Haspel

A haspel is a reeling device, historically used in textile production and domestic yarn and thread making. The primary function of a haspel is to measure the length of yarn, thread, or similar materials as they are wound onto it. By knowing the circumference of the haspel's reel, one can calculate the total length of the material wound based on the number of rotations completed.

Construction and Operation

A typical haspel consists of a central rotating shaft, often supported by a frame or stand. Attached to the shaft are arms, usually four or six, that extend outward to form the reel. These arms may be fixed or collapsible for easier storage. A measured length of yarn or thread is wound around the arms of the haspel. As the haspel rotates, a mechanism, often a ratchet or a clicker, provides audible or tactile feedback, indicating when a pre-determined length has been wound (for example, a skein's worth). This allows the user to accurately measure the length of yarn without needing to use a separate measuring tool.

Historical Significance

Haspels have been used for centuries in various cultures where spinning and weaving were common. Before standardized measurements and automated machinery, the haspel provided a critical tool for ensuring consistent yarn lengths, which was essential for weaving fabrics of uniform quality. They played a significant role in both cottage industries and larger-scale textile production.

Related Terms

• Skein: A coil of yarn or thread wound in a loose, oblong form. A haspel is often used to create skeins.
• Niddy-noddy: Another type of yarn measuring device, simpler in construction than a haspel, also used to create skeins.
• Yarn winder: A more modern device, often mechanically operated, used for winding yarn into balls or cakes. While yarn winders often measure yarn length, their primary purpose is to package yarn for sale or use.