearing a sleeveless dress, with a beautiful face and many ornaments, sitting and spinning with a spindle in her hand.
History History of Yarn in the Islamic Period: During the Islamic period, three important spinning tools, including the spindle, wheel, and weaving loom, were used for spinning and fabric production. The first spinning wheels in the Islamic era date back to the time of the Buyid dynasty, and they were quite advanced, enabling high-quality work. The addition of a foot pedal to the spinning wheel for better control of the threads was also introduced in this period, allowing the user to manipulate the threads with their feet.
History of the Spindle: Spindles were the first tools used for spinning worldwide, and archaeological findings indicate that they were made from wood or metal. The spindle's function was to convert wool and animal hair into yarn by drawing and twisting them. In Iran, the earliest spindles were found in archaeological excavations at Kashan, the Green Mound of Dehloran, and Ja'farabad, dating back to the Neolithic period. These spindles were made in various shapes, including perforated and long, narrow types, used for different purposes. The difference in the appearance of the spindles was due to their specific uses; for example, long spindles were used for twisting long fibers. Overall, historical research and archaeological findings indicate that the history of yarn and the spindle in Iran goes back to ancient centuries and was an important profession, especially for the upper class.
Old Spinning Machine
Principles of Spinning Spinning is based on three main principles:
Drawing and aligning fibers
Twisting
Winding and producing yarn
Spinning Spinning is the process of turning plant and animal fibers into yarn or thread using traditional tools and techniques. There are two types of traditional spinning: one using simple hand spindles, usually spun by women while walking, standing, or sitting, with a slower speed but greater skill; and the other using a domestic spinning wheel, which requires a stationary position and higher speed. Another modern type of spinning is industrial, carried out in large factories using machines and numerous spindles. This article focuses on the domestic and traditional aspect of spinning.
Spinning Tools The tools of spinning include the carding comb, various hand spindles, and the spinning wheel. The spinning wheel is a machine that creates continuous rotational movement in the spindle by turning its handle and is one of the most beautiful machines. The simplest form of movement for a hand spindle is its continuous rotational type, which the spinner activates with their thumb and forefinger. The blade or anchor intensifies and maintains this movement, twisting the fibers together. In some cases, the spindle is placed between the thigh and palm, and the hand is moved rapidly to generate continuous rotational motion. For more organized yarn twisting, the spindle should be placed as far from the wool or cotton source as possible. The direction of rotation of the spindle can either be clockwise or counterclockwise. If the spindle rotates clockwise, the fibers twist around each other in an "S" shape; if counterclockwise, it twists in a "Z" shape.
Use of Yarn in the Modern Era Given the long history of yarn and spinning in Iran, it is natural that this industry is highly developed in the country. Currently, yarn production is extensive and made in various types. One of the most notable and expensive types of yarn is silk yarn, which includes fine silk yarn, raw silk, Indian silk, and synthetic silk. Among these, synthetic silk yarn is the most commonly used, produced through chemical processes and is shiny. This type of yarn is generally used for embroidery and edging. Woolen or worsted yarn is another type, thicker than other yarns. It is made from various materials such as wool, fleece, polyester, and wool blends. This yarn is used for raised embroidery on thick and woolen fabrics. Metallic yarn, used for decorating clothes and embroidery, along with cobweb yarn and invisible thread, are other types of yarn available in Iran.
Conclusion Spinning yarn is one of the first industries humans discovered. Initially, using a simple wooden spindle, they were able to twist countless fibers together to make yarn. This method of spinning continued for centuries until the 14th century when the first steps towards mechanizing spinning were taken, and a more advanced type of spindle was invented and used in Europe and India.
