Kromski Symphony Spinning Wheel

Two wood species. Four whorl ratios. One treadle for every pace.

The Kromski Symphony is the only spinning wheel in the Kromski line built from two different wood species: European alder for the frame, birch for the turned spindles and decorative elements. Alder and birch complement each other in craft terms: alder is impact-resistant and takes stains evenly; birch delivers the pale, fine grain that gives the Symphony its characteristic lightness. Both woods come from forests within 50 km of the Kromski workshop in Wolsztyn.

What you notice about the Symphony immediately: it stands differently in a room from other spinning wheels. The double treadle, the curved legs, the 60 cm drive wheel — this is the spinning wheel that textile arts magazines put on their covers. And once you've spun on it, you understand why.

The double treadle — the underrated advantage

Most entry-level spinning wheels have a single treadle. That's fine for short sessions. But anyone who regularly spins for two hours or more knows the problem: one foot is working, the other is dangling somewhere. The Symphony has a true double treadle — both feet treadle simultaneously and symmetrically. This distributes the work across both legs, reduces hip strain, and turns treadling into a calm, almost meditative movement rather than an endurance exercise.

There's another benefit: a symmetrical treadle gives the wheel a steadier, more even spin. Less juddering, fewer speed fluctuations — the yarn turns out more consistent.

Four whorls. One machine for all yarn weights.

Two whorls are included from the start:

• Standard slow whorl (8:1 and 12:1) — for bulky yarns, beginners, and thicker wool
• Standard fast whorl (16:1 and 20:1) — for fingering weight through laceweight and finer fibres

Out of the box, the Symphony already covers the full range from worsted to fine silk. Additional whorls are available as accessories, but most spinners get along well with these four ratios for a long time. Switching takes seconds — pull off the whorl, put on the new one, done.

Drive options: double drive (both cords run on flyer and bobbin — lots of twist per treadle) or single drive with Scotch Tension (flyer only, bobbin braked — gentler uptake, more control with irregular fibres). Switch without tools, in under a minute.

The Arched Lazy Kate — more than an accessory

The Symphony includes the Arched Lazy Kate — the curved, sweeping version, not a simple peg kate. It has built-in yarn tension, holds three full bobbins (120 g each), and the arch means the yarn runs more smoothly when plying, tangling less. Anyone who plies a lot, or plans to try Navajo plying, will appreciate this.

Four finishes, one character

The Symphony is available in four wood finishes. All use the same alder-birch construction — only the surface treatment differs:

• Unfinished — natural bare wood, the palest and most neutral look. Can be treated with oil or wax.
• Lacquered — sealed, brightens the alder-birch wood slightly, long-term protection without colour change.
• Walnut — warm, rich brown tone. Works with dark wood furniture, elegant and grounded.
• Mahogany — reddish-brown, deep and warm. The most striking and dramatic of the four finishes.

Technical specifications

Specification	Value
Drive wheel diameter	60 cm (24 in)
Orifice height	69 cm (27 in)
Overall width	109 cm (43 in)
Weight	6.8 kg
Whorl ratios	8 · 12 · 16 · 20 : 1
Drive type	Single drive + Scotch Tension or double drive
Treadle	Double treadle
Wood	European alder (frame) + birch (spindles/decorative)
Bobbin capacity	120 g
Warranty	5 years

Frequently asked questions about the Kromski Symphony

What is the difference between alder and birch — why two wood species?

Alder is the primary wood for the frame: impact-resistant, dimensionally stable, takes stain and lacquer evenly. Birch is harder, paler, and has a finer grain — ideal for the turned spindles and decorative elements where precision in turning matters. The combination is crafted intentionally, not by chance.

Who is the Symphony right for?

For anyone who regularly spins for more than an hour at a time — the double treadle makes a noticeable difference. And for anyone looking for a wheel that not only works but also functions as a piece of furniture in the room. Beginners can learn on it, but the Symphony fully comes into its own with a little spinning experience.

How much space do I need?

109 cm wide, 69 cm orifice height. Allow about half a metre of clear space on each side. The Symphony is not a compact wheel — it is a full-size Saxony wheel and needs room to match. In living rooms it works as a focal point; in smaller workrooms it can feel tight.

What fibres can I work with?

All common spinning fibres: wool, top, silk, silk-wool blends, alpaca, linen, cotton, plant fibres. The four whorl ratios cover bulky through lace. For very thick art yarn, we recommend the separately available Jumbo Flyer Set.

How do I switch between double drive and Scotch Tension?

Without tools, in about a minute: in double drive both drive cords run on flyer and bobbin — more twist per treadle, firm uptake. With Scotch Tension only one cord drives the flyer; the bobbin is braked by a separate brake cord — softer uptake, more control with irregular fibres or when spinning slowly.

How does the Symphony compare to the Polonaise?

Both wheels have a 60 cm drive wheel and similar whorl ratios, but they are fundamentally different. The Symphony is the classic Saxony wheel with a wide stance, double treadle, and two wood species. The Polonaise is more compact, has a single treadle, and a Nordic style. The Symphony is the right choice when ergonomics (double treadle) and presence in the room matter most.

What about maintenance and care?

The unfinished version can be treated with linseed oil or wood wax — once a year is enough. The lacquered and stained versions (Lacquered, Walnut, Mahogany) need almost no care: a dry cloth is all it takes. All metal bearing points (flyer shaft, spindle bearings) get an occasional drop of the included spinning oil — that is the most important maintenance step.