Yarn Ball Winders
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I have a manual ball winder that clamps to a table that works like a champ. I bought it through Amazon.com for about $25.00. On other threads on this subject, many have said you can order a good manual one from KnitPicks for about $20.00 that they're happy with.
Regarding electric ball winders, I read that some who have them don't like them because you don't have control of the speed at which they wind.
In addition to the ball winder, I bought at the same time an Amish style yarn swift from Amazon, made by ChiaoGoo that cost $20.00, that works perfectly too.
The two make short work of winding hanks of yarn into center pull balls. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
Regarding electric ball winders, I read that some who have them don't like them because you don't have control of the speed at which they wind.
In addition to the ball winder, I bought at the same time an Amish style yarn swift from Amazon, made by ChiaoGoo that cost $20.00, that works perfectly too.
The two make short work of winding hanks of yarn into center pull balls. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
I just bought the one from knitpicks for 20 dollars it works great holding it in your hand I can not figure out how to use the parts to clamp on the table, I think I am missing something, I do love the ball winder, it was a good buy for a small amount of money
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My dear husband just ordered a yarn winder and yarn swift for my birthday from Knit Picks...what a great birthday.
As far as electric or hand turned...Mine is a hand turned....if you use an electric and there is an tangle in the yarn....it could be a mess.
Also, if you are using natural fiber yarns, the hand turned winders keep it from being too tight and stressed.
Another hint is to wind your skeins when you get ready to knit. When yarn is wound it is stretched a little and leaving it loose in the skein will keep it in its natural state until you use it. However, if you are going to do a project with let's say 6 skeins, it is nice to wind for the whole project. Maybe just not your whole stash.
As far as electric or hand turned...Mine is a hand turned....if you use an electric and there is an tangle in the yarn....it could be a mess.
Also, if you are using natural fiber yarns, the hand turned winders keep it from being too tight and stressed.
Another hint is to wind your skeins when you get ready to knit. When yarn is wound it is stretched a little and leaving it loose in the skein will keep it in its natural state until you use it. However, if you are going to do a project with let's say 6 skeins, it is nice to wind for the whole project. Maybe just not your whole stash.
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That is a good tip. Thank you.dragonflylace said:My dear husband just ordered a yarn winder and yarn swift for my birthday from Knit Picks...what a great birthday.
As far as electric or hand turned...Mine is a hand turned....if you use an electric and there is an tangle in the yarn....it could be a mess.
Also, if you are using natural fiber yarns, the hand turned winders keep it from being too tight and stressed.
Another hint is to wind your skeins when you get ready to knit. When yarn is wound it is stretched a little and leaving it loose in the skein will keep it in its natural state until you use it. However, if you are going to do a project with let's say 6 skeins, it is nice to wind for the whole project. Maybe just not your whole stash.
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So many times I have almost bought a yarn ball winder on the Internet...even had one in my cart at JoAnns (going to use my 50% coupon)...walking to the checkout..turned around and put it back on the shelf. I get as far as paying for the item and talk myself out of buying it. I just can't justify spending the money yet...keep thinking of other things I could buy with the money. One of these days I will buy one.
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I have both. I haven't used the electric one and to be honest, I am a bit afraid as it may go too fast. I have some old yarn I do not like, so I think I will try that first.knitwit42 said:
A word of caution whether using the hand or the electric, read all the instructions first, I did not and I took it off the wrong way. What a mess. I ended up chucking it because I made such a mess and didn't have the patience to separate it even though I tried.
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I boutht mine at knit picks I have the same complaint as beadlady. I cannot figure out how to attach it to the table. I like it if you hold it in your hand works great.
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I dont have one yet. For the amount of hanks of yarn I have so far purchased, I have used two chair backs together with the hank over the backs and just wind myself LOL. I just purchased a bunch of yarn and the lady at the knitting store had her hubby wind it for me into balls, free of charge. I was quite happy about that
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