Wool Winders & Yarn Swifts

Use a yarn winder and swift to make your knitting easier

We stock a wide range of yarn swifts and winders. These luxury tools are perfect for winding skeins of hand-dyed yarn into workable balls or cakes.

The yarn swift holds the skein in place while maintaining a gentle pressure to keep the yarn taught. A yarn swift will be secured to a surface with a clamp or will be free-standing with a weighted base. As you pull the loose end of the yarn, the swift rotates, allowing you to ball up the thread without tangles. No more draping your skein over a chair back or recruiting an unwilling helper.

You can ball up your yarn by hand directly from the swift, but if you really want to increase your efficiency (and save yourself the hassle of a fiddly task) you can combine your yarn swift with a yarn ball winder. A ball yarn winder will wind the strand of yarn into a convenient cake which you can then work from directly.

Once your yarn is in its ball, you’ll be ready to start knitting. For an extra touch of luxury, consider a yarn dispenser or yarn bowl. These helpful accessories will keep stop your yarn from rolling away and will keep it steady and accessible on a table or other surface.

Why use a wool winder?

• Wool winders help transform your skeins and hanks of yarn into a handy cake.
• “Caking” your yarns with a yarn winder considerably speeds up your knitting or crocheting projects.
• Yarn ball winders drastically cut down the amount of time you spend untangling strands of wool.

Why use a yarn swift?

• These hold skeins of yarn in place to help ensure your cakes are knot-free.
• Swifts can be used in conjunction with wool winders or assist with hand winding.
• All swifts come complete with secure table fastenings so they remain sturdy during use.

If you require any further guidance on our range of wool winders and swifts, please contact our friendly team of experts. They will be delighted to advise further. If you’re looking to place an order today for ball winders and yarn swifts, we’re delighted to offer free UK delivery on all orders that are over £100.

Yarn swift and wool winder FAQs

What is an umbrella swift yarn winder?

An umbrella swift is just a special kind of yarn swift. Most of the yarn swifts you’ll find are wooden umbrella yarn swifts. The construction of the swift allows it to open up like an umbrella. This means it can expand to hold any skein of yarn securely. Once you’re finished, your umbrella swift will collapse for easy storage.

What are the best wool winders available?

Here at Yarn Worx, we stock only the highest quality knitting and crochet accessories and our wool winders and yarn swifts are no exception. Both KnitPro and Scheepjes ball winders are renowned for their reliability, stability and elegant wooden finish.

How do you use a yarn swift?

First, unwind your skeins of yarn and remove all labels. Then, open it up into a circle on the table. Drape the yarn over the arms of the swift, being careful not to twist it.

You should then be able to adjust your swift to tighten the strand of wool around the outside. Next, unknot the ties holding the yarn hank and find the other end, which will be your starting point for winding. Pull on this end to wind.

How do you use a wool winder?

Different wool winders work in a variety of ways. However, the typical method is to securely attach your winder to your tabletop.

You then find the end of your yarn and attach it to the notch of your wool winder. By turning the handle of your winder, you can then smoothly pull the yarn into a spherical cake.

Why get your yarn swift from Yarn Worx?

We are knitters and crafters too! We only stock products that we know and love, so you can be assured of quality. Read our hundreds of 5-star Trustpilot reviews to find out what our customers think!

If you have any questions or special requests, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.