How do I craft a spinning wheel and what recipes require it?

The spinning wheel is a crucial crafting station in Valheim, primarily used for processing raw materials into refined items like linen thread. To craft a spinning wheel, you must first unlock its recipe by obtaining Fine Wood and Iron. Fine Wood is gathered by chopping down birch or oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes, while Iron is obtained by smelting Scrap Iron found in Sunken Crypts within the Swamp biome.\n\nOnce you have the required materials, you can craft the spinning wheel at a workbench. The recipe requires 20 Fine Wood, 10 Iron Nails, and 5 Leather Scraps. Fine Wood is obtained from birch and oak trees, Iron Nails are crafted from Iron at a forge, and Leather Scraps are dropped by boars or found in chests. Ensure your workbench is upgraded to at least level 3, as this is necessary for crafting the spinning wheel.\n\nAfter crafting the spinning wheel, place it in a suitable location near your workbench and forge for convenience. The spinning wheel is used to process Flax into Linen Thread, which is essential for crafting high-tier armor, tools, and building materials. Flax is grown in the Plains biome, so you must venture there to gather it. Plant Flax in cultivated soil using a cultivator, and harvest it once fully grown.\n\nOne common challenge is transporting Flax from the Plains to your base, as the biome is dangerous and filled with hostile creatures like Fulings and Deathsquitos. To mitigate this, consider building a small outpost in the Plains with a portal for quick travel. This allows you to farm Flax safely and transport it back to your main base without risking long overland journeys.\n\nThe spinning wheel is also required for crafting advanced items like the Lox Cape, Padded Armor, and Black Metal tools. These items are essential for surviving in the late-game biomes, such as the Mountains and Plains. For example, Padded Armor provides excellent protection against physical damage, making it ideal for battling tough enemies like Stone Golems and Fuling Berserkers.\n\nTo maximize efficiency, consider setting up a dedicated crafting area with all necessary stations, including the spinning wheel, forge, and workbench. This ensures you have everything you need to process materials and craft items without unnecessary delays. Additionally, keep a stockpile of Flax and other resources to avoid running out during critical crafting sessions.\n\nIn summary, the spinning wheel is a vital tool for progressing in Valheim, enabling you to craft high-tier gear and building materials. By gathering Fine Wood, Iron, and Leather Scraps, you can unlock and build the spinning wheel. Use it to process Flax into Linen Thread, which is essential for crafting advanced items. With careful planning and resource management, you can efficiently integrate the spinning wheel into your gameplay and thrive in the late-game biomes.