The type of spinning wheel known as the "great" or the "walking" wheel was a common household item during much of the 19th century. A turn of the wheel set the spindle in motion, twisting the long sliver of wool or cotton into thread or yarn. The name walking wheel refers to the several steps taken to and from the wheel by the spinner. More Nacogdoches families owned spinning wheels than looms. In this area, looms were either shared by families or used by professional weavers.
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