How to assemble and use a Yarn Winder?

Yarn winders shape your yarn into balls and cakes which are perfect to work with. Whether you knit or crochet, you need to work with yarn. The yarn needs to be kept in the best condition and yarn winders get it done for you. Once you get the yarn winder you have the solution to your yarn problem. But now you got a question on hand- how to assemble and use the yarn winder. So, here we are with step-by-step instructions.

Step 1: Attach your ball winder to the edge of a counter or table.

Yarn winders require some space to work so it’s best to attach yours to a counter or table. On placing the yarn winder on a table you will find a clamp that goes below the table that can be adjusted to tighten the hold. KnitPro ball winders come with an anti-skid rubber pad that prevents the winder from sliding and scratching the table.

Clamp your yarn winder to the table, being sure to leave some space for the yarn to feed properly around the metal guide arm. And, if you have a swift/ skein winder to unravel the yarn, you need space to set it up right next to the winder.

You can watch our video of assembling the yarn winder.

Step 2: Find the end of your yarn

Now you need to find the end of your store-bought yarn and you have to be patient about it. Yarns are wound in different ways-into skeins, tight hanks, messy balls, etc. so the end may be difficult to locate.

To locate the ends easily and stretch out the skein, you can use swift winders also known as skein winders. The other option is by hand but then again you might end up losing patience. The swift winders open up like an umbrella. You can place the skein or hank on the winders and easily find the ends and individual strands. This further helps in inspecting yarn as they are stretched over the winder. Make sure to not overstretch the yarn as it loses its elasticity.

Step 3: Attach the end of your yarn to the metal feeder.

After you finish the end of the yarn, place it on the metal feeder and lock it in place. You need to loop in the yarn so that it does not come loose during the winding process.

Step 4: Starting winding slowly

With all things in place starting winding. Make sure your first few turns are very slow, to ensure that that little tail gets tucked down into the yarn cake. You’ll be able to pull it out later.

Step 5: Keep winding in the same direction

After a few rounds of winding you can speed up but always keep going in the same direction. In a few minutes, you will have the yarn cake ready!

Now that you are done winding your yarn, you can store it in a yarn box or use a yarn dispenser to work on your knitting or crochet project. Happy crafting!