The spinning jenny is a multi-spindle spinning frame invented by James Hargreaves in 1764. It revolutionized the textile industry by allowing one worker to spin multiple threads at once, significantly increasing productivity. This machine played a crucial role in the transition from hand production to machine-based manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution. Before the spinning jenny, spinning yarn was a slow and labor-intensive process. With its ability to spin several threads simultaneously, the spinning jenny made it easier and faster to produce yarn for weaving into fabric. This innovation helped meet the growing demand for textiles and changed the way people worked in the industry.