One Tool That Makes Embroidery Prep So Much Easier

If you’ve ever tried stringing dozens (or hundreds) of beads or sequins onto a thread for embroidery, you know how slow that can get.

It’s one of the least exciting parts of Couture embroidery — but a necessary one.

That’s where the spinner comes in. I use it regularly in my own work — both for fine art compositions and hand-embroidered accessories that involve couture embroidery techniques. It’s also one of the first tools I introduce in my beginner course.

This post is a short walkthrough of how I use it, what to pay attention to, and why this little tool can save you hours of prep time.

What Is a Spinner?

A spinner is a small tool that helps you transfer beads or sequins onto a thread. The base spins, the contents swirl around, and if your needle is angled correctly, the beads slide right on.

There are two main types:

• Manual spinners – usually wood or plastic. You spin them by hand.

• Electric spinners – often more expensive, with adjustable speeds. Not necessary unless you do high-volume work.

I use an electric version in my own work. But the most basic (and cheapest) kind — a plastic manual spinner — is more than enough for most embroidery projects.

What Needles Work Best?

This part matters. I use sharp, fine curved needles — the kind that actually pierce fabric if needed. These aren’t the dull metal hooks you sometimes see sold for beading.

They come in different thicknesses. If you’re working with smaller seed beads, use a thinner needle. If you’re stringing sequins, a slightly thicker one is fine — as long as it fits through the holes.

How the Spinner Works

Here’s the basic process:

1. Pour your beads or sequins into the cup. Don’t overfill — you want them to move easily.

2. Thread your curved needle. Leave a long enough tail so the beads don’t slip off.

3. Spin the bowl. Manually if it’s a hand spinner.

4. Angle the needle into the swirl, curved side facing the direction of the spin.

5. Beads or sequins will catch automatically and slide along the hook.

It might feel awkward at first — but once you get the angle right, it becomes incredibly fast.

Want to See It?

You can watch the tool in action in this video:
https://youtu.be/e1nVZmgvv_Q

The video is sped up a bit, but even in real time, it only takes a couple of minutes to string enough beads for a full composition.

It’s part of my Introduction to Luneville Embroidery course, but I’ve made this tutorial public to help anyone struggling with prep.

Comparing Spinner Options (UK Market)

If you're curious about what types of spinners are out there, here’s a quick comparison of some commonly available options on Amazon UK. I’ve used some of them personally; others I’ve reviewed based on features, construction, and overall suitability for embroidery prep.

Plastic Manual Spinner

Price: Around £6–£9

• ✅ Lightweight and affordable

• ✅ Good for occasional use or getting started

• ❌ Flimsy base; not built for long-term use

This is the one I use in my demo video — very basic, but enough to show how the technique works.

Wooden Manual Spinner

Price: Around £15

• ✅ Wooden base; smooth spin

• ✅ Includes spare needles and extras

• ❌ Manual operation can still be slow for volume prep

A step up from plastic if you prefer a sturdier, more tactile tool.

Electric Spinner

• Price: ~£35

• ✅ USB-powered with adjustable speed and rotation direction

• ✅ Funnel-shaped lid makes it easier to pour and store beads

• ❌ Price is on the higher end for what it is

It seems like a good and helpful tool that can make a real difference when you're working with big projects.

A Few Extra Notes

• Sequins vs Beads: Sequins take a bit longer, but the process is the same. Heavier plastic ones are often easier to handle than ultra-light ones.

• Needle Angle: This is everything. Too flat or too steep, and nothing will catch.

• Bead Size: Irregular beads may cause issues. Stick to quality seed beads when possible.

This tool doesn’t get much attention, but honestly? It’s one of the first things I recommend when people start learning Luneville embroidery. It speeds things up, keeps the workflow smooth, and lets you focus on the stitching — not endless prep.

And no — it doesn’t need to be fancy. A £6 spinner can do the job beautifully.

If you're curious about the full technique, the course link is here:
🎓 Introduction to Luneville Embroidery – Start Learning