Top 10 Best Yarn Winder Reviews In 2020

Winding yarn by hand is not only time consuming but a little annoying as well. Don’t you agree?

Well, this where a yarn winder comes in handy. If you love to knit then a yarn winder is a must for you as it saves a lot of time and makes knitting easier.

In this detailed post, we will review the various yarn winders available. These yarn winders range from models for people who are on a tight budget to some expensive ones. However, before deciding on a yarn winder make sure that the one that you choose is best for you and will last a long time.

Top 1o Best Yarn Ball Winder On The Market 2020 Reviews

Name	Clamping measurement	Material weight	Mechanical or hand-operated
Also Great Stanwood Needlecraft YBW-A Yarn Ball Winder, 4 ounce View Price	Clamping measurement 1 ¾ inches	Material weight 4 ounce	Mechanical or hand-operated Hand-operated
Best Choice Stanwood Needlecraft Large Metal Yarn Ball Winder View Price	Clamping measurement 2 1/8 inches	Material weight 10 ounces	Mechanical or hand-operated Hand-operated
Also Great Nancy's Knit Knacks Ball Winder View Price	Clamping measurement 2.5 inches	Material weight 1 pound	Mechanical or hand-operated Hand-operated
Also Great U-nitt ML702 Red Handle Large Yarn Ball Winder View Price	Clamping measurement 2 inches	Material weight 10 ounces	Mechanical or hand-operated Hand-operated
Also Great Lacis MO77 Yarn Ball Winder View Price	Clamping measurement 1.5 inches	Material weight 4 ounces	Mechanical or hand-operated Hand-operated
Also Great Lacis Jumbo Yarn Ball Winder View Price	Clamping measurement -	Material weight 10 ounces	Mechanical or hand-operated Hand-operated
Also Great Knitpicks Yarn Ball Winder View Price	Clamping measurement 2-1/2 inches	Material weight 3.5 ounces	Mechanical or hand-operated Hand-operated
Also Great Howsweety Yarn Ball Winder View Price	Clamping measurement -	Material weight 4 ounces	Mechanical or hand-operated Hand-operated
Also Great Windaze Yarn Ball Winder View Price	Clamping measurement 1.4 inches	Material weight 7 ounces	Mechanical or hand-operated Hand-operated
Also Great EUBeisaqi Swift Yarn Ball Winder View Price	Clamping measurement -	Material weight 7 ounces	Mechanical or hand-operated Hand-operated

1 Stanwood Needlecraft YBW-A Yarn Ball Winder, 4 ounce

The Stanwood Needlecraft YBW-A is a great yarn ball winder that makes it easier to make center pull balls. This yarn winder features an aesthetic design that combines cream and royal blue colors. Furthermore, this winder is hand-operated and is able to handle up to four ounces of yarn.

The Stanwood Needlecraft YBW-A comes with a clamp-on base that allows you to fix it firmly and securely. You can fix it to a bench, chair, the edge of a table, or anywhere else which is convenient. The best part? These clamp-on winders are more comfortable to operate as they are more stable thus making the overall task of winding very convenient.

However, for best results, it is recommended to use a swift yarn winder either an Amish or Umbrella style with the Stanwood Needlecraft YBW-A. Besides, you can also operate this winder with your arms too.

This ball winder is the product of excellent craftsmanship. In comparison to other yarn winders, this product produces less noise and operates more smoothly.

Our rating: (4.5 / 5)

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2 Stanwood Needlecraft Large Metal Yarn Ball Winder

The Stanwood Needlecraft large metal yarn ball winder is a favorite product among professional knitters and crocheters. Although, it is a bit costly it has great yarn winding capabilities as compared to standard winders.

One of the main reasons why this yarn winder is loved by professionals is its heavy-duty construction and superior quality. Furthermore, this winder can easily manage heavy loads.

In addition, the cogwheels of this yarn winder are made with special nylon material. These cogwheels are not only strong but also produce less noise than metal cogwheels. The whole frame is painted with an electrostatic painting that is long-lasting. In addition, the yarn will not get caught in the gears.

Moreover, assembling this machine is quite straightforward and simple. It does not require any tools and can be easily attached to tables with a maximum thickness of 2 1/8 inches. The edges of this winder are super-smooth thus ensuring that the winder does not leave any marks on the table.

This amazing winder from Stanwood has the capability to handle 10 ounces of yarn easily. To make winding simpler, you can pair this yarn winder with a swift winder, or you can simply use your arms. Furthermore, the rubber feet on the bottom of the metal frame helps protect your table.

The Stanwood Needlecraft large metal yarn ball winder is a sturdy unit. There are no plastic pieces in its construction that wiggle around or give a flimsy plastic feel. Moreover, the winding is also smooth and sturdy with just a little vibration that is not very loud.

Although this product is expensive than the previous models, it provides more efficiency, stability, and better performance, furthermore, there is plenty of space on the spindle so that the yarn muffin could expand. Besides, this yarn winder handles yarn from a swift particularly well.

Our rating: (4.8 / 5)

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3 Nancy’s Knit Knacks Ball Winder

The Nancy’s Knit Knacks ball winder is a heavy-duty ball winder constructed from maple hardwood and steel shafts. In addition, it has heavy-duty, commercial grade Swiss gears. This efficient ball winder is able to wind balls up to one pound or more.

This yarn ball winder has many great features one of which is that the yarn guide arm can be rotated 180 degrees. This helps to regulate the tension and angle when you are winding.

Furthermore, the yarn supply can be positioned at five different angles relative to the ball winder. As a result, you do not require a specific winding station but can set up on any available surface. The extension post can also be rotated providing more control to the user over the yarn tension.

This fantastic yarn winder is a high tech motor drive option in place of the standard ball winder. It has an auto-slip belt drive, variable speed control, slow and fast speeds, and reverse. Furthermore, the optional foot pedal allows the user the convenience of hands-free operation.

Our rating: (4.5 / 5)

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4 U-nitt ML702 Red Handle Large Yarn Ball Winder

U-nitt is renowned for high quality products that provide outstanding service. The U-nitt red handle jumbo yarn ball winder is constructed to last a lifetime.

Furthermore, with its metal gears and cast iron construction, this winder is able to your laces, yarn, or cotton into 10 ounces of center pull balls in virtually no time. This yarn winder can be easily clamped onto a table with a 2 inches thickness.

In addition, this product does not require any tools for assembly. The yarn guide U hook can be inserted under the washer wound around the yarn guide bump to ensure that the yarn guide goes out straight. Furthermore, the rubber ring helps to stabilize the yarn guide when in motion.

The U-nitt yarn ball winder is a great improvement over the various plastic ones available in the market. It is able to wind up a large ball of a smooth and uninterrupted shape easily and quickly. In addition, the yarn guide moves around the ball instead of tilting the cone. As a result of the yarn never wounds underneath the ball so as to cause complications later.

Our rating: (4.5 / 5)

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5 Lacis MO77 Yarn Ball Winder

The Lacis MO77 is a hand-operated yarn winder that is ideal for winding large hunks of yarn and leftover skeins into a perfect, well-organized cake of yarn. This fantastic winder can wind both super fine and super bulky weight yarns without any difficulty.

Moreover, this yarn winder can pull thread balls of up to 4 ounces without the help of any tubes or cones. The setup is simple. Furthermore, the Lacis MO77 is very easy to use and has a small footprint. Besides, the instructions provided are pretty straightforward.

This yarn winder works quickly. The yarn feeder prevents tangling and provides an even flow. Its sturdy construction and efficient performance make this product very popular among knitters. It is a cost-effective yet high-quality yarn winder.

Our rating: (4.2 / 5)

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6 Lacis Jumbo Yarn Ball Winder

The Lacis jumbo yarn ball winder is perfect for winding large yarn balls. This large capacity ball winder has the capacity to wind more than 10 ounces of yarn balls. Besides, the Lacis jumbo yarn winder clamps conveniently to tables and countertops.

This yarn winder winds the yarn at a diagonal without snagging it. Moreover, it is capable of winding cakes of different materials and weights from superfine wool to cotton yarn to chunky acrylic. These cakes are easy to use and retain their shape with a convenient center pull.

This winder is very easy to assemble. It is accompanied by a screwdriver with a magnetic tip which is very handy for putting in screws. Furthermore, the Lacis jumbo yarn winder is a budget-friendly product.

Our rating: (3.9 / 5)

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7 Knitpicks Yarn Ball Winder

The Knitpicks yarn ball winder is one of the essential tools for knitters and crocheters alike. Its effortless operation turns skeins or hanks of yarn into more compact and organized center-pull balls. Thus this winder is perfect for the lightweight yarn.

This convenient winder is not taxing on your wrists or hands as it pivots thus making it more comfortable to use. Moreover, the clamp secures to any table edge or surface with a thickness of 1-1/2 inches.

It is ideal for winding skeins up to 3.5 ounces or 100 grams. However, the guide arm should be positioned opposite the winding handle.

The Knitpicks yarn winder does not require any assembly. You can start using it after taking it out of the box. The only step that you need to take before using this winder is to fold the metal yarn guide away from it, and you are ready to start winding.

Although, this winder is constructed with various plastic parts it is going to last a long time. This winder is also perfect for beginners as the directional arrows on the crank point to the direction to go. Furthermore, the three-step setup is easy and convenient.

The Knitpicks yarn winder is easy to store due to its compact design. Its folding yarn guide arm and removable spindle ensure that it does not require extra-large storage room.

Our rating: (4.1 / 5)

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8 Howsweety Yarn Ball Winder

The Howsweety yarn ball winder is a yarn winder that can be operated easily by both beginners and seasoned knitters. Furthermore, its convenient size and light weight make it easier to move this winder from one place to another.

This hand-operated winder does not require any tools to set up. It is effortless to use and produces very little noise in operation. You only need to lock the winder on the table, fix it by tightening the button; pull the string through the iron wire and start winding.

However, this winder is not meant for big projects as it can wind only 250 grams of yarn. Besides, it is very durable and able to withstand dozens of winds. Furthermore, its fast and smooth operation makes it a user-friendly and convenient.

In conclusion, we can say that a Howsweety yarn winder is a great tool for knitters who do not have a very large budget.

Our rating: (3.8 / 5)

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9 Windaze Yarn Ball Winder

The Windaze yarn ball winder is simple to use for both beginners and experienced knitters. Furthermore, it is not only affordable, but it is also going to last a long time. The hand-operated crank can be easily adjusted, and the winder can be clamped to most tables and countertops.

This yarn winder does not require any heavy equipment to make neat pull thread yarn balls. It’s even flow enables making jumbo sized yarn balls in very little time. Moreover, it prevents bunches, tangles, or snags thus reducing yarn waste.

The Windaze yarn winder has two integrated swing arms. You can use any one but be sure not to engage both at the same time. The second arm provides a counterbalance. Furthermore, the plastic shaft provided with the winder increases convenience.

This winder makes very little noise when in operation. It can easily wind yarn balls of up to 7 ounces. The Windaze yarn winder comes in pieces; therefore, assembly is required. However, it does not require much effort or time in assembly.

It is very simple to figure out even for first-timers. In addition, it a great alternative to the more expensive wooden swifts.

Our rating: (4.1 / 5)

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10EUBeisaqi Swift Yarn Ball Winder

The EUBeisaqi yarn ball winder is portable, lightweight, and easy to use. It is ideal for smaller balls of yarn. In addition, it can be easily clamped on a working bench or desk. Furthermore, it makes very little noise when it is in use.

This yarn winder makes the yarn more compact and easier to store. Furthermore, it allows you to save space by winding completely stackable yarn cakes or balls. You can wind different materials with ease thus saving time and effort.

However, you will need to keep the tension on the yarn with one hand thus making sure that it does not get tangled in the winder.

Our rating: (3.4 / 5)

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Best Yarn Winder Machine – Buying Guide

Some people think that knitting is something that is usually done by grandmothers. Furthermore, it is a skill that is slowly being forgotten. However, this is not the case. There are still many knitters out there including professional hand-knitters working for big companies.

Knitting is a very relaxing and satisfying hobby. There are many knitters who find that all the new knitting technologies have made their hobby more efficient.

However, not all yarn sold is available in a compact ball-like version that is convenient and comfortable to use. Big pack yarns usually need to be winded before use. While you can do this by hand using a ball winder can help save time.

Yarn winders can make knitting a less frustrating experience particularly for those who knit every day. There are many types of winders available today ranging from basic hand-operated to more sophisticated wooden and electrical models.

However, before buying one, it is vital to understand the fundamentals behind yarn winders and what features to look for.

What Features To Look For In A Yarn Winder?

The following considerations should be kept in mind before choosing a yarn winder

• Sturdy construction

Yarn winders should be able to last quite a while, not just for a few winds. Some yarn winders are mostly made of plastic. Although this doesn’t mean that they are not durable, they have a greater possibility of cracking or breaking.

• Gears

It is important to check the protection of gears as the yarn often slips underneath the gears. As a result, gears may chew up your yarn which is a waste of time and money. Make sure that winder you want to buy has protected gears so that you can avoid this issue.

• Clamps

Stable table clamps prevent the winder from moving while winding. Therefore it is important that the yarn winder has high-quality clamps which provide a tight grip. Furthermore, it should not leave any marks or damage the surface of the table.

• Crank

If you knit on a regular basis, you should look for a winder that can withstand serious cranking. The crank should feel smooth and even for constant tension. Moreover, it should not pull too hard on the yarn. It should feel sturdy and durable and not flimsy as it could break easily.

• Assembly

Some hand-operated and electric yarn winders come fully assembled while some require assembling. If the winder that you want requires assembly, then make sure that the set-up is quick and easy with clear and simple instructions.

Thus it should not take hours to put together a winder. It can be particularly disheartening for beginners.

• Space

Another deciding factor for many avid knitters is space. Not everyone has a big storage room or a large workspace. Therefore, it is vital to consider the size of the winder before buying one. Although, an umbrella design is easy to store as it can be fully folded they take a lot of space when opened.

Similarly, Amish style can take up a lot of room especially those which can handle large amounts of yarn.

• Material

The materials used in the construction of a yarn winder greatly decide its durability. Wooden styles are usually lightweight and long lasting thus providing better performance in winding and spinning.

Similarly, plastic ones cost less and are more compact, but they have a common issue. They can cause the yarn to get caught on the loops.

• Yarn capacity   

Another important feature is the amount of yarn a winder can hold. The low-end models usually hold only 3.5 to 4 ounces. However, the higher-end models can hold up to 16 ounces or more yarn.

If you are a serious knitter, then a winder with a capacity of 10 ounces will be perfect for you. However, for medium-duty use, a winder which can handle up to 7 ounces will suffice. And for smaller projects, a low-end winder that has a capacity of 3.5 to 4 ounces will do.

Make sure that the winder that you choose can easily handle the volume that you require easily. Otherwise, you will have to break the skein into two which is not always good.

• Price

The price of yarn winder varies from one type to another. It depends on your budget how much you are willing to spend on a yarn winder. Moreover, it is helpful to note that an electric yarn ball winder is more expensive than a compact, hand-operated one.

If you are a beginner who wants to try her hand at knitting, then a manual winder will be ideal for you. However, for avid knitters, an electric winder might be more suitable.

• Electric vs. manual winder

Before purchasing a yarn winder, it is also important to weigh the pros and cons of both manual and electrical yarn winders. Although electric winders are more expensive, they enable you to save more time by winding yarn balls and cakes quickly. They are less labor intensive thus they do not tire your hands and wrists.

On the other hand, the hand-operated winders cost less but take more time to wind and hanks of yarn and skeins into well-organized yarn balls. Another issue with the manual yarn winders is that it may not be suitable for knitters with arthritis or dexterity issues.

However, knitters usually prefer the manual winder over the electric winder as it allows them full control. Furthermore, it allows them to choose not only the number of cake yarns but the tension as well.

In addition, an electric ball winder will have to be mounted near an electrical power outlet. On the other hand, a hand-operated winder can be attached to any table or countertop in the house.

Conclusion

Yarn winders are a great product that makes knitting or crocheting much easier. The above-listed products will provide a good foundation to help find the yarn winder that is best for you.

Whichever model you choose, make sure that they last a long time, are durable, make little or no noise, and are able to handle the volume of yarn you require for your projects. Once you have taken all these important factors into account, you are sure to have a breezy knitting experience.  Assembly

Some hand-operated and electric yarn winders come fully assembled while some require assembling. If the winder that you want requires assembly, then make sure that the set-up is quick and easy with clear and simple instructions.

Thus it should not take hours to put together a winder. It can be particularly disheartening for beginners.