Ashford Spinning Wheels

Ashford is one of the most trusted and well-recognized names in the spinning industry, with a reputation built on decades of quality craftsmanship and innovation. Their wheels are known for being reliable, user-friendly, and versatile, making them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced spinners alike.

Many spinners choose Ashford because the wheels are easy to learn on, yet still capable of growing with you as your skills and interests evolve, ensuring they remain a lasting favorite in homes and studios around the world!

Ashford Spinning Wheels: Trusted Craftsmanship for Every Spinner

Ask a room full of spinners which wheel they learned on, and a good number will say Ashford. We've been living and breathing fiber arts since 1997, and spinning wheels are genuinely our specialty, so we don't recommend Ashford spinning wheels lightly. This iconic New Zealand brand has earned its reputation over decades by building wheels that are approachable for beginners, reliable for lifelong spinners, and beautiful enough to become a treasured part of your home. Whether you're drafting your very first single or spinning fine laceweight for a special project, there's an Ashford spinning wheel built to suit the way you spin.

We're family owned and operated, and we know these wheels inside and out, right down to our in-house spinning wheel repair shop. We even design and build our own wheels here, so when you buy an Ashford from us, you're buying from people who truly understand the craft.

Why Spinners Love Ashford Spinning Wheels

There's a reason Ashford spinning equipment has such a devoted global following. These wheels combine thoughtful design with real staying power. A few reasons spinners reach for them:

  • Beginner-friendly and forgiving, making them a favorite first wheel that you won't outgrow quickly.
  • Smooth, reliable treadling, so long spinning sessions stay comfortable and consistent.
  • Wide range of models and ratios, from portable travel wheels to full production wheels.
  • Excellent parts and accessory support, keeping your wheel spinning beautifully for decades.
  • Family owned and operated, both at Ashford and here at our shop, not bought up by a private equity firm like so many of our competitors have been lately.

Add fast same-day shipping on most orders and free shipping when you spend $99 or more, plus expert spinners on hand who spin on these wheels themselves, and it's easy to see why Ashford is such a trusted name. Every purchase also helps us support local farms and Freddy's Dog Rescue, so a little extra good rides along with your order.

Explore the Ashford Spinning Wheel Lineup

Part of what makes Ashford so beloved is the breadth of their range, so there's a wheel for every spinner, space, and style. Here's a tour of the favorites we carry:

  • The Ashford Traditional spinning wheel is the classic, time-tested workhorse that has introduced generations to spinning.
  • The Ashford Kiwi spinning wheel, including the Kiwi 2 and Kiwi 3, is an affordable, sturdy choice that's perfect for beginners.
  • The Ashford Joy spinning wheel and Joy 2 fold up for portability, ideal for spinners on the go.
  • The Ashford Traveller spinning wheel (also spelled Traveler), available in single treadle and double drive, is compact yet capable.
  • The Ashford Elizabeth spinning wheel, in both Elizabeth 1 and Elizabeth 2 versions, is a refined saxony-style wheel for fine spinning.
  • Ashford also offers an electric spinning wheel for spinners who want effortless, treadle-free spinning.

Whether you're comparing a double drive spinning wheel setup or looking for an Ashford spinning wheel for sale to start your journey, we're glad to help you find the right fit. Keep your wheel running smoothly with extra Ashford spinning wheel bobbins and components from our spinning wheel parts and accessories collection, and stock up on fiber to spin in our undyed yarn and roving selection.

Shop Ashford Spinning Wheels Online or Visit Us in Spokane

Our shop lives in a restored historic bakery in Spokane, four floors and 27,500 square feet of fiber heaven, with wheels you can try right on site and an in-house repair bench. Come spin a few yards in person and see how an Ashford feels, or shop the full range online from anywhere. We ship worldwide, and our friendly crew is just a chat bubble away whenever you have a question about choosing your wheel.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most newcomers, the Ashford Kiwi is the go-to starting wheel, since it's affordable, sturdy, and easy to learn on while still producing lovely yarn. The Traditional is another excellent beginner choice with a long track record, and if portability matters to you, the folding Joy is worth a look. Because the best first wheel depends a little on your budget and how you'll use it, we're always happy to talk through the options and help you choose with confidence.

The difference is in how the wheel drives the flyer and bobbin, which affects how your yarn is drawn on and the kind of control you have. A single drive wheel, often with scotch tension, is simple to adjust and very beginner-friendly, while a double drive wheel uses one continuous band to drive both the flyer and bobbin, offering fine control that many experienced spinners love for consistent, delicate yarns. Some Ashford wheels, like the Traveller, can be set up either way, giving you flexibility as your skills grow.

Yes, one of the great advantages of Ashford is the strong availability of parts and accessories, so you can easily add extra bobbins, replace a drive band, or swap a worn component to keep your wheel in top shape. Extra bobbins in particular are worth having on hand, since they let you keep spinning or ply without stopping to wind off. We stock a range of Ashford parts and accessories, and our in-house repair shop can help with anything more involved.

Availability of pre-owned wheels varies, so it's best to reach out and ask us what we currently have, since our stock of used equipment changes over time. If you're specifically hoping for a used Ashford to save on cost, let us know what model you're after and we can tell you about current options or point you toward a new wheel that fits your budget. Either way, buying from a shop with an in-house repair bench means you'll have support keeping your wheel running for years.

Space needs vary by model, since compact and folding wheels like the Joy or Traveller tuck into small rooms easily, while larger saxony-style wheels like the Elizabeth take up more floor space. Maintenance is generally minimal, involving occasional oiling of moving parts, checking the drive band, and keeping the wood clean and in good condition. With that basic care, a well-made Ashford wheel can spin beautifully for generations, and our repair shop is here whenever yours needs a tune-up.