Such a spindle has a round shaft and a large, often squared lower end. The upper end is split into two throngs. These spindles are normally about 15-20 cm in length. They are used for gold thread embroidery and normally have metal thread wound around the shaft section (the shaft is often covered by a piece of clean cotton cloth for extra protection). They are used to help prevent the thread come in contact with the oils and perspiration on the embroiderer’s hands. They are also sometimes called a bullion holder.
Sources:
- DILLMONT, Thérèse de (no date). Encyclopedia of Needlework, Mulhouse: Editions Th. de Dillmont, D.M.C. Library, p. 187.
- WHITING, Gertrude (1928). Tools and Toys of Stitchery, New York: Columbia University Press, pp. 326-327 (later republished as Old-Time Tools and Toys of Needlework).
GVE