Knitting Help - Using a Ball Winder and Swift

Want to look like a pro when you're winding your yarn at the yarn shop? Here's how to use a ball winder and swift.
*** What's New ***
Baby Shower Countdown Pattern eBook:
verypink.com/baby-shower-count...
Ten patterns and 39 instructional videos.
*** Get Your Pattern and Follow Along! ***
Learn to Knit Your First Scarf:
verypink.com/2010/11/02/learn-...
Learn to Knit Socks
verypink.com/videos/knitting-l...
Learn to Knit Toe-Up Socks
verypink.com/2010/03/24/learn-...
Learn to Knit Magic Loop Socks
verypink.com/2010/05/18/learn-...
Learn to Knit a Raglan Sweater
verypink.com/2010/04/19/learn-...

[@victorialavarias5422]

Love love love your tutorials. You are so calming to a distressed knitter. I get wrapped around the needle about some difficult stitches and processes. I always feel better after watching you explain. Thank you for taking the time to teach the virtual world.

[@spicergirl216]

Your videos are precise and so detailed that I never have to view another one for further explanation. So easy to understand and follow. I also appreciate the camera angles making it perfect to understand what you are explaining and demonstrating. Thanks!!! I'm glad I'm subscribed to your chance as I find I return here when I need assistance!!!

[@sharonkeller7397]

I need to buy both of these. I have never been to a yarn store who lets the customers wind the yarn. They always do it for me. I need one because I can't get to store often so I buy on line. I am a pro at winding with my hands but these would both make it so much easier. Thank you for the demo :)

[@patgriffin1925]

Now you really convinced me I am going to have to buy a winder. Thanks Stacie and you always make the videos fun.

[@avereynakama9854]

Oooooooh! That's what a swift is for. That seems super useful.

[@moni5413]

Thank you for all your interesting videos. I like a lot that they are short an to the point. The best part here is when you say: You want to look like you know what you are doing. ;-)

[@veronicawillis4360]

Your such a natural at teaching. I truly enjoy the experience I have watching your videos. In fact, with my boys asleep, and me unable to yet, I find they are great company. Thanks!!

[@melindarm1975]

Thank you for this video. I went to my first fibre & yarn festival yesterday, purchased some hanks of yarn and was told "Feel free to use my winder and swift". The only thing was I didn't know how, and didn't want to look like a doofus saying so.

[@lindachandler2293]

I didn't buy a ball winder for 25 years, trying to save money. Bought myself one for my birthday. I could kick my own butt for waiting so long!

[@rockyrlm]

Thank you soo much for your videos! I am learning on my own and yesterdau I used the ball winder but didn't own a swift and it got all a f!! mess again. I bought a swift and can't wait till it's delivered. Now you have shown me how to use - I pray no more wasted yarn.

[@kathleenwatson8913]

So, I guess this would mean that I was my mother's swift!!Oh the hours I stood before her as she wound the yarn while I had the hank looped over my wrists dipping them as the yarn got close...

[@cathyjohnson4434]

I was my Granny's swift. I know how you feel. Great memories.

[@jerrybryson4649]

I did that for my mother too ;-)

[@lynnehrmantraut9167]

Still my hubby’s job until he buys me the setup for Christmas!

[@artie191]

LOL My wife is the swift while I wind the yarn for her.

[@jemtebelle]

I love that you always explain every little thing. A good teacher can always predict the little questions. That part about catching the umbrella winder if you have to stop, for example

[@shumsunnishaparveen7466]

I am very very satisfied with ur channel. you have covered all the things a beginner like me should know. very clear and to the point.

[@9159bsbs]

I haven't had much luck with winding a neat cake so I will practice, practice, practice! Thanks for the good video! :)

[@ocpando]

Awesome short, concise and very informative video. Great job of getting the point across in 5 minutes 🤗

[@BernhardHofmann]

Very educational, clearly presented and cheerful throughout. I've been considering making a ball winder for my wife and your video is the best overview of how to use it I've seen. Thank you.

[@anikabennett810]

Is there a big difference between a wood and a plastic umbrella Swift besides the cost?

[@janedemoratti8981]

Thanks so much for this. My husband has always been my yarn swift and the one I bought arrived with no instructions whatsoever. I more of less had it worked out, but your enlightening tips and detailed, experienced advice had me up and running straight away with no problems. I have been using a cake winder for many years but there too, your hints like securing the outside of the ball and not guiding the yarn with your hand if you have a wooden swift (which I do) were really helpful and I got a perfect cake first time. Looking forward to seeing more of your stuff and thanks again.

[@patriciasalazar1158]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!👌 I could successfully use both tools.

[@annetteabbott5612]

Did my first ball winding....so fun!!! Thank you for the tutorial...it worked out perfect!!!

[@AbdulSattar-kz6mw]

I like the way you say with sweet smile 😊 thanks for your explaining and videos keep it up 👍

[@mallufairy]

Thank you for this wonderful video, and so many others. You are a great teacher!

[@dawnmcfarland7011]

mallufairy - She really is, I just love her

[@Narameh]

I have been using your tutorial videos for a while now, as I often find they are the most concise on youtube, withotut losing clarity. Thank you very much for your high-quality content!

[@ChandraRogersakaCrazedQuilter]

Any ball winder I've ever had has never been able to be wound that fast without having problems! I'm jealous if you can regularly wind that fast without it being problematic!

[@michaelstaltare510]

Thank you for all your helpful videos you always make everything in knitting much more easier to comprehend that I can finally say I’m a knitter and love it and enjoy it because of videos from u and some other videos not many go slow enough and repeat techniques a few times before moving to the next step. Thank you again for your much needed help and future help to lol. 😊😊

[@EllenMHelms]

A few years ago, I bought a swift from Amazon and a ball winder from KnitPicks...this was my therapy when going through a rough time at my former job! I love using both of these, I find winding rather meditative!

[@ViKee010]

I am new to this new fangled stuff. Lol. I know it’s not new but I’ve never even thought of buying a winder. I’ve always just done it by hand. Thanks for the ability to look like I know what I’m doing. 🤓☺️🧐

[@marionmorgan5972]

Before I put my yarn on the ball winder I tie a contrasting piece of yarn to the end. That way when I pull off the ball I don't have to hold on to the pull start piece. Just look down the middle for the contrast piece. No tails hanging out.

[@corinnecoker267]

Hi Stacie I brought a wooden Amish swift from Amazon and I have a ball winder. after watching this video I found the process very easy to use. thank you Staci.

[@mchllwoods]

I recently bought a KP ball winder 4 $19.99 it works great, luv it!

[@KatieKaboom21]

I usually watch one of your videos every day. It stops my hectic world from spinning for a little while, ha! Keep up your great work!

[@abrauchi1]

Excellent video! Clear in visual and audio - easy to understand process - loved it! Thanks!

[@JanetJenkins]

I just bought a Knit Picks ball winder and swift. I'm trying to get the hang of this. My first hankl was 437 yards of Shalimar Breathless, While winding I started to tangle at around 350 yards and the ball is super tight. I'm rewinding it by hand now. Not sure what I wrong. Also, just want to say you are AWESOME!

[@suefearnley7136]

Thanks so much for this. I ALWAYS get myself in a big tangle using my swift and winder.

[@kevelthaus3197]

Thanks so much for your video. Now I really won't look like an idiot in the yarn store. Very helpful.

[@a.humphries8678]

This is awesome. You're an excellent teacher!

[@thenittingnurse]

I just purchased one and it came with no directions. Thank you for always having the answers I need! Also, I never knitted from the center pull, as so many other videos state it's a no-no. Of course after viewing your video, it was a must try. I Love it!!!

[@gabrieltanguay9695]

I miss showing off my slick skills in the yarn store! One of the things I miss most since the pandemic - in person yarn sprees

[@tookienurse]

that was an awesome help for those of us who are so new to this craft!!!

[@franniesbigday]

How cool! I never even knew these tools existed!

[@dianasalinasdeugarte1338]

Hello Staicy I like your videos a lot and I've never seen the wool winder before I hope I can found it in my country ... Have a nice day and many thanks for share your knitting skills. Best wishes

[@maypuff25]

this was so satisfying to watch.

[@Pur9leRain]

Love you, beautiful. Saved me much agro xx

[@Ladylasil]

Awesome. I would love to invest in these great tools. Thanks for the demo :o)

[@leticiabotello]

thank so much for your help, now I am ready

[@adrys315]

Extremely helpful! thanks!😁

[@Salmagundiii]

Just saw one of these on Antiques Roadshow. Wondered how it worked. Good video.

[@melindabaughman7144]

Thank you for this tutorial!

[@sonerila6987]

So helpful! Thank you so much!

[@yolo22]

a 'cake' of yarn sounds much yummier than a skein, ball, or hank. ;) thanks for the demo. i just got a winder/swift combo recently and needed a quick how-to!

[@verypinkknits]

There are many online retailers that sell ball winders and swifts. I really like shopping on the Knit Picks website. They carry both of these items.

[@martamitchelldesigns]

Super useful! Thank you!

[@lauribarnes4005]

Thank you for this video!

[@west090955]

Thanks. This was really helpful.

[@bscarlson]

I really love you for this. ❤️🤣❤️🤩

[@jillparker6553]

Thank you for this! I checked one of these out from my library and had no idea how to use it 😅😅

[@MsGinger41]

Thank you so much.

[@purplesun3609]

Thanks a lot for the video, it was very educative !!!!!!!!!

[@Meapykinz]

Luckily someone in my knitting club has both of these, so I ask her to do it. :) Great video.

[@verypinkknits]

@MrKnittingguy Drop spindles are for spinning yarn from wool, not for winding yarn that is already made.

[@shahina329]

Good presentation. I have not seen yarn winder at Joann's or Hancock or Michael's :( But then I have not looked for one. Thank you for educating us.

[@verypinkknits]

I'm not sure what to tell you without seeing what is going on...be sure your winder is secured to the table, and be sure the metal arm (that guides the yarn) is snapped out and in place. Hope that helps!

[@Leelz247]

I'm tempted to use an actual umbrella 😆

[@wooltops7283]

great job!

[@xXLindasFishXx]

You really like that green yarn

[@annejohnson8890]

Thank you!

[@verypinkknits]

You can google "ball winder" and find an online store if you're outside the US, or I know that the Knit Picks website sells nice ball winders for a good price here in the US. Hope that helps!

[@verypinkknits]

@abasscase I'm always clear about the yarn I use in the pattern tutorials, but I suppose I don't mention it in the technique videos. :) Most of the time I use 100% wool yarn (my favorite), like Cascade 220, Cascade 128, or Knit Picks Wool of the Andes.

[@JacqueDooley]

I wish I had seen this video before I tried to wind a ball of yarn. A real nightmare. I promised myself I would only purchase yarn ready to start knitting. What type swift and winder do you recommend. My yarn knotted around bottom of the winder so tightly and around the bottom of the swift. I threw swift, winder and horribly knotted yarn away. But with your awesome instruction, I’m ready to try again. I have yarn that needs to be wound. Your videos are the best. A million thanks. Because of you, I know how to knit socks. Love your slow motion instructions too.

[@clauormol7168]

Hola casi no entendi pero me gusto q tus manos explican muy bien . Bye.

[@TussahSilk]

Thank you. I've been using the wrong terminology for YEARS.

[@MsMeditatingPanda]

This video made me subscribe

[@soniaguzman762]

I really really love your videos! I have learned so much by watching you! I have a question please. I just heard of something called a Niddy Noddy. Have you ever used one of those?

[@verypinkknits]

@chillax441 The pink shawl behind me is a pattern called Ishbel (available on Ravelry). It's not my design, so I probably won't be doing a tutorial on it - sorry! But it's a fun knit if you'd like to give it a try.

[@DanandDonna1]

OHH. THAT'S WHAT THOSE ARE. I have seen some of these in my lifetime.

[@Handypantsable]

I have an electric winder I got on sale with a coupon that I loooooooooooooove! So much!

[@verypinkknits]

@Feadrahchan I'm unable to give you a direct link in the comments here, but if you go to the KnitPicks website and search for "ball winder" and "swift", you'll see these for sale. Knit Picks offers these for really good prices, too.

[@TracyCooksinAustin]

super!

[@verypinkknits]

@maileen420 There is no need to wind yarn that comes in a skein - you only need to wind it if it comes in a hank. You can watch my video called "Skein, Ball, Hank, Cake" if you'd like more help.

[@libellula3313]

And keep your yarn label and tuck it in the ball!

[@Disembodied_Toast]

@maileen420 You can do what i do and just pull from the center and then wind it from that while holding the strand with one hand to keep it slightly tight.

[@Handypantsable]

Amazon.com ships international! JoAnn fabrics will ship to apo/fpo also =)

[@SmittyKat]

Man, I wish there was a yarn store where I live. There's just wal mart and hobby lobby. And no yarn winders in sight lol

[@verypinkknits]

I'm not sure what you mean when you say "unscrewed the top winder"...do you mean you unscrewed it from the table? Regardless, after you screw it back down, be sure your winder is secured to the table, and be sure the metal arm (that guides the yarn) is snapped out and in place. Hope that helps!

[@verypinkknits]

I'm sorry, I don't know of a place that ships internationally, or is outside of the US. Your best bet may be to ask your local yarn shop if they have any ideas, or if they can order one for you. Good luck!

[@parmonie]

I think you need to make sure the gears are aligned when you put the top back on. If you got it from KnitPicks, let them know that it's getting lumped on one side and they should be happy to replace it. I had this issue with mine and even after fixing it, it was lumping and off center. They were prompt about sending a new one.

[@savtasunny7815]

You can buy that metal Lacis Swift from Walmart for $26. It's the cheapest there. Everywhere else seems to sell it from $35 to $50 on Etsy.

[@dawnmcfarland7011]

Omg thank you again lol

[@mchllwoods]

Is this the same yarn u used for that video on reinforcing heels for sock video?

[@tatianaszczerbiak4450]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@baylah4952]

Just wondered if you have ever used a nøstepinne to wind a skein into a cake? I have one that I take when I'm away from home without my swift & ball wonder but I'm not too expert at using it & would love to see you do a video!

[@verypinkknits]

I haven't used one - but it's a good idea, thank you!

[@chillax441]

can u please make a step by step tutorial for that amazing scarf behind you plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz:)

[@stephaniepinkley2244]

That looks like so much fun. :) lol Why isn't yarn spun before it's sold? Just curious...I am a newbie.

[@verypinkknits]

Stephanie Lee - yes, the fiber is already spun into yarn when you buy it...this is how to wind the yarn from a hank into a usable cake of yarn. It's only necessary if you buy the yarn in hanks - skeins of yarn are already wound.

[@karenseemuth5029]

Does it matter if you turn the crank on the ball winder clockwise or counterclockwise?

[@pammerryweather7914]

How do you make the metal bit on the ball winder to stay up? I've bought several of these and the metal part must be held up by thumb or finger instead of standing up by itself. It's doable, but it sure would be nice if it would stand by itself...

[@loriroefs3998]

Where did your video go where you compared yarn winders. I think the last one was from nancy knit knacts winder

[@maileen420]

I buy Red Heart Super Saver skeins and they don't come twisted up like that. How would I unwind one to put it on a swift?

[@madrossell]

Hi, what brand is your umbrella swift? Thanks.

[@sandylbc]

Im having a problem with the yarn winding back on itself. I checked to see if i was winding wrong, but i don't think so. help!!!

[@cynthiajohnson1124]

I noticed how rapidly you wound the yarn, does that compress the fibers? I was once told to wind at a slower pace. Also curious about your placement of swift and ball winder. Is the ball winder supposed to be placed so the yarn feeds at a 90 degree angle. Thanks for ALL your wonderful concise videos! Especially appreciate your slow motion videos!!!

[@verypinkknits]

This video is from a few years back, since then I've gotten in the habit of winding my yarn twice - once from the hank, then once from the cake. That keeps it from being too tight. I don't know of any science behind the angle of the swift to the ball winder...I just set things up to get the smoothest movement, with enough distance between the two for the swift to move easily.

[@hannahvanert2398]

If I don't like center pulls, does it work just as well to tuck the end from the center back into the cake and just use the outside tail? Or do you guys have other tips?

[@verypinkknits]

Sure - you can use a ball winder and then unwind the yarn from the outside of the cake, no problem. You don't have to use it as a center-pull cake.