What yarn winders and yarn swifts do I recommend?
- Michael Sellick
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
I consistently use two different yarn ball winders. Both have properties that separate them from each other. Notice that either of them is battery-powered or powered in any way. Hand cranking is strongly recommended. I will share why below.
If you have a recommendation yourself, share it in the comments below.
Cheaper Version
Attached to my desk is a cheap yarn ball winder, shown below. It's affordable to most people, and a quick fix for yarn, mostly used in yarn balls. Notice the spool is not as long as the Knitter's Pride Version, and that is a decision you will need to make on your own.
There is a major drawback: the clamping mechanism is holding this down to the table surface. It can only clamp down on something that is less than 3/4" thick. Things like Ikea shelves, thick countertops, and more will not work. You will want to put a thin paper towel under the winder to stop it from scratching the surface of a table or shelf.
I've had it for years, and it works wonders. If money is an object, just get the cheaper one as it will do for most of your purposes.
You can find them here:
High End Yarn Winder
Below is the Knitter's Pride Mega Yarn Winder that I purchased many years ago. This is definitely not a toy and is priced for quality and luxury in the yarn world. Of the two, I prefer to wind with this one.
Notice the spool is much taller; it means you can wind larger balls. The clamping mechanism can sit on an Ikea shelf or a thick countertop. The winder turns effortlessly without friction and does a great job of tension control.
It looks more professional, and I haven't had any issues with this product. I will give a tip in the demonstration that you should know.
When you are not using this, remove the belt to prevent it from stretching permanently. I can get a month or two before I wind again, and the tension on the belt can impact the longevity.
You can find them here:
No Motorized Winders for Me
I opted not to do a motorized winder as there are a few known issues with them. If you read reviews on them, you will see mixed results.
By hand cranking your yarn, you can visually see the yarn going into the winder. If you see a knot or tangle, you can instantly stop before it gets to the winder. A motorized version will not see that and will drag a knot through, jamming the machine.
Power versions can break down or burn out, depending on use. I have heard of people who have had versions like this returned to the stores or thrown out completely. They can produce a burning smell if used for too long during a session and/or if they overheat. Save the drama and leave it on the shelf.
Sometimes a ball can get loose on the winder. You can use your spare hand to provide tension to tighten it back up as you go, at a speed you are comfortable with. With motorized, it's going at its set pace and can use yarn burn on your hands if you need to control the tension.
Yarn Swifts
I have only ever bought one Woodend Yarn Swift in all of my years. It's probably going to outlast my lifetime. These are the umbrella wooden yarn swifts. These can work in two ways and are helpful for yarn users who buy hanks or braided yarn from the store. Those types of yarn need to be formed into a yarn ball before use.
Behind the scenes, the Hank versions are less expensive as the company doesn't need to invest in winders to provide the finished ball. For higher-end yarn, it's a cost-saving not only for the manufacturer but also for the consumer. The consumer has to put in the time to wind. Having said that, many yarn shops, non-big-box retailers may offer to use their swifts or winders when you purchase hank or braided yarn.
Instead of someone holding over the hank to wind up the ball, the yarn swift will hold the hank open. This is where a good winder, a few feet away from this, can be essential to make the ball pretty quickly. See demonstrations below.
This winder also has a crank at the top to allow you to make leftover yarns into hank or braided format yarn as well. Instead of unwinding from the swift, you can wind it from the leftover yarn onto the swift.
The ties at the end of the wooden section shown below are necessary for flexibility. It will hold most hank sizes that are produced. By saying most... I mean, I have never seen a hank made larger in diameter than the swift has to over.
You can get them here:
Demonstration Tutorials
As with anything in the world, people have their preferences; for me, the above suggestions are decent.
$50
Product Title
Product Details goes here with the simple product description and more information can be seen by clicking the see more button. Product Details goes here with the simple product description and more information can be seen by clicking the see more button
$50
Product Title
Product Details goes here with the simple product description and more information can be seen by clicking the see more button. Product Details goes here with the simple product description and more information can be seen by clicking the see more button.
$50
Product Title
Product Details goes here with the simple product description and more information can be seen by clicking the see more button. Product Details goes here with the simple product description and more information can be seen by clicking the see more button.
Thank you! Great information!!!😊
As a self taught beginner, getting more serious about making, I know I'llneed a winder soon-ish. Your thoughts & experiences really help. Thanks 😊
Thanks Mikey! This is good info!