Schacht Ladybug Spinning Wheel
Schacht Ladybug Spinning Wheel
SKU: SKU: LB6601
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The Ladybug is Schacht's friendly spinning wheel, welcoming to brand-new spinners and capable enough to grow with you for a lifetime. The 16 In drive wheel and 13.5 lb frame make starting out easy: it spins smoothly with light treadling, the orifice sits at a comfortable 27 In, and integrated carrying handles let you move it from couch to studio without much fuss. Painted hardwood accents give the Ladybug its character and make it as much a piece of the room as it is a working tool.
What makes the Ladybug grow with the spinner is the full three-mode drive system on a single wheel: Scotch tension, double drive, and bobbin lead. Most beginners start with Scotch tension because it's the most forgiving. The same wheel takes you into double drive when you want even twist on long-staple fibers, and bobbin lead when you want to fill bobbins fast on coarser wool. You don't outgrow the Ladybug, you grow into it.
Made in Boulder, Colorado from maple plywood and solid maple with a hand-rubbed Danish oil finish. Schacht has been building spinning and weaving tools in Boulder since 1969.
What's Included
- Ladybug spinning wheel
- 3 travel bobbins
- Medium and Fast Speed whorls (each with two ratio grooves)
- Orifice hook
- Poly drive band
- Cotton double drive band
- Owner's manual
- Some assembly required
Specifications
- Drive system: Scotch tension, double drive, bobbin lead
- Treadles: double
- Weight: 13.5 lb (6.1 kg)
- Orifice height: 27 In (68.6 cm)
- Drive wheel diameter: 16 In (40.6 cm)
- Carrying handles: integrated into the frame
- Materials: maple plywood and solid maple
- Finish: hand-rubbed Danish oil with painted accents
- Made in Boulder, Colorado, USA
Whorl Ratios
Each whorl has two grooves giving two ratio options. Move the drive band between grooves to switch.
| Whorl | Large / Small groove ratio |
|---|---|
| Extra Slow (WS6708) | 3.2:1 / 3.6:1 |
| Slow (WS6704) | 4.7:1 / 5.5:1 |
| Medium (WS6706, included) | 6.5:1 / 8:1 |
| Fast (WS6707, included) | 9:1 / 10.5:1 |
| High (WS6705) | 11.5:1 / 14:1 |
| Super High (WS6709) | 12:1 / 14.5:1 |
The Medium and Fast Speed whorls included with the Ladybug cover most everyday handspinning, from worsted-weight singles to standard 2-ply yarns. Most spinners never need additional whorls. The optional whorls extend the wheel's range to specific projects: the Slow and Extra Slow whorls give more control for chunky and bulky art yarn singles, and the High and Super High Speed whorls add the twist range for laceweight singles, fine 3-ply yarns, and tightly-plied sock yarns.
If you spin in double drive mode at High Speed or Super High Speed whorl ratios, the High Speed Bobbin (WS6703) is required. The bobbin spins actively in double drive at high ratios and the High Speed Bobbin's geometry is designed for it. In Scotch tension mode the bobbin is held by the brake band and any standard bobbin works with every whorl.
Compatible Accessories
Expand your Ladybug with Schacht's range of compatible accessories.
- LB6602 Ladybug Bulky Plyer Flyer Package with 7/8 In orifice and 8 oz bobbin capacity, for bulky yarns, art yarns, and plying. Cherry version (LB6606) also available.
- Additional whorls: Extra Slow (WS6708), Slow (WS6704), High Speed (WS6705), and Super High Speed (WS6709). Maple and cherry available.
- LB6305 Ladybug Lazy Kate attaches to the wheel for plying without a separate stand
- WS6601 Tensioned Lazy Kate, free-standing alternative for plying off three bobbins, packs flat for storage and travel
- WS6703 High Speed Bobbin, required for double-drive at High and Super High whorl ratios
- WS6701 Standard Maple Bobbins, 4 oz capacity, an upgrade from the included travel bobbins
- Additional WS6712 Travel Bobbins for plying or extra storage
- WS6711 Bulky Bobbins for use with the Bulky Plyer Flyer
- WS6908 Niddy Noddy for skein winding
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there two Lazy Kates listed?
The Ladybug Lazy Kate (LB6305, $61) attaches directly to the wheel for plying without setting up a separate stand. The Tensioned Lazy Kate (WS6601, $93) is free-standing and packs flat. Pick the wheel-attached convenience or the portable freestanding option, depending on whether you ply at the wheel or set up plying separately.
What MOA does my Ladybug take?
Current-production Ladybugs use the new grooved Mother of All (R-16-900138). Older Ladybugs from before the design update use the legacy flat MOA (R-16-900014, shared with pre-update Matchless wheels). Identification depends on wheel age, and Paradise Fibers or Schacht support can confirm from photos.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Most orders ship within 24 hours from our Spokane, WA shop (Monday–Friday). You’ll receive tracking as soon as your order is on the way!
Many of our products are beginner-friendly, and we make this clear in the product description.
You can also explore our kits and bundles, they include everything you need to get started with confidence.
Each fiber has its own feel and function. Merino is super soft and great for next-to-skin wear. BFL (Bluefaced Leicester) is strong, with a lovely luster. Need help deciding? Reach out! We’re happy to help.
For Yarn, check your pattern's yardage requirements. A standard pair of socks usually takes 100g of fingering weight, while a hat takes about 100g of worsted.For Spinning Fiber, a standard 4oz braid will generally make a pair of socks or a hat. For larger garments like sweaters, you will likely need 1.5 to 2 lbs of fiber.Still unsure? Send us your project details! We are happy to do the math for you to ensure you don't run short.
If a product goes out of stock after you order, we’ll notify you right away with options: a refund, a substitution, or a backorder (when possible). We never leave you hanging.
We offer 30-day easy returns on most unused products. If something arrives damaged or missing, we’ll make it right. Just contact our support team.
Yes! Our project kits and beginner bundles include hand-picked materials, tools, and instructions — so you can dive in without the guesswork.