The ancient spinning wheel usually had two to three, or even five, spindles. At the juncture of the Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties when the society experienced substantial economic development, a new kind of large-scale spinning wheel with dozens of spindles appeared, with the most prominent feature being that it was powered by water.

These characteristics, which resembled those of modern spinning machines, made the waterwheels suitable for large-scale professional production.

The large water-driven spinning wheel also significantly improved the efficiency of the textile industry. Whereas before, one hand-driven spinning wheel could weave 1.5 kilos of hemp (fiber from the hemp plant which is used to make textiles) every day, a large water-driven one could weave more than 50 kilos daily. In this way, once the wheel began to work, there had to be enough hemp for constant production.

The large water-driven spinning wheel is an important invention that applies natural power in manufacturing. The water-driven spinning wheel in China precedes its Western counterpart by four centuries.

Author: Jeff

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