How do you craft a spinning wheel and what does it allow you to make?

The spinning wheel is a crucial crafting station in Valheim that allows players to process raw materials into more advanced resources. It is primarily used to turn flax into linen thread, which is essential for crafting high-tier armor, weapons, and other items. To craft a spinning wheel, you must first progress to the Iron Age and gather the necessary materials: 20 fine wood, 10 iron nails, and 5 leather scraps. Fine wood is obtained by chopping down birch or oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes, while iron nails are crafted from iron bars at a forge. Leather scraps are a common drop from boars or can be crafted from deer hides.\n\nTo unlock the spinning wheel recipe, you must first defeat the second boss, The Elder, and acquire the Swamp Key. This key grants access to Sunken Crypts in the Swamp biome, where you can mine scrap iron from muddy scrap piles. Once you have smelted the scrap iron into iron bars at a smelter, you can craft iron nails at a forge. With all materials gathered, place the spinning wheel in a suitable location near your base, as it requires a flat surface and sufficient space to operate.\n\nOnce the spinning wheel is built, you can use it to process flax into linen thread. Flax is a rare resource found in the Plains biome, typically growing in Fuling villages. Harvesting flax requires caution, as Fulings are aggressive enemies that can overwhelm unprepared players. After gathering flax, place it in the spinning wheel''s input slot and wait for the machine to process it into linen thread. Each flax yields one linen thread, which is used to craft items like the padded armor set, black metal weapons, and high-tier building components.\n\nOne common challenge players face is locating flax in the Plains biome. Fuling villages are often heavily guarded, so it''s advisable to approach them during the day when fewer enemies are active. Alternatively, you can use stealth tactics or ranged weapons to clear the area before harvesting flax. Another tip is to plant flax in your base using a cultivator, as it can be grown in cultivated soil. This allows you to create a sustainable source of linen thread without repeatedly venturing into dangerous areas.\n\nThe spinning wheel is a game-changing tool for players transitioning into the late-game stages of Valheim. It bridges the gap between mid-tier and high-tier crafting, enabling the creation of powerful gear and advanced structures. By mastering the spinning wheel and efficiently gathering flax, you can significantly enhance your survival capabilities and prepare for the challenges of the Plains and beyond.\n\nPractical tips for using the spinning wheel include placing it near other crafting stations for convenience and ensuring you have a steady supply of flax. Additionally, consider building a protective wall around your base to safeguard your spinning wheel and other valuable assets from enemy raids. With careful planning and resource management, the spinning wheel will become an indispensable part of your Valheim journey.