All About Yarn: To Wind or Not to Wind?

This is the first in a detailed series "All About Yarn". Each month we will be going in depth on many different areas regarding yarn and fibers.
I got my beautiful table yarn swift from the Oregon Wood Worker: www.yarnswifts...
Check out Bonnie's ad free videos at WATCH.BonnieBa...
For more crochet with Bonnie, please check out these links: (Does contain affiliate links which will not cost you any more to use, but may benefit me in a small way. This helps me to do what I do as a crochet designer, and continue to offer you free tutorials.)
Bonnie's Crochet Patterns: www.bonniebayc...
Website/blog: www.bonniebay.c...
Facebook: / bonnie.m.barker.7
Bonnie's books: www.bonniebayc...
Bonnie's Amazon page: www.amazon.com...
Instagram: / bonniebarker7290
Etsy store (personalized/autographed crochet books by Bonnie Barker, available on a limited basis when Bonnie is in her home studio): www.etsy.com/s...
My Favorite Crochet Hooks: Susan Bates Soft Crochet hooks: amzn.to/3ccnZ8H
I got my Yarn Genie here: www.yarnstitch...
Teespring store: teespring.com/...
Crochet World Magazine: shrsl.com/2c03e
Love Crafts Paint Box Yarn (Affiliate Link) for yarn for the Colorful Cables Throw (a Crochet Along on the Bonnie Bay Crochet channel): www.lovecrafts...
KNITCRATE Monthly yarn subscription (Affiliate Link): Get 20% off with the coupon code BONNIE20 when placing your order at this link: www.knitcrate....
Blocking Matts: amzn.to/2VWfpnT
Blocking Combs: amzn.to/2Kt9ZeU
KnitPicks Maple Yarn Bowl: shrsl.com/2o80t

[@kind_debkind3321]

I put my center pull yarn in a ziploc bag, poke a hole near the top to feed the yarn through and zip it up. Keeps the yarn clean and it pulls out easily. For bigger skeins I purchased an inexpensive 2 gallon plastic pitcher with a lid. Put the yarn in the pitcher, feed the yarn through the pour spout on the lid then replace the lid onto the pitcher. Works great.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Great way to economize!

[@jerobi40]

My preferred method too. Economical and efficient ❤️

[@michelem8686]

Seeing you wind a hank of yarn in a ball by hand took me way back to the 1970's when, a a young child, my grandmother would put either my brother or I on a stool in front of her easy chair and we would hold her circle of yarn while she wound up balls. Every time we visited there was more yarn to hold. Spending time with grandma was great, but boy were my arms tired & sore after a few marathon ball-winding sessions. 😂 Thanks for spurring the memory.

[@lpj7589]

Hi Bonnie, I am really enjoying these tutorials you are doing. They’re very informative & you are covering all the basics. One thing I would like you to show us, is how to correctly measure ourselves, so that we can make a garment that actually fits us. That’s my big problem! Thank you so much for all the information. It’s very much appreciated.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

What a wonderful idea for a KZbin video LP! I'm definitely adding this to my filming list! In the meantime, using another garment that fits you well is also a great way to insure proper fit. I do this a lot when designing her.

[@huskytail]

This reminds me when my grandma made us make balls for her when we were little kids and one would keep the big loop and help with the unwinding and the other would make the ball in a pretty similar way you did it. God, I miss her so much. Thank you for that video.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

How wonderful a memory to cherish!❤️

[@marielee3403]

Thank you so much Bonnie for all the videos that you do. I love watching them. I am left handed and some stitches are hard to watch and crochet right handed. Thank you again for everything you do.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

My pleasure Marie Lee! So glad you are enjoying these!

[@lisashearin5197]

Great video! I learned that I've been winding cakes too tightly. I put tension on the yarn to make a tighter cake, and I've probably stretched out some natural fiber yarn. I'll never do that again. I thank you -- and so does my yarn.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Ha ha! You are welcome Lisa! I remember winding a ball of yarn when I was a kid, and it was so tight we could have played baseball with this! Never again though!!

[@gailburd9750]

Lisa, I have been doing the same thing. None of my yarn balls are squishy.

[@pamelaoziah-goss916]

Learned new things! Thank you Bonnie for your patient teaching! I have been crocheting since childhood but have learned so very much from your videos and CALs!

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Welcome to my channel Pamela!

[@Phil-Grocholl]

Very satisfying to watch! 🥰

[@cinziaclark3614]

Bonnie, thank you for this video it was very helpful. Another storage container for yarn that works for me is the collapsible fabric cube storage bin measuring (10.5" x 10.5"). You can find them at most retailers and the best part is that you can store them when you are not using them.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Great idea Cinzia!

[@creatingvonda6084]

Wow, I've never heard of a swift, that was cool. Great info especially for those of us who don't know much about yarn, thanks.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

My pleasure Creating Vonda!

[@wildflower-spirit-creations]

A must. So many people have no idea.

[@mariankay6482]

Love this! My husband used to build furniture. I am hoping he will make me a yarn swift similar to this one. It's beautiful! I need that genie in my life, too!❤️🧶 Thanks Bonnie!!!

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

He should be able to do that for you easily Marian!

[@mariankay6482]

@@BonnieBayCrochet Yeah, he said he would. But, you know the story of the cobler's kids having no shoes???🤣

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

@@mariankay6482 🤣🤣🤣I hear you !!

[@rosesperfumelace]

As usual, another very informative vid. Thank you 🙂

[@shineyphilip4740]

Thank you so much for the video. We also used to make balls from hanks on our knees. We would squat down crossing our legs. We also sometimes siton chairs with armrests and put the hank around the armrests.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Same here Shiney Philip whenever I'm winding yarn away from home where my equipment lives.

[@sachewa]

Thank you Bonnie for your winding yarn information and great tidbits about yarn. So informative! Have a great day my friend!

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

You too Sandra! I hope to make a trip south sometime later this spring.

[@sachewa]

Oh good! We will most certainly have to get together!

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

@@sachewa that's my hope!

[@sachewa]

My hope too!

[@sachewa]

@@BonnieBayCrochet ❤️

[@Ebostic711]

So much great information 👏👏👏 Thank you!!

[@dianamitchell5691]

Hi Bonnie, I have a great idea for winding a center pull ball from a hank. Tie the end of the yarn onto your thumb. Wind the yarn over two fingers until it is ball shaped. Take it off your fingers and thumb. Push the thumb end gently into the ball. Put your thumb in the hole over the knotted end. Continue winding holding your thumb in the hole over the knotted end. Turn the ball slowly as you wind. If you wind it diagonally across the ball you can get it into the shape of a cake. It took me quite a few tries before it worked for me. When you are done pull your thumb out and use your hook to fish out the loop that was tied to your thumb and voila you have a center pull ball! I hope I have explained it properly.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Sounds good Diana! Yes, there are many other ways and tools as well.

[@lindasuetaylor-jones8747]

Thank you for a very informative video, without a lot of "unnecessary fluff". ♡LndSu

[@CoolCraftyCreations]

Whenever my skeins get down low, I usually cake them up. Caking up my stash keeps my smaller yarn portions neat.

[@noratome5445]

Thank you, very informative 🌻

[@kjohnson6563]

Thanks for showing the Yarn Jeannie. I have two and it's wonderful! A real "game changer".

[@HortonzEgg]

Thank you Bonnie, you are so relaxing to watch and listen to. I just ran into one of the issues you discussed. My Scheepjes Whirl with a center pull just collapsed on itself. I can foresee lots of tangles in my future but I had a great idea. I carefully inserted a plastic water bottle into the center and it seems to be working so far. Jeanne

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

That's brilliant HortonzEgg! I prefer to work from the outside of the wound cake, especially now that I have this Yarn Genie thing. It's a total game changer.

[@HortonzEgg]

Thanks Bonnie! I think I'm going to pick up a couple of those Yarn Genies. One for me and one for my daughter-in-law. Happy crocheting! Jeanne

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

@@HortonzEgg you too!

[@marugochan131]

I like ball of yarn, that's how we say it in my mother tongue. I so far have managed to escape having to wind any yarn, I have used oblong balls of yarn and yarn cakes. Mind you, I have not had to buy new yarn in a while (except for a knitted squares blanket project), I have a lot of leftovers I bought before Covid hit when I had little to no time to crochet.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Yes, the hanks are more for the specialty yarn like Merino wool, alpaca, and others.

[@randywdc1]

Great information! There’s so many tips and helpful hints that aren’t discussed on other channels. Guess people are afraid of “looking stupid” for not knowing. I didn’t know about caking or balling natural fibers and the possibility of stretching them out. Looking forward to that video. Could have used this video a several years ago. I’m still trying to untangle the mess I made from trying to ball my first hank purchase. lol

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Oh dear Randy! I hope you can work that hank out soon. Once in a while you can get one like that from a yarn company and they are never fun. Most hanks are much easier to deal with and wind up on a ball winder and swift in under 2 minutes for me. I'm not afraid of looking "stupid" because there are so many things to learn in this area. I've learned a lot but still feel that I've only scratched the surface.

[@TheMsden75243]

Thank you for this information.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

My pleasure Dennie!

[@lauriepusateri7493]

Thank you ❤

[@annwickham4332]

I don't own a winder or swif so I'm glad you showed us how to wind into a ball. Thank you

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

I held off for many years on this investment Ann, even got through the first 3 book publishings without. Never any pressure, but they are a blessing.

[@sereathabracely920]

I enjoyed seeing some of the newer instruments used by you. Thanks! 🧶🧶🧶🧶

[@carolebeaudoin]

Thank you

[@maryshayka3511]

Great video learn about new tools out there I didn't know they sold a tool to put yarn on it sort of reminded me of a paper towel holder I love my umbrella swift and ball winder

[@stephaniecanales1148]

Nice video. I enjoy seeing your face light up when you are teaching. It shows me how much you enjoy giving all this great information.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Thank you Stephanie! I'm learning new things all the time about yarn.

[@stephaniecanales1148]

@@BonnieBayCrochet aren't we all. I love it because not one person knows it all.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

@@stephaniecanales1148 amen to that! I try to run from those who pretend to know everything!🤣

[@gailburd9750]

I love the yarn geni and the yarn bowel. Great idea keeping the labels with the yarn. Great video!

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Thanks Gail! Yes, this yarn genie is a new toy for me here, but is permanently place on the table near where I do my crocheting.

[@alisongomes684]

Thank you for sharing this. I learned a lot of what I was doing wrong

[@JesusJoy77805]

Enjoy your take on winding yarn, etc. Have the same table swift which has a counter. Really helps when you want to divide large skeins of yarn. My issue is when you cut the ties off and yarn is twisted from manufacturers. Very frustrating especially using fingering/lace weight yarns. Then have to wind 600 yds. by hand. Have you used a nostepinne? Find useful when winding left over yarn. Your ball winder, need to buy one of those, because I like the two yarn hooks, versus just having one. Enjoyed your video. Looking forward to part 2. 🤗 Thank you!!!!

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Thanks Terri! No, I don't have a nostepinne. I would have had the counter added to my swift (the Oregon Wood Winder would have added this for free for me), but since I was flying I would have had to put the swift in my carry on (due to the battery), but it would not fit. Oh well!

[@therealnancysteele]

I also keep labels and if I'm giving as a gift I place it in an envelope and include it with the gift so the recipient will have the care instructions.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

That's a very thoughtful idea Nancy!

[@gailburd9750]

I have been winding my yarn by hand just like you have shown, except I've been winding too tight! Thank you for sharing. I bought a small yarn winder but I've been winding my yarn onto a toilet paper tube. I think I need a larger yarn winder. For now, the small one works.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Not trying to be a hard sell on the large ball winder, but mine has been very faithful for many miles of yarn.

[@gailburd9750]

@@BonnieBayCrochet I didn't take it like that. Just making a comment. I really liked your video.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

@@gailburd9750 thank you! I don't like to "require" things like that, so glad to know Gail!

[@katesavoy7035]

The second ball can still be pulled from the center. You reach in and grab from the center and what comes out can be used after pulling it out

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Yes ma'am! You can do that too!

[@mariadaidone1645]

Thank you Bonnie I was wondering how to handle a hank of yarn

[@gracyroy5759]

Very helpful. Thank you so much Maam 💖

[@susandomeney3648]

Very good very interesting like the new swift have not seen it before I use a Nostepinne for winding centre pull balls they look very pretty piled up in a bowl I just love yarn and look forward to seeing more of your videos thank you

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Yes, that's one thing I didn't cover in this video. There's just no end to this glorious subject of yarn!

[@PetraRobinson-gm8nh]

I have a yarn winder but not using it any more because it did stretch some of my yarn. I am going to buy the Jeanie soon :)

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

I understand. That is one reason why it is best to wind natural fibers right before being used for a project. I hope you enjoy the Yarn Jeanie! Mine has a permanent home beside my crocheting chair!

[@PetraRobinson-gm8nh]

@@BonnieBayCrochet Yes, better to do it before crocheting. I think I will prefer the Jeanie and use the yarn as it comes.

[@lucyhernandez3408]

l have small one is good ty god bless you

[@sbeverlee]

This has been a God send video Bonnie because when I have tried to use the swift I have which is an umbrella one, everything got caught up, the swift, swiftly removed itself from its grip on the table and the ball winder also removed itself. In other words DISASTER. I need to buy grip pads I think you call them in order to use both. I actually like the chair method, guess I'm old fashioned lol. Thank you for this very Informative Awesome video

[@rhonda868]

I've yet to buy a hank of yarn and have wondered about how to untwist/use them (and also: why do they make them like that and not just roll them into skeins like other yarn??🧐😄) I do have a small yarn winder but didn't know how those bigger ones exactly worked either...but now I know! 😀That Yarn Genie thing is fabulous...oh how helpful that could be! Thanks so much Bonnie - I learned a lot from this video🙂 - so glad I found your channel!

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Yarn that comes in hanks is usually from smaller companies that deal in specialty yarn and mostly natural fibers. These often don't have the mechanization that the really big companies have. You can also unwind a hank in the store and see exactly what colors are there and how long the color ways are - and I love that! I now love winding my yarn at home, even though it may have seemed like a chore years ago. It is somehow therapeutic for me.

[@rhonda868]

​@@BonnieBayCrochet Thanks Bonnie - and yes, is rather therapeutic to wind yarn...and kinda fun. ;-)

[@KimMesser514]

Idea, could you please design a little bit smaller version of the African Market Basket out of yarn? I wonder how the hemp yarn would work for that? ❤ I'm new here but I like to engage and share.😊

[@margaretrogers995]

Great video Bonnie! Can you please share how you would calculate amount of yarn needed if I modified the size of a throw/blanket? That would be so helpful.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

That is a bit tricky Margaret because there are a number of variables in that equation: your personal crocheting style, how much larger you want an item to be, the type of stitches in the design (some textures require more yarn), etc.

[@ArchernAce]

I started using the wooden yarn holder you showed on a Friday talk. It's smooth as glass. The only negative is you are limited to size. I'm going to get a yarn genie for my large4 balls.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Yes, I learned about this from Johnny a while back. It does have some limitations but I'm still putting some serious mileage on mine! I keep it on a small table by my office/recliner chair. Give your kitties a pat on the head from me!

[@wildflower-spirit-creations]

That's how I wind my yarn into a ball too. Thank you. I can only imagine how much yarn gets ruined

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

All I need to do is think back on my teenage days to the balls I wound tight enough to use in the major baseball leagues!

[@susansmith4224]

Tha k you for this video. I always see people using hanks and was never sure how to wind them. This was very informative. Would you like ou suggest a,ways winding a hank or could you work with it as is?

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

I would always wind before using Susan. I've seen folks at conferences start crocheting right away without winding these, but I strongly advise taking the time to wind first, even if you have to take 15-20 minutes to wind by hand (place over each knee if a chair or another pair of hands not handy). Will save so much trouble detangling later on.

[@applewalton1751]

Hi Bonnie, this was a very informative video and tutorial; I currently don’t have a ball winder or swift. I learned how to wrap the yarn around my hand. Is your table swift a Stanwood like the ball winder? Great tutorial and thanks. 😊

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

I picked up this beautiful winder from the Oregon Wood Worker while in Colorado for the Yarnfest conference last year. Here's the link: www.yarnswifts.com/store/

[@mariakristinahawl1640]

Oh that word. Skayne. Skaan. Skeen. Lol!!! It's just long inedible colorful piece of spaghetti string to me. Lol!!!!!

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

😂Exactly Maria!! I've lost track of how many times folks have corrected me on this word! Just travel to a different state and you'll hear a different version!

[@SigalAlon]

Hi Bonnie! Very important topic. Thank you for all the information. I have a request, please, if you can share where you got your flat swift from, that would be very helpful. Thanks in advance.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

I'm happy to Sigal Alon! I bought mine from the Oregon Wood Worker when I was in Colorado last year. He is a wonderful man and the swifts are lovely: www.yarnswifts.com/store/

[@SigalAlon]

@@BonnieBayCrochet Thank you very much! I've had so many hanks snag and get entangled on the upright swift, I am ready to try another option.✨️

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

@@SigalAlon I've had that happen A LOT with the umbrella style swift. While it is easier and quicker to set up, if the yarn has any issues at all it takes longer to resolve than with the table top swift.

[@SigalAlon]

@@BonnieBayCrochet Yes, unfortunately I am aware of that! Thank you so much Bonnie.

[@sandraouaguena3292]

Enjoyed the first episode to your series! I like to wind into balls although watching this I wind too tightly and will remember not to do so in the future! Question: yarn genie is it sturdy enough it doesn’t wobble over when crocheting and pulling yarn from it? Thanks Bonnie!!

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

The Yarn Genie does need to be on a stable, flat surface and does have some limitations. I can handle most medium and smaller balls of yarn, but not the supersaver sizes. I keep mine on a tv table next to my recliner.

[@stephaniecanales1148]

Quick question. Is that the wonder you purchased at one of the festival's? The red wood?

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Yes, I picked this one up from the Oregon Woodworker in Loveland, Colorado. It is so beautiful to use and the couple who makes these are as good as gold.

[@stephaniecanales1148]

@@BonnieBayCrochet injustice read my comment and I am sorry lol I was working and I am glad you understood.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

@@stephaniecanales1148 we all live in this new world with "autocorrect" which is not always helpful. We've learned to adapt! Sometimes my words changes right as I send the messages - which is terribly unhelpful!

[@stephaniecanales1148]

@@BonnieBayCrochet ha! Yes and it happend in the following as well. I know that I am walking and typing but you got the gist of it. Have a blessed day.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

@@stephaniecanales1148 you too!

[@1949chefjojo]

Which end is correct. I am confused.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

If you are referring to starting off a skein, it really all depends on your preference and on how the ball/skein was wound. If a center pull, that is my preference, otherwise it must be unwound from the outside in, which works great for smaller balls of yarn and the Yarn Genie.

[@Value1lady]

Can i wind my acrylic and cotton in a winder and store?

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

You can, but there may be no need to if it is in a ready to go ball or cake.

[@Value1lady]

@@BonnieBayCrochet wanted to make room for more yarn for storage is y. All the skeins and balls take up a lot of room and I live in a small place. I need room for all the yarn I have.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

@@Value1lady You can always give it a try! I do sometimes wind leftovers into a ball for that very reason.

[@Value1lady]

So I guess it’s ok to wind my yarn, right?

[@Value1lady]

@@BonnieBayCrochet thank u so much