In the 18th century thread was not sold on spools instead it would be sold as skeins like embroidery floss is today. After purchasing the thread it would be wound onto thread winders made of bone, wood, or horn for ease of use and to keep it from getting tangled. A bit of beeswax would be rubbed onto the loose end of the thread to secure it to the winder. Our wooden thread winders come in a set of two. They are made of maple and finished with linseed oil. They measure approximately 1 3/8 in. x 1 3/8 in. x 3/16 in. perfect size for a hussif.