About Majacraft Scotch Tension Spinning Wheels
Majacraft has been building spinning wheels in Tauranga, New Zealand, since 1989, and their scotch tension lineup is known worldwide for modern engineering, thoughtful design, and a level of interchangeability that almost no other brand can match. Every Majacraft scotch tension wheel in this collection uses the same core flyer and bobbin architecture, which means the same Aura Hybrid Flyer, Wild Flyer, Lace Flyer, Plying Flyer, Delta Flyer, Fine Fiber Flyer, standard bobbins, and jumbo bobbins work across the Rose, Suzie, Suzie Professional, Little Gem, and Luna. You buy one wheel, and the entire ecosystem of accessories opens up.
How Scotch Tension Works on a Majacraft Spinning Wheel
On a Majacraft scotch tension wheel, one drive band turns the flyer via a pulley (whorl), and a separate brake band sits over the bobbin and is held in place by a spring and a tension knob. As you treadle, the flyer spins at a ratio determined by the pulley groove you select, while the brake slows the bobbin just enough to pull yarn onto it. Turning the tension knob tightens or loosens the brake, which controls how aggressively the wheel draws in your yarn. Majacraft's scotch tension is particularly sensitive, which is why these wheels are often recommended for spinners who want very fine control over fine and lace-weight yarns.
Benefits of a Majacraft Scotch Tension Wheel
Scotch tension is the foundation of Majacraft's entire design philosophy. The benefits show up in a few specific ways. First, take-up is finely adjustable with one knob, so you can dial in exactly the right pull for whatever fiber you are spinning. Second, Majacraft wheels are engineered to be quiet and smooth, with sealed bearings, stainless steel hinges, and balanced flyers. Third, and maybe most importantly, every wheel in the scotch tension lineup is part of the same interchangeable ecosystem. Add a Wild Flyer for art yarn, a Lace Flyer for fine singles, or a Jumbo bobbin for plying heavy skeins, and those same accessories move with you if you ever upgrade to a different Majacraft wheel.
Majacraft Scotch Tension vs Double Drive
Most Majacraft wheels use scotch tension. The one notable exception is the Majacraft Aura, which is a dedicated double drive wheel built specifically for art yarn, bulky spinning, and experimental techniques. If you want the double drive feel with the pigtail orifice and jumbo bobbins, the Aura is the Majacraft wheel to look at. If you want the versatility to spin everything from laceweight to bulky on one wheel with precise knob-controlled take-up, the scotch tension lineup is where you want to be. Many Majacraft spinners end up owning both styles or swapping an Aura flyer onto a scotch tension wheel for occasional double drive use.
Majacraft Rose, Suzie, Suzie Pro, Little Gem, and Luna Compared
Each of the five main Majacraft scotch tension wheels has a distinct personality. Here is how they compare.
Majacraft Rose. Often considered the flagship of the scotch tension lineup. The Rose features a spoked drive wheel with an engraved rose motif, ratios from 4.25:1 to 19.5:1, adjustable handle and head position for left or right-hand spinners, and weighs just 14.5 lbs. It comes with the Rose Carrier, which doubles as a 3-bobbin lazy kate. A great all-around wheel for spinners who want traditional elegance with modern capability.
Majacraft Suzie. The original Majacraft double treadle wheel, in continuous production for over 30 years. The Suzie features a solid MDF drive wheel with rimu veneer, the Clematis flower motif on the wheel and handle, and works with every Majacraft accessory ever made. It is heavier than the Rose, which gives it more momentum once it gets spinning. Excellent for production spinning and the most versatile wheel in the lineup.
Majacraft Suzie Professional. The premium version of the Suzie. Features a Majacraft Green painted MDF drive wheel, a heavier wheel for even more momentum, an extra high-speed pulley for lace and fine yarn, and both a Delta Flyer and a premium ceramic-insert flyer. Designed specifically for production spinning and spinners who want the best Suzie experience available.
Majacraft Little Gem. The portable folding wheel in the lineup. The Little Gem folds flat for travel, weighs only about 10 lbs assembled, and comes with a custom shoulder bag, three bobbins, and a travel lazy kate. It uses the same sensitive scotch tension system as its larger sisters and works with most Majacraft accessories, so you can spin anything from fine lace to medium yarn. Ideal for classes, guild meetings, retreats, and spinners with limited home space.
Majacraft Luna. The newest wheel in the scotch tension lineup. The Luna is smaller than the Suzie and Rose but known for being exceptionally smooth and quiet. Ratios range from 6:1 to 14:1, it comes standard with four plastic bobbins and a fine flyer with a ceramic orifice, and it's designed specifically for spinners who love fine and traditional yarns. Striking modern organic shape that looks nothing like a traditional wheel.
Accessories That Work Across the Majacraft Scotch Tension Lineup
One of the biggest reasons spinners buy into the Majacraft ecosystem is accessory compatibility. The Aura Hybrid Flyer Kit, Wild Flyer Kit, Lace Flyer Kit, Plying Flyer Kit, Delta Flyer, Fine Fiber Flyer, and Jumbo bobbins all fit across the Rose, Suzie, Suzie Pro, Luna, and most fit the Little Gem too (the Little Gem does not accept the Overdrive head). This means that if you buy a Rose today and upgrade to a Suzie Pro in five years, all your existing flyers and bobbins come with you. Replacement brake bands, tension springs, tension knobs, and drive bands are widely stocked for every wheel in the lineup.
Choosing the Right Majacraft Scotch Tension Wheel for You
If you want a beautiful traditional-feeling wheel that handles fine yarns effortlessly and includes a clever bobbin carrier, choose the Rose. If you want the most versatile and accessory-friendly wheel in the lineup with heavy drive wheel momentum, choose the Suzie. If you want the Suzie with premium upgrades for production spinning and lace, choose the Suzie Professional. If you travel, teach, or need a wheel that folds into a bag, choose the Little Gem. If you want a newer modern design with exceptionally smooth fine-yarn spinning, choose the Luna.
Shop the full Majacraft scotch tension collection above, or reach out if you want help picking the right wheel for your spinning style.
