Yarn swifts are handy gadgets that make winding yarn easy. They spin, winding the yarn around the arms. Once the yarn is neatly wound on the yarn swift, you can use your yarn winder to make cakes.
Top 3 Picks for the Best Yarn Swifts for 2024
Overall Best Yarn Swift
Stanwood Needlecraft Tabletop Amish Style Wooden Yarn Swift
The Stanwood tabletop yarn swift is made of solid wood and sanded to a smooth finish. It is easy to adjust the size by moving the pegs.
Premium Choice
This user-friendly yarn swift takes the guesswork out of hank sizes. The diagonally placed arms make it easy to get the perfect circumference without making any changes to the machine.
Great Value
Wooden Umbrella Swift Yarn Winder
The Wooden Umbrella Yarn Swift spins smoothly, is squeak free and easy to use.
What is a Yarn Swift?
A Yarn Swift is a tool used for winding yarn. It can be made of wood, metal or plastic. It is an essential device for anyone that winds yarn.
It is used to hold skeins or hank of yarn in place while using a yarn winder to make cakes. Or it can be used to wind loose yarn into a hank form.
There are several types of yarn swifts. You can find handheld models, umbrella style, and tabletop designs. If you are an avid knitter or crocheter who wants to save time and cut down on aggravation, a yarn swift and yarn winder would be good tools to have.
Benefits of Using a Yarn Swift
You have probably seen yarn swifts at the store and wondered if you really need one. If you are an avid knitter or crocheter, you can benefit from owning your own yarn swift.
If you are interested in learning how to use a yarn swift watch the video by Knit Picks on the Crochet-News website. You can find that video HERE.
Benefits of using a yarn swift:
- Save time
- Helps to prevent tangling
- You can inspect the yarn when it is winding
- Will not need help winding
What to Look for in a Yarn Swift
When looking for a yarn swift, there are a few things you will want to consider:
- Spin Smoothly
The best yarn swifts spin smoothly. This smooth action will help you keep tension and prevent tangles.
- Construction
You will want a yarn swift that is sturdy and will hold up to countless uses. The finish of the swift needs to be smooth, so your yarn cannot get snagged.
- Assembly
If the swift is hard to put together, you may give up on using it. Find a swift that is easy to assemble.
- Size
Yarn swifts come in different sizes. Some fold for easy storage. While others do not. Make sure that the swift you purchase will fit in the space you are intending to use it.
- Clamp or Feet
You get to choose if you want a clamp design or one with feet. Feet make it easier to use on any surface, while clamps usually make the machine sturdier.
- Price
The prices of yarn swifts vary quite a bit. Always know your budget before you make any purchase.
7 Best Yarn Swifts for 2024
1. Stanwood Needlecraft Wooden Umbrella Swift Yarn
The Stanwood Needlecraft Wooden Umbrella Swift Yarn can wind up to 6ft in circumference.
Why We Like It Stanwood Umbrella Swift Yarn:
This swift is easy to use horizontally or vertically. If you want to use is vertically, simply clamp it on the back of a chair.
- Ties are Hidden
The metal tying wires are hidden, so they will not snag the yarn or cut your hands.
- Spins Smoothly
Spinning yarn will be a breeze with this yarn swift.
- Craftsmanship
The wood is carefully chosen, so it is visually appealing and less vulnerable to breaking.
Pros and Cons of the Stanwood Umbrella Swift Yarn:
Pros:
- Spins smoothly
- Holds up to a 6’ circumference of yarn
- No toxic varnish
- Clamp-on base
- Fits edges up to 1 ¾” thick
- Tying wires are hidden
- Easy to store
Cons:
- Difficult to screw and unscrew
- Centre screw can come loose
2. Wooden Umbrella Swift Yarn Winder
A yarn swift is an essential tool for any yarn crafter. With this swift, you can hold your hanks or skeins of yarn in place while you are making cakes.
Why We Like Wooden Umbrella Swift Yarn Winder:
The Wooden Umbrella Yarn Swift spins smoothly and is squeak free.
- No Toxic Varnish
A lot of yarn swifts are varnished to get their smooth, beautiful look. This swift does not have any toxic varnish.
- Extra Screw
The screw in this yarn swift is known to have issues since it is made of wood. This one comes with an extra screw.
- Folds Down
The arms fold down for easy storage.
Pros and Cons of the Wooden Umbrella Swift Yarn Winder:
Pros:
- Comes with extra screw
- Smooth
- Squeak free
- Folds down
- Clamp on base
- No toxic varnish
Cons:
- Bars are thin
- Hemp rope may not hold up
3. Beka Yarn Swift, Skeiner
The Beka Yarn Swift takes the guesswork out of hank sizes. Yarn crafters of all skill levels will appreciate the ease of use.
Why We Like the Beka Yarn Swift:
The diagonally placed arms make it easy to get the perfect circumference without having to move arms or pegs.
- Metal Bearings
The metal bearings make this yarn swift turn smoothly.
- Easy to Load
One person can easily load and align the strands.
- Sloping Design
The sloping design makes it easy to make smaller yarn circles at the top and larger yarn circles at the bottom.
Pros and Cons of Beka Yarn Swift:
Pros:
- Holds small and large skeins
- Smooth action
- Made from hard maple
- Metal bearings
- Tangle free winding
- Easy to load and align
Cons:
- Large
- No clamp
- Cannot be folded
4. Stanwood Needlecraft Tabletop Amish Style Wooden Yarn Swift
The Stanwood tabletop yarn swift is made of solid wood and sanded to a smooth finish. There is not any type of varnish used.
Why We Like the Stanwood Wooden Yarn Swift:
This yarn swift can be easily adjusted. Simply move the pegs to hold different sizes of skeins.
- Removable Pegs
The Stanwood Needlecraft Tabletop Amish Style Yarn Swift comes with four removable pegs, so you can easily adjust the sizes of your yarn rings.
- Hassle Free Assembly
This swift is very easy to assemble.
- Minimalistic
There is not anything complicated about this yarn swift.
Pros and Cons of the Stanwood Wooden Yarn Swift:
Pros:
- Non-slip pads
- Spins smoothly
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
- Removable pegs
Cons:
- Cannot be folded up
- No clamp
5. Stanwood Needlecraft Wooden Umbrella Swift
Here is a yarn swift is sturdy and reliable. It clamps down tightly and has very little wobble.
Why We Like the Stanwood Wooden Umbrella Swift:
This yarn winder is lightweight and collapses for easy storage.
- Size
This yarn swift was made to hold skeins of yarn up to 8.5 ft. in circumference.
- Works with all Weights
You can spin all yarn weights on this swift, from cashmere to chunky.
- No Metal Hooks
There are no metal hooks on the ribs to snag the yarn.
Pros and Cons of Stanwood Wooden Umbrella Swift:
Pros:
- Can hold skeins up to 8.5 ft. in circumference
- Spins smoothly
- Clamp on base
- Fits edges up to 1 ¾” thick
- No metal hooks
- Folds up for storage
- Maintains tension
Cons:
- Difficult to screw and unscrew
- Centre screw can come loose
6. Medium Yarn Swift Adjustable Skein Winder
This adjustable yarn swift was designed to be stable, durable and easy to use.
Why We Like the Medium Yarn Swift:
The Knit Store Yarn Swift is handmade, easy to assemble, and runs smoothly thank to the ball bearing system.
- Ball Bearing System
You will get neat skeins of yarn thanks to the smooth action the ball bearing system provides.
- Handmade
As crafters ourselves, we can appreciate the high quality of this yarn winder.
- Smooth Finish
This yarn winder is sanded to a super smooth finish. So you will not have o worry about snagging the yarn.
Pros and Cons of the Medium Yarn Swift:
Pros:
- Handmade
- Can be used on any flat surface
- Rubber feet
- Can create skein with a 24”, 36”, 48” and 60” circumference
- Ball bearing system
Cons:
- No clamp
- Does not fold
7. CHIAOGOO 1098 Amish Design Wooden Yarn Swift
The CHIAOGOO 1098 Amish Design Wooden Yarn swift sits on your table top. It has non-skid pads to keep it from moving around.
Why We Like the CHIAOGOO Wooden Yarn Swift:
There are four adjustable pegs that can be moved to accommodate any size hank of yarn.
- Smooth Finish
Your yarn will not snag thanks to the smooth finish.
- Peg Holes are Labelled
To make it easier for you, the holes are labelled in both centimetres and inches.
- Simple Assembly
This yarn swift is super easy to assemble.
Pros:
- 4 Adjustable pegs
- Smooth finish
- Non-skid pads
- Can be broken down
- Easy assembly
- Holes are in centimetres and inches
Cons:
- Does not fold
- Bulky
Top 3 Picks for the Best Yarn Swift
Overall Best Yarn Swift
Stanwood Needlecraft Tabletop Amish Style Wooden Yarn Swift
The Stanwood tabletop yarn swift is made of solid wood and sanded to a smooth finish. It is easy to adjust the size by moving the pegs.
Premium Choice
This user-friendly yarn swift takes the guesswork out of hank sizes. The diagonally placed arms make it easy to get the perfect circumference without making any changes to the machine.
Great Value
Wooden Umbrella Swift Yarn Winder
The Wooden Umbrella Yarn Swift spins smoothly, is squeak free and easy to use.
A YARN SWIFT WILL MAKE IT EASY TO WIND YOUR YARN. WHEN YOU OWN A SWIFT, YOU WILL NO LONGER HAVE TO ASK FOR HELP WINDING YOUR YARN.
You might also want to check out a few yarn related projects here.
If you do a lot of knitting or crocheting, a yarn swift can make your job a lot easier. By combining a yarn swift with a yarn winder, you can make cakes fast and tangle free.
