Using yarn directly from a skein can be difficult. And winding yarn by hand takes a lot of time and practice. Instead of wasting your time messing around with the yarn, use a yarn winder and yarn swift.
These handy gadgets make winding yarn quick and easy. And the yarn cakes made by the yarn winder are easy to use and store.
Top 3 Picks for the Best Yarn Winder of 2023
Best Overall
Lacis Jumbo Yarn Ball Winder
The Lacis Jumbo Yarn Ball Winder operates smoothly and can handle up to 7 ounces of yarn.
Premium Choice
Stanwood Needlecraft Large Metal Yarn Winder
The Stanwood Needlecraft Large Metal Yarn Winder has rubber feet and can attach to a countertop up to 2 ½” thick. It is painted with electrostatic paint and has reinforced nylon gears.
Great Value
Yarn Valet Yarn Ball Winder
This yarn winder is compact, lightweight, and there are no gears to break.
What is a Yarn Winder?
A yarn winder is a handy tool that winds yarn into a cake. It can be a machine or a wand-type stick.
The machines can be hand-cranked or electric. It makes winding yarn quick and painless.
A cake makes it easier to use the yarn. When you use a ball, the yarn can pull from anywhere and become tangles.
Learn how to use a yarn winder on the Crochet-News website. You can find that video HERE.
Benefits of Using a Yarn Ball Winder
Most yarn you purchase will either come in a skein or a ball. These can be hard to work with and can easily knot.
Benefits of using a yarn winder:
- Make neat cakes
- Will save time when crafting
- Prevents tangling
- You can inspect the yarn when it is winding
- Helps maintain elasticity
- Makes yarn easier to store and organise
- Can be used for double stranded knitting
What to Look for in a Yarn Winder
When looking for a yarn winder, you will want to take into consideration:
- Manual or Electric
Decide if you want a manual or electric yarn winder. Electric winders can make the process quicker. However, they are more expensive.
- Construction
You will want a yarn winder with sturdy construction. One that is made from a lot of plastic will break faster than one that has metal components.
- Smooth Crank
The crank should operate smoothly. If it is clunky, the yarn cake will not wind as nicely.
- Size
Decide where you will want to store the yarn winder. Make sure that it will fit effortlessly.
- Assembly
A lot of machines come preassembled. If you find a machine that is not, make sure it has easy-to-follow instructions.
- Clamp
The clamp will help stabilise the yarn winder. Find a machine that will fit your countertop without causing any damage.
- Price
Do not spend more on a yarn winder than what your budget allows. If you are new to yarn winding, an inexpensive machine will be suitable.
10 Best Yarn Winders for 2023
1. Housweety String Ball Winder Hand-operated
The Housweety Yarn Winder is great for beginners who only work with small balls of yarn.
Why We Like the Housweety String Ball Winder:
This handy yarn winder is ready to use. There is no assembly required.
- No Assembly
This machine is ready to be used right out of the box.
- Small Size
Since this yarn winder is small, it can be stored away easily.
- Low Noise
This machine produces very little noise.
Pros and Cons of the Housweety String Ball Winder:
Pros:
- Good for small projects
- Easy to use
- Low noise
Cons:
- Takes practice
- Clamp is no sturdy
- Yarn holder arm tends to fall
- If you are not careful the yarn can get stuck in the gears
2. Lacis Jumbo Yarn Ball Winder
Knitters and crocheters alike will be pleased with the Lacis Jumbo Yarn Ball Winder. It operates smoothly and can handle up to 7 ounces of yarn.
Why We Like the Lacis Yarn Winder:
You will get professional looking cakes with this heavy duty yarn winder.
- Tension
The Lacis Jumbo Yarn Ball Winder keeps a nice tension.
- Beautiful Cakes
The cakes that are made with this yarn winder look professional.
- Works with All Weights
You can wind all types of yarn easily with this machine.
Pros and Cons of the Lacis Yarn Winder:
Pros:
- Does not twist the yarn
- Sturdy
- Heavy duty
- 7 Ounce capacity
Cons:
- Need to go slowly
- Assembly can be confusing
3. Stanwood Needlecraft YBW-B Hand-Operated Yarn Ball Winder
The cogwheels of the Stanwood Needlecraft Yarn Winder are sealed, so they will not snag your yarn.
Why We Like the Stanwood Needlecraft:
Sometimes it can be difficult to clamp a yarn winder onto a table due to the thickness of the tabletop. The Stanwood Needlecraft Yarn Winder can fit on tables up to 1 ½” thick.
- Metal Crank
The Stanwood Needlecraft Yarn Ball Winder has a metal crank.
- 1 Year Warranty
This machine comes with an unconditional 1 year warranty.
- Smooth and Quiet
Some yarn winders can be a bit noisy and clunky. This one is quiet and smooth.
Pros and Cons of the Stanwood Needlecraft:
Pros:
- Sturdy construction
- Smooth edges
- Makes centre pull balls
- 4 ounce capacity
- Durable
- Metal Crank
Cons:
- Noisy
- Clamp is narrow
- Hard to lock guide arms
- Yarn can get stuck in the gears
4. Yarn Valet Yarn Ball Winder
The Yarn Valet Winder has no moving parts, so you do not have to worry about it breaking.
Why We Like the Yarn Valet Yarn Ball Winder:
This yarn winder is compact and lightweight. It will easily fit in a bag, so you can take it with you when you are travelling.
- Ergonomic
This yarn winder is easy to hold and twist.
- Storage Compartment
Store your knitting accessories in the handy storage compartment.
- Lightweight
Slip this yarn winder in your bag and take it with you anywhere.
Pros and Cons of the Yarn Valet Yarn Ball Winder:
Pros:
- Ergonomic
- Easily Portable
- Has a small compartment
Cons:
- Shallow notch
- Learning curve
5. Lacis MO77 Yarn Ball Winder II Weaving Yarn
The Lacis MO77 Yarn Ball Winder II can handle lace-weight and bulky yarns with ease.
Why We Like the Lacis MO77:
This yarn winder is lightweight and easy to use. The Yarn guide helps the yarn feed smoothly.
- Easy to Use
This yarn winder is so easy to use, and it works smoothly.
- Covered Gearbox
The covered gearbox keeps the yarn from getting caught in the gears.
- Possible 5 Ounce Capacity
With tight tension, this machine can handle 5 ounces.
Pros and Cons of the Lacis MO77:
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Can handle 4-5 ounces of yarn without a cone
- 1.5” Clamp
- Covered gearbox
Cons:
- Yarn can slip under spool when winding too fast
- Arm can fall
6. Beisaqi Swift Yarn Fiber String Ball Wool Winder
The Beisaqi Swift Yarn Winder is lightweight, easy to use, and installs quickly on a desk or bench.
Why We Like the Beisaqi Swift Yarn Winder:
This machine was designed for those who like to work with large balls of yarn, but do not want to buy a jumbo machine.
- Locking Arm
The metal yarn feed arm locks in place.
- 7 Ounce Capacity
Most yarn winders can only handle up to 4 ounces of yarn. This one can handle up to 7.
- Low-Noise
You do not have to worry about the annoying squealing with the Beisaqi Yarn Winder.
Pros and Cons of the Beisaqi Swift Yarn Winder:
Pros:
- Low-noise
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- Instructions are hard to understand
- Can be hard to keep tension
7. U-nitt 10 oz. Metal Jumbo Ball Winder Hand Operated
This heavy-duty yarn winder was made to handle large jobs.
Why We Like the U-nitt Metal Jumbo Ball Winder:
The U-nitt Metal Jumbo Yarn Winder was designed to work smoothly and produce compact centre pull cakes.
- Smooth Winding
The yarn winds smoothly and produces neat balls.
- Metal Parts
Since the gears and cogwheels are made of metal, they should last.
- 1 Year Warranty
If you were to have an issue with this yarn winder, it comes with a 1 year warranty.
Pros and Cons of the U-nitt Metal Jumbo Ball Winder:
Pros:
- Cast iron
- Electrostatic painted body
- Easy setup
- Can clamp on a table 2” thick
- 10 Ounce capacity
Cons:
- Squeaks
- Hard to control tension
8. Nostepinne Premium Rosewood Center Pull Yarn Ball Winder
Once you master the Nostepinne Yarn Ball Winder, you will never need another winder.
Why We Like the Nostepinne Yarn Ball Winder:
The simple design has been around forever, because it is convenient, and it works.
- Smooth Finish
The waxed buff polish finish makes it easy to wind yarn without snagging.
- Portability
You can take this yarn winder with you anywhere you go.
- Eye-Catching Design
This yarn winder resembles a wand.
Pros and Cons of the Nostepinne Yarn Ball Winder:
Pros:
- Waxed buff polish finish
- Gripping groves
- Portable
- Lightweight
- Stores easily
Cons:
- No instructions
- Learning curve
9. Marrywindix Bobbin Winder Yarn Winder Table Clasp
This yarn winder has a heavy duty design that can take the occasional accidental drop and everyday wear.
Why We Like the Marrywindix Bobbin:
If you are looking for a basic yarn winder, this one is a great choice.
- Simple to Use
There is nothing complicated about this yarn winder.
- Smooth
The Marrywindix Yarn Winder is crafted with a smooth winding mechanism.
- Right-handed & Left-Handed
This yarn winder can be operated by both right-handed and left-handed users.
Pros and Cons of the Marrywindix Bobbin:
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Low noise
- Convenient and portable
- Heavy duty design
- Can be operated by right-handed and left-handed users
Cons:
- Bobbin can spin loose
- Cannot handle heavy yarn skeins
- Arm can unlock during use
10. Stanwood Needlecraft Large Metal Yarn Winder
The Stanwood Needlecraft Large Metal Yarn Winder was made for those who work with large balls of yarn.
Why We Like the Stanwood Needlecraft Yarn Winder:
This is a sturdy yarn winder that can handle big jobs with ease.
- 10 Ounce Capacity
You can wind almost 2 ½ times the amount of yarn on the Stanwood Needlecraft Large Metal Yarn Winder than you can on most winders.
- Heavy Duty
This machine was made to last.
- Electrostatic Paint
Electrostatic paint provides a layer of protection. It will last for a long time without chipping off.
Pros and Cons of the Stanwood Needlecraft Yarn Winder:
Pros:
- Creates centre pull balls
- Ultra heavy duty
- Rust resistant
- Reinforced nylon gears
- 10 Ounce capacity
- Tool-less setup
- Painted with electrostatic paint
- Rubber feet
- Can be clamped onto a table up to 2 ½” thick
Cons:
- Yarn can slip under the cone
- Bulky and hard to store
Top 3 Picks for the Best Yarn Winder of 2023
Best Overall
Lacis Jumbo Yarn Ball Winder
The Lacis Jumbo Yarn Ball Winder operates smoothly and can handle up to 7 ounces of yarn.
Premium Choice
Stanwood Needlecraft Large Metal Yarn Winder
The Stanwood Needlecraft Large Metal Yarn Winder has rubber feet and can attach to a countertop up to 2 ½” thick. It is painted with electrostatic paint and has reinforced nylon gears.
Great Value
Yarn Valet Yarn Ball Winder
This yarn winder is compact, lightweight, and there are no gears to break.
EASILY STORE YOUR YARN AND HELP MAINTAIN ITS ELASTICITY WITH THE HELP OF A YARN WINDER. DO NOT WASTE ANY MORE OF YOUR TIME HAND WINDING YOUR YARN.
The use of a yarn winder will make your knitting or crocheting projects easier. Check out the above products to find the best one for you.
We hope our list of yarn winders has made your decision simple.
