Analysis, Discussion and Tips for Success

General Discussion

Spinning flax into bow strings is one of the best-known activities of the Crafting skill; its primary claim to fame is that it is one of the few consistent ways to earn both XP and money in the skill. The main reason why bow strings are profitable is that the Crafting XP you get from making them is rather modest, and the bow strings are in high demand from players training the Fletching skill.

Note that this method assumes you are starting with flax you have already picked; you can also pick the flax and then spin it at Seers' Village all at once, but this provides considerably less XP, and usually no more profit, so it is not recommended.

Location and Access

The closest spinning wheel to a bank for lower level players is the one on the middle floor of Lumbridge Castle. Players who have completed at least the medium tasks of the Seers' Village Achievement Diary earn the Seers Headband 2, which reduces spinning time by a full third; this tips the balance in favor of spinning in Seers' Village (though not by a great deal).

Since the medium tasks of the diary require skills in the mid to upper 40s, I assume an average skill level of 47 (the same as that used by the magpie familiar, for simplicity).

Required and Recommended Equipment

Seer's headband 2 or 3 if spinning at Seers' Village; otherwise, none.

Required and Recommended Supplies

One flax per bow string.

Familiar Suggestions

Summon a foraging familiar to earn extra money for you while you work -- I prefer the magpie, given the high value of rings and gems today. There isn't a really worthwhile forager below Summoning level 47, so I wouldn't bother with a familiar at lower levels.

Technique and Tips

This process is pretty simple for all players: take out a load of flax, run to the spinning wheel and click it. Right-click the bow string, choose "Make All" and wait. Return to the bank, rinse and repeat.