The Best Yarn Ball Winders

  • Tana Baer

It can be frustrating to have tons of pretty yarn and no way to organize it. Meanwhile, it can be even more frustrating to get halfway through a skein while crocheting or knitting only to find that there is a knot or separation in your yarn. You can take care of both of these issues simply by winding your yarn into cakes and balls in advance. We make it easy with this list of the best yarn ball winders.

What to Look For

The best yarn ball winders are easy to use, durably made, and effective at organizing large amounts of yarn in as little time as possible. Knitters who want to wind their yarn and then keep it stored for next time should pick up the BarvA stand and holder. Alternatively, if you want to wind a lot of yarn quickly, try the model from Craft Destiny. Read on to learn more about these picks and discover our other favorite yarn winders below.

BarvA Large Yarn Spinning Stand and Holder

Simplify the process

Wind your yarn into a ball and then keep it stored on this handy stand.
Best Stand

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This very simple yet very versatile yarn winder works wonders. The BarvA Large Yarn Spinning Stand and Holder works to turn any skein into a ball of yarn. Also, it will hold the yarn steady while you work. It makes it super easy to switch between colors or work on multiple projects. If you love simplicity but hate to give up the ability to multitask, this is the yarn ball winder for you.

Pros:

  • You get two spindles for the price of one, so it’s versatile enough for multiple projects.
  • This yarn holder can handle a roll of up to one pound.

Cons:

  • It has no way of attaching to the table or desk surface.

ChiaoGoo 1098 Amish Design Wooden Yarn Swift

Knit like the Amish

This is an adjustable and easy-to-use yarn swift to keep your expensive fibers in line.
Best Yarn Swift

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The ChiaoGoo 1098 Amish Design Wooden Yarn Swift is designed to hold hanks of yarn in place while you wind the yarn into balls. This can be done with any type of yarn winder or even your hands. The swift keeps the yarn from tangling or breaking during the process. Although the swift does not wind the yarn for you, it is an integral part of the process.

Pros:

  • We appreciate the compact design for easy storage. This is especially helpful when you don’t have a craft room.
  • It holds your expensive hanks in place, and the pegs are entirely adjustable.
  • Given its design, the ChiaGo is safe enough to wind the most delicate of yarns.

Cons:

  • It’s pricey, and this tool doesn’t wind the yarn for you on its own.

Craft Destiny Yarn Winder

Piece of cake

With this handy yarn ball winder, you can turn messy scraps and skeins into organized yarn cakes.
Most Ergonomic

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Whether you’re new to the yarn scene or have been knitting all your life, the Craft Destiny yarn winder is easy to set up and use. Once you clamp the winder on your craft table, you’ll find that the sturdy metal handle winds better than the plastic alternatives from other brands. The yarn feeds through without a hitch, and when you take the yarn off the winder, it will retain its shape.

Pros:

  • This yarn winder holds a vice grip on your craft table, so you don’t have to worry about any wobbling; it’s adjustable too.
  • The easy assembly takes seconds. All you have to do is attach the yarn holder arm.
  • We found that this winder can handle thousands of spins before needing to apply lubricant.

Cons:

  • The winder can be a bit finicky with certain cake sizes, so keep an eye on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a hank of yarn?

A hank of yarn is what you call the large loop of yarn. It is what you usually get when you buy natural fibers and custom yarns. Once opened up, it looks like a big ring with many layers of yarn, and it is easily tangled.

What is a skein?

A skein is the form most yarns come in, especially among acrylic yarns. It is already wound into longer pieces with a center-pull.

Why do I want my yarn wound into cakes?

Yarn cakes are balls of yarn where the top and bottom are flat. Winding your yarn into cakes can accomplish three things. First, it makes it easier to crochet or knit. Second, you would have already gone through all the yarn to wind it, so you would know if there are knots or breaks in the yarn somewhere. Third, it makes it easier to store the yarn for future projects.

About the Author

To say that Tana loves fashion is an understatement. From clothing to interior design, Tana is always on the hunt for artsy flair. And as a mom of two kids, Tana has found ways to show her children how to decorate and enjoy the imaginative world of fashion and art. Tana’s goal is to make fashion accessible and approachable for everyone, from newbies to veterans.

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