DIY String Spinner Toy (Button Spinner): Classic STEM Craft

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Looking for a fun, hands-on STEM craft that kids will love and learn from? This DIY string spinner toy—also known as a button spinner or pioneer whirligig—is a simple classic with serious science behind it.

With just a few basic supplies, kids can create their own spinning toy while exploring energy, force, and motion. This is a perfect activity for homeschoolers, STEM units, history lessons, or just a screen-free afternoon. They are simple and SO MUCH FUN!

Read on to get the instructions and free templates!

What Is a String Spinner Toy?

A string spinner is a toy made with a circular disc and a loop of string. When you twist the strings and pull them tight, the disc spins rapidly in both directions. It’s a fun way to experience physics in action—and it has deep historical roots, too.

Also called a button spinner, this toy dates back to colonial and pioneer times, when children would make them from scraps like old buttons, wooden discs, or bone.

The Science Behind It

This simple toy demonstrates some powerful physics concepts:

Potential & Kinetic Energy:
Twisting the strings stores potential energy. When you pull, it becomes kinetic energy, spinning the disc.
Rotational Motion:
The disc spins due to tension in the strings and momentum.
Forces at Work:
Tension, inertia, friction, and centripetal force all play a role.
Optional Sound Tie-In:
Some versions “buzz” or hum while spinning—this opens up a great discussion about vibration and sound waves.

It’s a great way to demonstrate Newton’s Laws of Motion and energy transfer in a way kids can feel and see.

Materials Needed:

Cardstock or cardboard circle (printable included below!)
Large needle
String or yarn (about 24–30 inches long)
Scissors
Glue stick
Markers or colored pencils (for decorating)

How to Make a String Spinner

Print out my spinner template circles or cut your own paper circle. Color your favorites and cut them out. There are 10 to choose from!
Glue to cardboard or cardstock paper. I used a cereal box for ours. For one spinner, you will use one template on each side. You can make two matching or different colors and patterns,
Punch two holes in the center, with a large needle or thumb tack about ¼ inch apart.
Thread a loop of string (about 24 inches long) through both holes and bring the two ends of the string together to make a loop and tie a knot.
Twist it up! Hold one end of the loop in each hand and twirl the disc to wind the string.
Pull and relax the string rhythmically to make the spinner toy spin and unwind.

Watch it!

Learning Extensions

Experiment with Materials: Try cardboard vs. cardstock vs. foam. Which spins best?
Test String Lengths: Does a longer or shorter string create more spin?
Color Mixing: Use a design with primary colors and watch them blend as it spins!
Optical Illusions: Color spirals or patterns that appear to move.

The History of the String or Button Spinner Toy

String spinners date back hundreds of years and were especially popular during colonial and pioneer times. Early versions were made with buttons, bone, or wood—whatever scraps children could find.

They were cherished for being:

Easy to make
Quiet and portable
Entertaining with little supervision
A hands-on way to play and learn

This makes them a perfect tie-in for pioneer units, history weeks, or Little House on the Prairie-style lessons.

Download the Free Printable

Click here to download the String Spinner Free Templates. It comes with 10 different designs!

Related Spinner Toys

If you like this one, check out these other hands-on spinning STEM toys:

Together, these could make a great spinning science series!

Share Your Spinner!

Tried it out? I’d love to see it! Tag @teachbesideme or leave a comment to share your results.