IN DEPTH Tutorial on Yarn Winding with a Ball Winder and Swift | How to Wind Yarn | Knitty Natty

HOW TO SPLIT YARN INTO TWO CAKES: • SPLIT YARN FOR SOCK KN...
| LINKS |
Ball Winder: www.fiberartistsupply.com/map...
Swift (closest one): www.fiberartistsupply.com/lar...
Yarn Cozy Pattern (crochet): www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
Yarn Cozy Pattern (knit): www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
"Fuel Up on Fiber" T-Shirt: www.nerdbirdmakery.com/produc...
Slippers: www.ugg.com/womens-slippers/f...
Natalie's Project Page: www.ravelry.com/projects/knat...
| SUPPORT LOVE IN STITCHES |
Love in Stitches Merch: love-in-stitches.myspreadshop...
Ravelry Store: www.ravelry.com/designers/kni...
Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/loveinstitc...
Amazon Storefront: www.amazon.com/shop/knittynatty
Yarnable Sign Up (affiliate link): lddy.no/tqe5
| SOCIAL + LINKS |
Instagram: / knittynatty
Ravelry Projects: www.ravelry.com/projects/knat...
Website: knittynatty.com/
Membership: knittynatty.com/memberships/
Private Lessons: knittynatty.com/lessons/
As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@marilynngriffin5538]

So that I don’t lose the “paperwork” (label with yarn info), I fold it into the cake as the cake comes off the winder

[@denisediauto9618]

I have watched this more than once and learned something each time. This was very helpful and full of great tips! Thank you

[@KnittyNatty]

You are so welcome!

[@nanhart9866]

Wow! Thanks a million! My daughter bought a winder and swift for my Mother’s Day present. That little tip about the spiral wire piece has solved my issue with the yarn skipping off to the top and bottom! I was just about to give up on using it and just having a nice piece of wooden art lol. Thanks again!

[@josephinemarie1975]

Toasters lil face is just the sweetest oh my goodnesss.

[@1SentPenny]

OH MY STARS!!!! A YARN COZY……. you are so smart to do that! This video is exactly what I needed….thank you for sharing your knowledge in an easy to understand way. 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@liliawebb9377]

BIG thank you! I have had so much trouble lately getting the right end and you totally taught me how to avoid that in the future. You always make things so simplified and I need that. Thanks again!

[@beckyreed]

I'm so glad I watched this! I almost didn't, because I was like "I've been doing this for years, I don't need a tutorial!" but uhhh I think I've been winding too quickly and that's why I keep getting lumps at the bottom of the cake! Amazing!

[@kyststudio-epicartadventure]

Or maybe too tightly, which pinches the yarn as it leaves, dragging around other layers in the cake, which makes for tangles.

[@Sherryc765]

Very good tutorial, thank you. Loved the cozy idea (much better than a rubber band!).

[@saleon84]

I’m also have been winding for years but I definitely learned a thing or two from this video! Thanks so much - very helpful!

[@elishasinger6021]

I am going to try your tools first because they look super cool and second because what you showed made absolute sense to me. What I have been doing has been leading to all kinds of tangles in my cakes so either I’ve been doing something completely wrong, had bad tools, or a combo 😊. Thanks for sharing.

[@pi2nuna219]

Thank u so much, you're the only one I could find that talks about the most important issue, that is, finding the actual pieces joined that are the beginning and end of yarn. Thanks😅

[@ninahoward6066]

This is the tutorial I looked for years ago, and was so glad to finally find. Thank you for filling a gap in the internet that many of us needed!!! (Also, I’m so glad I found your channel- it’s renewed my knitting mojo!)

[@maddyacosta7931]

omg that first tip about the ties just solved a huge problem I was having lol

[@micheledelacruz4301]

Thank you, I wind by hand into a ball. I will be ordering a swift and winder soon so this is just in time. Have a blessed weekend friends

[@deekay1641]

Thank you Natalie for addressing this process, I've never heard anyone talk about this before. You brought up some really good points, that I never knew...no wonder many of my balls look a little messy. Take care

[@independence_yarn_crafts]

Great tutorial. For me caking up and putting cozies on the cakes are one of my favourite parts of starting a new project.

[@nyteflame13]

Good tutorial! Just a few other things that might be helpful. For anyone who has recently purchased a yarn winder, be sure to check the directions on which way to turn your handle (ie forward/backwards or clockwise/counter clockwise). Plastic ones will sometimes have an arrow but not always. If you have a wooden one like the Fiber Artist one, slip off the black belt when not in use to keep it from being too stretched out. And I personally find it helpful to wind a second time from the cake to keep it from being too tight.

[@Pluviophile218]

I have this winder and it is wonderful but sometimes, ( & I think it's something I'm doing or not doing) my wound yarn gets all weird on the bottom of the cake. I must be doing something wrong.

[@nyteflame13]

@@Pluviophile218 I get that too sometimes, it doesn't wrap around the outside of the ball correctly and slips down to wind around the center post instead. Usually this happens to me if it hits a snag or the yarn is knotted or otherwise just doesn't feed smoothly from my swift. Most of the time I can feel it happen (I always have the yarn coming off the swift then over a finger on my left hand, then feeding into the winder) so I can stop, unwind it and then start again. But sometimes with certain yarns it just seems to happen over and over no matter what I do. It's like they are too slippery, not catchy enough to wind correctly, probably due to the fiber content. I tried to wind a silk mohair once and it was a disaster!

[@Pluviophile218]

@@nyteflame13 I totally get that! Nice to know it just happens sometimes. Thanks!

[@jenniferknapp-og9ql]

The yarn cosy is a great idea I have not come across before. I usually put my working ball in a drawstring bag so it doesn't get dirty rolling around. Good video, thank you.

[@DillyDahlia]

Thank you for this! Like others, I thought I didn’t need to watch a video on how to wind yarn, but there are a lot of helpful tips in here. Now I want that ball winder 😮

[@lmrk5705]

Thank you so much Natalie! Fantastic video with great tips. Looking forward to the next one about winding 2 cakes for socks 🧦😃😃

[@lorainelockwood9359]

Thank you. I've only recently got the tools so this is very helpful as still finding my way. Look forward to next installment! X

[@daf1947]

Ok! For years I have been winding my own yarn on my swift at home and was pleasantly surprise At the many tips you shared with us! Thank You! I really look forward to your tutorial on dividing a skein for matching or knitting a pair of sock 2 at a time. Your Topic selections are always awesome and you do a wonderful Job sharing your expertise.

[@dieSterbendeGiraffe]

I wish I had that video when I first got my swift and winder 😅 I've figured out some of these by now, but this was still great to watch, and I didn't know the thing about pulling on the ties, that's so smart!

[@Kylie4Queen]

I was totally intimidated to try winding my first hank of fingering weight yarn, but your instructions were spot on and I had no issues. Thank you!

[@lifenearthewater8981]

Very helpful video, and then there is Kent, the best set assistant.

[@TheTeaQueen96]

I feel so stupid because I used to have a winder and swift that I had to screw to a table, so they’d always be the same height. Recently I purchased an Amish swift and I was able to set it on the floor. I also got a new ball winder - much sturdier than my old one, and that was still the table style. It never occurred to me that the difference in height would affect my yarn cakes! But ever since my new purchase, my yarn cakes have been awful! Thanks so much for making me realise I needed to change my setup!

[@maitran7409]

super helpful video, thank you! I also loved the yarn cozy tip, will definitely make one and try it out!

[@lilaccottagecraftsbymichelle]

Thank you for this very detailed demonstration. I wish it had been out a couple of months ago when I got myself it a right tangle trying to wind a ball of wool ! Lesson learned 🤣

[@deliabottoms285]

Thank you so much for taking the time to do an in-depth tutorial! This is something that every Knitter should watch, especially if it's their first time winding a hank of yarn. All the little tips that you showed made it so much easier for me. After I watched your video, I worked on winding six hanks of yarn, with much more confidence than I had before. I too have an Amish style Swift. I prefer winding them Slowly by hand then using an electrical Winder because not all hanks are perfect and sometimes there may be a little knot or something not quite right and if I'm going slowly, I can catch it before it becomes a serious issue. Thank you again! I am saving this tutorial under my playlist favorites. 😊

[@user-dp3iu3hz7u]

I loved your tutorial. I’ve been doing this for years but I saw some things I could improve on! Thank you!

[@recusa6519]

Thank you! I just ordered a swift from Fiber artist Supply. No more spending hours untangling and wasting fingering weight yarn. So happy you took the time to demo the details.

[@Pluviophile218]

You won't regret it. It is a fabulous winder. I bought extra tension bands in case they stretch or break. Really nice machine.

[@TheBudgetingIntrovert]

I just purchased that ball winder. Thanks to this video I now want to get that yarn swift. I kind of stayed away demo getting yarn like this because I figured it’s too hard to wind up but this video is so clear and precise with everything that I have to try this myself. Thank you so much for doing this video with so much depth so a person who has never done it won’t feel intimidated when the time comes.

[@annegraheck5713]

I can’t speak highly enough about fiber artist supply. I have both the Amish swift and the ball winder. I purchased them at least 6 years ago and they have not had a bit of a problem. I’ve even gifted a friend with the ball winder. Handmade with pride.

[@EyeLean5280]

You're a fantastic teacher and this is so helpful! Thank you!

[@joannepolera9913]

Thank you Natalie , this is such a helpful tutorial and much appreciated!

[@yvonneharris9876]

I have had my yarn winder and umbrella swift for 4 months and haven't taken either out of the box, thanks for this. I will be winding one of my hanks tonight! this was great. and YES! YARN COZY PATTERN :)

[@lenan6265]

This is a great blog! Thanks for the lesson! I am thinking of getting a yarn winder and swift!

[@rosaliecovello441]

You are a gifted teacher!

[@manondesrochers5729]

Definitely helped. Thank you for sharing.

[@sommernetek7035]

The inside roll of a toilet paper roll fits perfectly over the winder's "winder" that I have. Just give it a small cut on the top, put the end tail in there, when you're done winding, remove the roll, the inside of the cake is secure and won't untangle. Then just slide the other end of the yarn also in the cut.

[@Pluviophile218]

I like that! I'm going to try it. Thanks!

[@pattygardner231]

I just found your channel, and this tutorial on swift and ball winder was just what I was looking for. Really well done, too. Thank you.

[@joanandkevinbrown6260]

Thank you so much for the tutorial. I have the same set up as you and had it going the wrong way too! Thanks again!

[@sherisemckinney7200]

So appreciate this tutorial, finally helped me get a consistent cake!

[@BreCat7]

OMGoodness thank you for this video! I’ve been winding and fighting my swift for years. I almost want to breakout everything and try this now. 😄

[@karenp603]

I usually dread using my ball winder and want to throw it out the window. All of your tips will be so useful. I'm excited to wind up a new skein. Thanks so much.

[@redredwine1277]

Well explained and illustrated, thanks for showing/sharing 🌹

[@alicehoyle4198]

Thank you - I just bought a ball winder- haven’t used it yet so this was very helpful

[@kendenta2207]

Splendid Nat. Everything you demonstrated is exactly how I wind my sock yarn. Perfecto! I have an electric ball winder which makes the entire process go much more faster. Good job lady. Ken

[@TheWanderingPurl]

Great tips and tutorial! ♥️

[@lauragaudette4151]

Love this idea, thanks ❤

[@knitprincess83]

Omg so many great tips. I think this will solve so many problems I had.

[@gjjamieson136]

Thanks for a really helpful tutorial, brilliant tips! X

[@manonc1888]

Thanks for sharing. Perfect timing for me , i needed this percfect procedure 👍

[@Amy-tn3qv]

Wow, that was great! Thanks 😊

[@DogMomKnits]

This is a great tutorial! Thank you so much.

[@MrMonet111]

Great tips! Thank you.

[@krisk6011]

Hi Natalie - this was a great video! Very helpful! I recently bought a winder and swift ... same as yours ... and have a few skeins to wind up so this video was perfect timing. Thanks alot! Take care, Kris K from Connecticut 🧶🌻🌞

[@marystobbs8413]

Great tutorial!! Thank you

[@EvieO1950]

Excellent tips!!! 🧶💕🧶

[@judydennis5830]

Very helpful tutorial!

[@subellekazooti9589]

So helpful, thank you.

[@inessiabelving7188]

Yay 1st one to give this video a 👍 I wish this was around when I started knitting. So good 👍👍

[@24567423ify]

Very helpful video. I’ll try some of that next time I use my umbrella swift. But I may need to switch to your tools. They seem smoother and sturdier.

[@laceycook4935]

I love your tshirt!!! I want one!! ❤❤

[@zena-knittingbeans7973]

You are a yarn saver thank you x

[@nanasbabies58]

Do you have a pattern for the yarn cozy? What a neat idea! Loved the video and you were very thorough so, I think I could do it!! Thank you for sharing.

[@cgrin3284]

Thank you for the great information on winding a yarn hank! I like all the details you shared. 🧶😊 Also, great job to your videographer 👍

[@jonellesandel1066]

This is so so helpful! I have never checked the ties in that way or secured the far end and often end up with a total mess! Thank you!!

[@wendybradley8420]

Thanks Natalie. I always have issues winding my yarn. I have a nice umbrella swift and a wooden winder which I could never get to work properly. I even purchased a second winder from micheals which is a plastic one,because the wood winder wouldn’t work for me. Thanks again. Will try all your suggestions. Happy Knitting

[@heathertucker7056]

New subscriber here! Although I have done this a few times now, you can always learn something! The foam “ keeper” is a great idea and something I’ll be doing in the future! Thank you so much!

[@joyceupper6477]

Nice tutorial! Just wanted to add a couple things I do, I use a similar swift made by ChiaoGoo, prefer it to umbrella swift do to smaller size, portability and ease of use. I use kitchen stool with a square of grippy shelf liner for swift and a wooden foldable tv tray for winder, some of us can't get up and down so easily. Also, i fold up the band from skein, tucking in the center of ball. I use yarn from outside so I always know yarn varity of scraps.

[@theastewart6721]

Great video Natalie! Thank you for sharing all these great tips. I am dealing with a huge mess because both ends were getting stuck. I wonder if I had seen this video first if it would have turned out differently. Oh well. Slowly untangling this hot mess. Hopefully I won’t just chuck it, lol . Live the yarn cozy! Thanks again!😊

[@karenbolier8412]

This is so usefull!

[@jeniferbeatty5983]

Don’t forget your rings!

[@susanturner1271]

Thanks for creating and posting this video. About 50% of my attempts have ended with a pile of “yarn barf” before completing the process. The videos I had previously viewed did not mention securing the end of the hank on the swift nor the very careful attention to placing the yarn on the swift/avoiding crossovers. Although I use an umbrella swift, I think your hints will help me conquer yarn winding.

[@ericallerton809]

Very helpful,,,Thanks,,,Natalie,,,, Elaine🏡🏡🏡

[@biaberg3448]

Actually all you nede to wind yarn is to hands and a char, or 4 hands. I often had to help my mam winding yarn as a child. I hold the yarn between my hands and she did the winding. It only took some minutes. But of cause, the tools makes it more convenient 😊

[@jill552]

You gave me winder envy.

[@judygrayson7896]

I usually wind twice so not so tight but yours looked awesome 👏 love your slippers please share where to get them.

[@janetjroberson2581]

Hello from Mounds Illinois.

[@michellenokken2597]

Thanks! I had to giggle with the link for the slipper (but not the yarn).

[@lynnmissen7371]

Great vid can you please do one on how to unwind one back into a skain

[@kyststudio-epicartadventure]

I’ve changed how I secure my balls and cakes. I tie a tiny loop in the end, then put a marker through it and several layers of the ball. I can easily find the end and the ball stays nice, especially if I set it in a ziploc bag, or something similar like the soft ones that come in the mail, while it’s in my project bag. If the ball won’t behave, I place markers around the last few winds in the middle, several times around the hall. Try not to split the yarn. The label goes in the bag with the yarn.

[@cathyo3494]

Nice tutorial! I have a similar winder and swift. I love it! How do you like to store them? I prefer to keep the swift set up, but it is pretty big and takes up a lot of space.

[@deliabottoms285]

PS: I love the yarn cake cozy! I did not even know about those! How cool is that?

[@louisewestbrooke6078]

That’s so strange - I’ve been meaning to message you to ask for a winding video! I always have slipping issues when I wind!

[@patchwork9712]

Do you have a pattern for the yarn cosie?

[@twiggyjali]

i recently got a yarn winder, and i've got most of my crazy stash done up in beautiful cakes. but how do i "bind" them so the yarn doesn't unravel? any tips appreciated 🙏🏻

[@ginettetarte3099]

Wher can get a pattern to knit a yarn cozy like yours,tank you .I am French from Canada

[@JamessaSmith]

Hey I have a winder like yours, but it is hard to wind yarn. How can I loosen the tension on the ring or do you know the ring size maybe I can size up. The ring meaning the black o ring. Can I wd40 the winder. My winder is so tight. Please send help. Thank you for your help😊

[@wendyhayne930]

Where did you get that swift from?

[@nathaliepaquin3536]

Very helpful video! 😀Thanks! 🤗 Do you suggest that we wind the yarn as soon as we buy it and stash it, or just before we use it for a project?

[@emmagilchrist840]

I wait until I'm ready to use it. When you wind it into a ball you put extra tension on the yarn that can stretch it out and affect the springiness if its left too long.

[@nathaliepaquin3536]

@@emmagilchrist840 thanks Emma! 😊

[@keam6395]

May I ask what yarn this is?? 😍😍

[@arielwallis-spencer2093]

Where did you get the knitted cozy for yarn cakes

[@saragreco5907]

There are patterns on Ravelry and sewn ones for sale on Etsy.

[@ijgorbun]

How much money did It cost?

[@jenniferchase8686]

I am new to crocheting so forgive my naivety. Why does the consumer do these steps instead of the dyer or seller?

[@irmar]

Excellent tutorial. But, really, $ 6.36 for the ball cosy pattern which is just a hexagon bottom going up straight with the simplest stitch? You can buy a whole complicated blanket for that sort of money. Vanessa Fishcake's Liliana costs exactly that, Jane Crowfoot's iconic Persian Tiles just a few cents more, the same for Helen Shrimpton's The Lost Garden blanket which is £6.89 and Jen Tyler's Chrysalis Throw, that magnificent work of art which took many months to design and has everyone gasping, costs as little as $5.30. I mean... Come on! Of course we all agree that each designer is perfectly free to price their patterns as s/he sees fit. If we don't want to pay the price, we don't buy it. Simple. This said, isn't it reasonable to look at the existing market prices before shooting any price that comes into one's head?

[@Goddess_Aleu_White_Wolf]

What do you mean taught? Dont you mean tight? I don't understand 😨

[@KnittyNatty]

Taut! It means pretty much the same thing as tight.

[@diehard6072]

17 minutes I watched this video before you actually got to the part of the ball winder. I think you should have titled this IN DEPTH Tutorial on prepping and using a swift.

[@jmarylastone]

nice video BUT -- not to be petty but dear me why did you take off your wedding rings to wind that ball of yarn and put them on the floor of all places - your ring finger not once got near the yarn while you were winding it - if your rings get caught on things you need to take them to a jeweler and have them adjusted not remove them - I don't mean to sound bad but guard those rings ... they represent one of the most important parts of your life