A Tahkli Spindle is a kind of supported spindle designed to be used on a surface such as a table top or your lap. Tahkli spindles have a long metal shaft that is bent at the top and a bottom whorl. (The “pear” on the Schacht Pear Tahkli functions as the whorl). A sharp point on the end of the shaft is used in a bowl or your lap.
   Tahkli spindles are specifically designed to spin short, fine fibers such as cotton or cashmere. Spinning progresses in the same way as on a spinning wheel or drop spindle: drafting and adding twist.

Step 1. Attach a leader to the spindle, such as a very fine wool singles.
Step 2. Join fiber to the leader.
Step 3. Place the tip of the spindle in a small bowl — mine is specially designed with a small dimple in the center to keep the spindle point in place. I have also used a tahkli spindle in my lap while wearing jeans. A piece of leather laid across your lap also works. The idea is to avoid poking yourself with the sharp point of the spindle and to use a smooth surface so that the spindle can spin freely.
Step 4. Hold the spindle loosely in your right hand (opposite for lefties). Spin the spindle clockwise with your other hand. Hold your right hand loosely around the spindle, keeping it upright.
Step 5. When quite a lot of twist has built up, stop the spindle from spinning and hold it firmly, while drafting with your left hand at about a 45 degree angle off the tip of the spindle.
Step 6. Draft as long as you have sufficient twist, or as long as you can reach, then wind onto the spindle in a counterclockwise direction. Begin building up a cone of spun yarn starting at the bottom of the shaft (or top of the “pear”).
Step 7. Repeat steps 3—6. Soon you will develop a rhythm that is soothing, almost meditative.