In heraldry, a fusil of yarn is a distinct charge that should not be confused with the geometric diamond-shaped fusil. This charge depicts a spindle or bobbin around which thread or yarn is wound, typically shown with the fiber neatly coiled in a characteristic tapered or cylindrical shape. As a symbol, the fusil of yarn is deeply tied to industry, craftsmanship, and the domestic arts, representing the textile trade, wool manufacturing, or weaving. It specifically suggests thrift, diligence, and productivity, making it a common choice for families or municipalities whose prosperity originated in the cloth trade or spinning guilds (Mistholme: Fusil of Yarn).

The appearance of this charge can vary depending on the local tradition. It may be blazoned as a “spindle of yarn” or a “wharrow-spindle,” and it is often shown with a small wisp of thread trailing from the tip. In some cases, it serves as an emblem of lineage and continuity, as the spinning of thread is a classic metaphor for the passing of generations or the "thread of life." The Mistholme Dictionary of Heraldry notes that while the geometric fusil eventually became a simple diamond shape, the original "fusil" in some very early armory may have been a literal representation of this weighted spindle (Mistholme: Fusil [of Yarn]).

For those looking to see how this charge is depicted in practical design, you can find a variety of historical and modern examples through Wikimedia Commons (Spindles in heraldry). For a clear technical illustration of how the yarn is typically wrapped around the spindle to distinguish it from other cylindrical charges, Mistholme provides a specific drawing reference (image). These symbols remain prominent in the civic heraldry of textile-producing regions across Europe, signifying a proud history of mechanical and manual labor.