The framework of the floor charkha rests on the ground, and the spinner kneels or sits while using it. The apparatus comprises the use of the simple spindle and distaff. Its mechanism involves a drive wheel that is turned by hand, while the yarn is spun off the tip of the spindle. With the floor charkha, the spinning must stop in order to wind the yarn onto the spindle. It is believed that Gandhi organised a competition in 1929, with rupees one lakh as the prize money, calling for entries for an improved design for the charkha. The brief was to create a lightweight, reasonable (costing not more than Rs. 150) version with enhanced productivity.