TWO SMART GADGETS FOR KNIT + CROCHET | How to wind a skein into a cake with yarn winder + swift EASY

Testing out my my new yarn ball winder and swift to make pretty center-pull yarn cakes. It's so easy!
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#Yarn #HowTo #Gadgets #crochettutorial #crocheting
Hey babes! I’m Toni, the designer and instructor behind TL Yarn Crafts. I've designed over 100+ chic and practical crochet patterns for modern makers. Find your next sweater, shawl, and blanket project in my shop at tlyarncrafts.com/.
TLYC on KZbin is a crochet and craft enthusiast space where I share inspiration and education through tutorials for makers of all crochet skill levels. Since starting my creative business, I’ve been committed to exploring every nook and cranny of crochet and I’m excited to share my discoveries with you.
Stick around for crochet tips and tricks and even a few FREE#crochet crochet patterns.
Find more on www.TLYCBlog.com!

[@Sarah-ei7mq]

Can I just say thank you, up until beginning of January I couldn't crochet to save my life. That was until I found your channel. Now I've crocheted a blanket for my mum's hospital bag, a blanket for preemie babies at our local hospital. And I'm just about to start on a cardigan for myself. I'm hooked (pun intended). I was a knitter before but got bored quickly, so projects would be never ending. But I can crochet for hours on end now and actually get usable things from it! All the love Sarah ❤️

[@joettaqueen-ellenwood7711]

That hubby, what a sweetheart. Thank you for yet another helpful video. 🙏🏻

[@carolg3201]

I love the sweater you’re wearing in this video! So pretty. ❤

[@kathleenrobson1803]

I always slip the label in the middle as I’m taking the yarn off the winder 😁 that way it reminds me what yarn I’ve wound 😁

[@michellehall9077]

Brilliant idea 💡👏!! I wouldn't have thought of that!

[@chriscoburn2516]

Love that winder, just wish I could fit it into my budget.

[@michellehall9077]

Me too! I wish I could afford the swifter and winder. Maybe one day, I can afford to get both of them. I pray one day you can too. 😉

[@SunCity95]

Thank you for showing us how to use these gadgets. I don’t own one but would very much like to buy one. Your hubby reminded me of mine. He did exactly what my husband does if I’m busy crocheting 😂 they’re keepers! ☺️ Hope all goes well for your baby Peanut 🐈 Prayers for a speedy recovery ❤

[@hypernesh]

Gotta love that hubby room service 😂 ❤ I appreciate mine sometimes!

[@michellehall9077]

So interesting. Thanks for sharing, ❤️. I love coffee and bacon too. 🥓 ☕️. Have a great day. 👍

[@BabyKangaroo279]

Damn you, Toni. I’ve been knitting for over a decade without it. You made me buy a swift and the winder. But it’s kind of a fun break from my projects and much easier than doing it all by hand.

[@donnadeneenglish244]

That was so fun. I have never made a yarn cake. I have a lot to learn.

[@clovisperkins7138]

Thank you. I don't have a ball winder. Recently subscribed t o your channel. Every once in awhile I have will see you in knit and crochet now.

[@georginatomlinson9684]

Just got my first swift and ball winder for Christmas and it has 👏🏻changed 👏🏻 my 👏🏻 life!!! So glad I got them!

[@xlena60]

Thank you Toni for this video. I do have a Swift and yarn winder. I love them, because I was placing my yarn around my knees and so forth. It was not fun. Please keep these types of videos coming. I've learned so much from you.❤️

[@Mrs.Jae_Gray]

Hi Toni!! Thank you for the video. Love watching your channel!❤ You teach me something new every time. I talk about your videos so much to my best friend that she is starting to get jealous. Ha ha ha! Keep up the great work you are totally awesome!

[@justinanovak8040]

Love your hair and of course your channel too

[@Dingy-uz1yy]

I love watching you wind with that beautiful winder!!😍 I have a simple one from Amazon that attached to a table but I've found I can put 2 books in the clamp to hold it and I can wind in bed or somewhere where there's no table!! Makes for a lot easier process!!

[@rosy_ranirani4865]

We enjoyed the unusual gadgets.Thank you .

[@kimberlykopisca4539]

Awesome!!! Now I think I need the swift and winder!!!!

[@user-yz5lz5ko5f]

I like the quieter one:).

[@bygwensdesignable]

One day, but today I'll use the one's I have. I have that swift 😍 it's amazing

[@JustFluffyQuiltingYarnCrafts]

I really like the quiet winder. I have the Stanwood which works great, but not so silent. It does make me feel like I'm working hard as I wind my yarn though. lol Thanks for the demo, Toni. ❤

[@sludwig8618]

That was great, I never seen a yarn ball winder , your tutorial was fun and very informative, and have that added to my crochet would make winding yarn so much easier on my hands! I just recently subscribed to your channel, and not disappointed so glad I found you on KZbin, your crochet projects are easy to follow and fun to watch thank you for sharing your talent 😊

[@arlindajones-abekasis5665]

Thanks Toni! I have a ball winder and just bought a swift but I haven’t used it yet so this video was very helpful!

[@melissasharpley5696]

Me too!😊

[@ZannaMint]

Hi, I'm pretty new to yarn and crocheting. Recently purchased 2 things of yarn that these tools would be sooooo helpful and didn't know that they existed. Thank you so much for this video. Just found you the other day. You have a lovely way of video making that is relaxing and comfortable.

[@salamanda11]

I got your OG winder for my birthday last year, and caking yarn brings me so much joy! I never get fancy hanks, just regular yarn from the craft store, so I don't have a need for a swift, but the whole operation is kind of a cool aesthetic. Much love to you and your family! Healing vibes for Peanut.

[@gailgodfrey768]

Hi, Thank You, You just convinced me to purchase both. Been thinking for a long time should I. Watching your video makes it easy and a lot neater for the yarn. And not be tangled and scattered everywhere. You are amazing.

[@lpj7589]

What a lovely cake it makes! I have the small one from Knit Picks but looking at this tutorial maybe one day I’ll get that big one…..but to not for some time. I truly enjoyed your tutorial. Thank you. :)

[@bratgirlrules8094]

😂That room service got me!😂😂

[@tmwoltz226]

Everything's better with 🥓! What a dear husband you have ❤️ I own and already know how to use both, but watched just to see your smiling face. Your "hello gurl" to the sun almost made me snort coffee, lol. 🤷‍♀️ 🤦‍♀️ Love you gurl 😘

[@rrmother3748]

Hey Toni! Just wanted to drop a comment and say how GORGEOUS you are!!! I'm insanely jealous of those ringlet curls!! My all natural white girl hair is half curl, half droop, half FRIZZ (ok, that math no worky but you know what I mean!)! Love ya!

[@TheBudgetingIntrovert]

Love the video. I just upgraded to the Winder last year and it is the best investment I made thus far for my craft. I don’t have a Swift yet but I don’t buy yarn that requires a Swift yet but hoping to change all that by mid-end 2023.

[@GreatLakesGal-Diane]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I’ve been intimidated by winding hanks if yarn...going to give it a try now!!!😊

[@rosalyn8032]

I would love to have a set. Can’t wait to fine them, thanks👍🏽

[@sierrapelona]

I've hoped to get a winder like your wooden one for a while now but cash flow hasn't allowed it lately. In the meantime I've been using a nostepinne to make yarn cakes. It takes quite some time but it can be an enjoyable meditative process.

[@janetcarey6954]

This is a super great video! Thank you 😊

[@Dina21976]

You made me love Tunisian crochet all over again! I love your podcasts and wait for them. Sending love from Australia

[@adriac21]

Love that umbrella swift I have one and I love it just need to get the table top yarn ball winder. I enjoy ur video God bless u and all u do.

[@vijayapeter5869]

Wowww sach nice 👌👌👏👏👍

[@shantaboyce3693]

Thank you so much for showing how these work, I have seen them and was always curious since I have gotten back into expanding my crochet knowledge. You make it all look so seamless and I can say following your tutorials are a delight. I look forward to making different stitched blankets and many other projects and using the right tools for the job as well.

[@lindazick5601]

I’m still using my Mom’s yarn winder from the 1960s, and it still works great. I have sweet memories flood over me when using it! I must admit though, I love the silent feature of your winder❤

[@KrissD.]

Omg your husband feeding you bacon 🥓 was hilarious! Crack me up! 🤣 I have the onyx swift and love. I actually got another wooden ball winder that looks like yours but for some reason it keeps collapsing my cakes when winding. It was expensive too. 😢 I know it’s not me cause I’ve tried many ways of trying it and still does it and I hold tension on the yarn as well 🥺

[@heathermelnick6925]

I have a wooden swift, and an inexpensive plastic ball winder from Amazon. I am saving my pennies in order to buy that gorgeous wooden winder that you have!

[@SigalAlon]

These gadgets are so much fun! I love it when I need to cake up yarn...

[@1weagles]

Thank you for this demo. I've had the plastic version of the winder and the swift. Finally, I used it. Problem was the plastic winder wouldn't clamp, so I had to hold it. I would 6 hanks of yarn, and then rewound a couple of balls of yarn that I had wound by hand. The plastic winder did not do a good job of second winding. After I post this, I am investing on the wood one you used in the demo. Been crocheting for for 50 years. And you have made crocheting easier for me. Thank you.

[@TLYarnCrafts]

We live and learn, right? :-) Hope the wood one works out for you - it's been a lifesaver for me.

[@katherinew5041]

I purchased a Ball Winder and Swift together. My neighbor down the street has an alpaca farm that I have been volunteering to help take care of the the animals (60 of them with 2 other helpers) part time. Last year I taught myself how to crochet from KZbin (your channel helped 😉) I have helped sheer the alpacas and am getting my skills to the point that I can use the fabulous Alpaca yarn confidently. On to my assessment of the ball winder, I think I am doing "something" wrong. I get twists in the yarn from the ball winder that hinders my use of it while I am crocheting from the center of the cake. I am not coming from the swift, I am coming from other very large balls of yarn to be more manageable in smaller cakes. Thanks!

[@micheletx17]

Thanks!

[@deboraalexis4016]

Wow!! Yes I love your toys.. never new how important that winder. I have the other plastic umbrella. Tools are a must thanks so so much-needed tips..❤️❤️🧶🧶🧶

[@angieanderson6082]

I love my swift and winder almost as much as I love Mr TLYC!! He’s the best!! ❤ 🤩

[@LeeAnnahsCreations]

Just bought my first ever Swift and yarn winder - hopefully will be delivered tomorrow!

[@michellecortez646]

Ima buy one ☝️ love your videos ❤️

[@AmateurUrbanFarm]

Ugh the silent winder is so cool, one of these days I'll have to get one for myself. I wind my yarn in the living room and I'm sure my husband would appreciate still being able to hear the TV when I do it 😂

[@Grahmahshanz]

I invested in a yarn ball winder and swift last year. I love it and it is everything that you said it is 😆 I often find myself switching hands to turn. It also took a few times for me to develop the rhythm, some how I'd wind too fast or too slow and the yarn got caught up and twisted underneath... but I'm much better now 😃 Thanks Toni ❤

[@lisastone345]

love it!!! thanks

[@PetraRobinson-gm8nh]

I just got my swift and I have one of those plastic yarn winders. I am so glad I found your Video because I am so scared of the Hank of yarn. I never had yarn in Hanks, and I was blissfully unaware of the tangled mess you create when you have NO IDEA what you are doing. So hopefully I get it right with the Swift and Winder.

[@ArtJunkie]

I’m a newbie. Fascinating 😊

[@rahnaak4155]

Your smile❤

[@shirleycarter2451]

My yarn winder has just arrived to the UK, so thanks for sharing these objects to help us all. Xxx

[@barbarat2769]

I’m watching this with envy right now. I grabbed yarn at the last minute to take on vacation and forgot to cake it first. 😢 I am currently caking by hand. It’s taking forever and does not result in a very nice looking cake. I’d give anything to have my swift and winder with me!

[@grannysquared7140]

I got a nostipinne for 10 dollars on ebay and I love it. It is very meditative winding up cakes.

[@ashleyo413]

Love your videos sm ❤

[@brendaleister6058]

Love the nice wooden winder. I have a plastic one and yes, it makes a lot of noice.

[@deirdreevans5533]

Hi Toni!... Girrrl I wish I would've seen this video about 2 years ago when I first used my swift and winder. I have the first one you showed (it has to be clamped to a table top). I'm laughing at myself because I had NO clue on how to use it and knew nothing about hanks of yarn 😅 I had an absolute mess 🤦🏽‍♀️ I clipped the wrong piece of yarn that holds the hank together and I didn't hold the yarn to keep tension. (An absolute mess😂) My tables are too wide to clamp the winder on to them. So I had to sit in my tiny kitchen and use the counter top. I was so aggravated. I had expensive finger weight yarn from Expression fiber arts too girl. Boy oh boy what an experience! Now, I am an expert and I love my winder and swift 🤗 I'm kind of spoiled about the types of yarn I use now too. I am on disability, with a very limited income so my daughter says to her brothers, " Don't give mommy any money she's just gonna spend it on yarn" 😂 Her brothers reply, "If that's what makes her happy, it's ok"😉 Anyway, thanks for sharing this video. I think there are a lot of crafters who should be aware of yarn winders and swifts and how to use them.

[@sophiejune4515]

Omg I was thinking I must be the only one who was using the back of a chair and doing this by hand and then you said it! Lol. This does look like it's much easier and more fun. There is a nice little yarn shop in Piedmont, CA called Piedmont Yarn & Apparel, I used to go to there when I lived in CA and they'd wind the yarn for me. It was fun to watch. They're really nice, such a great shop. I miss that place.

[@simplyknitw.croshaay]

Awe your husband feeding you the bacon is so cute

[@JustAnotherBuckyLover]

Ohh I don't just use my winder for twisted hanks. I use to wind up both ends of a yarn skein together if I have to knit or crochet with it held double. I use it rewind the remains of a skein or cake that has been centre-pulled and is now collapsing into a mess and tangling. I use it to neatly rewind the last remnants into mini balls. I rewind pretty much every skein into a flat-bottomed cake to use more easily with the Wool Jeanie. But the swift is absolutely top of my list when it comes to twisted hanks. I have done them by hand, and using just a winder, and the swift makes It so much easier. I'm saving for a wooden one, my current one is plastic and metal and while it works, it's ugly. But it was cheap and does the job!

[@lindawilliams2716]

Thank you so much for this video. I think I saw an earlier video about the yarn winder and wasn't sure about it. The best thing I never knew I needed! In the future I may need a swift as well, but for now, I love my yarn ball winder. Thank you so much again!

[@valeriehowden471]

I've been using a tabletop Amish style swift. I like it because I don't have to clamp it down and it disassembles easily. My cake winder is a little crazy and it makes alot of noise. My first cake was a fail of a cotton linen blend that was very wirey and didn't want to stay in cake form. Used it for wool and much happier.

[@Cillias14]

I just finished my first celtic weave handwarmer and wanted to take a break with youtube.. and you upload! 😍Gonna enjoy this video

[@Anastasia-ls8dd]

i bought a ball winder a month ago and I absoletly addicted to using it lol i even wind perfectly good skeins cuz its just fun

[@kimbo500]

You just crack me up, talking to the sun and calling her 'girl'! Thanks for the great way to start my morning with a smile! 😊 🌷 ☀ EDIT: Forgot to mention: I haven't felt the need to invest in a winder and swift; because, I've been hand winding balls from skeins (felt working from the skeins a bit of a nuisance). I admit thinking if I had them a winder/swift, I'd probably like having them! 😉 I live off my disability check, but I think I'm going to treat myself. I can't take the jump into the Fiber Artist one (even though I'd certainly prefer it!). I think I'd still put the Yarn Picks winder and Onyx swift to good use though! I'm selling my single family home, and moving into a Continued Care type of senior apartment complex (I'm under age - but want to be prepared and qualify due to my disability). I am not allowing myself to crochet anything else until I get settled into my new place! 😳 I just got an Interchangeable Tunisian Hook set, so I can learn Tunisian. I am SOoooo excited about really getting into it. I'm sure I'll find some good blanket/throw patterns out there to keep me occupied! I also saw your book for possible future purchase too! So much to look forward to, and thanks for all you do!!

[@amandalenz4371]

I just bought this very same swift from WeCrochet during their recent sale and used it for the first time tonight... so much better than the back of the chair! I also have the Knit Picks winder, and it's fine for now. I can see a potential upgrade in my future. Thank you for the fantastic videos!

[@annettethompson2723]

Hello Toni can I just ADD TO HER GIANT THANK YOU BECAUSE I had crochet on my bucket list for over 50 years! I sew I craft up everything else but I could not get past a chain since high school until I found your channel. I can only do single double granny stitches but I made a twin size throw two simple baby blankets a scarf and a really ugly wonky hat because I didn’t learn to close well. I will keep trying. And now winding by hand is getting discouraging so these are next but one at a time. Stay safe

[@elizabeth4053]

I got my winder and swift at Michaels in Alaska on a 40% coupon! I use it to also frog expensive thrifted wool sweaters to get plenty of new to me yarn. Very Pink knits has an excellent tutorial on her channel

[@m.v.stewart7688]

Yayyy_ thank you for this videoooo

[@wheeltrish]

Over the years I’ve had a couple of major splurges in the yarn winding department. Quite a long time ago now I decided that table space for my swift and ball winder were an issue, so it took years but I’ve finally solved my problem. I have an umbrella swift on a floor stand, so it’s always ready and waiting. Then a couple of years ago I got the electronic version of the Fiber Equipment Supply Company ball winder. It is mounted on a hospital bed tray table that I bought on Amazon. Now, both of these tools are always ready and I don’t even have to have a clear table space to use them. Best thing I ever did for my crafting life.

[@Voolenvine]

Love all your vids, Toni!! I must have gone through about FOUR KnitPicks winders. It kept breaking (I wind A LOT of yarn 😂) but thankfully, KP has an awesome 1-year replacement policy. After the last one broke, I caved and finally upgraded to a Stanwood - I haven't looked back! I also have a perfectly functioning Stanwood swift, but gosh darn-it! Yours makes my Victorian goth heart sing! 🖤🦇 I may need to treat myself 🙈 Also

[@sallythibodeaux7992]

I purchased this yarn ball winder after I saw it on one of your videos. I also bought a wooden swift that sits on the table or flat surface. I prefer this set over the plastic winder and umbrella swift but I’ll keep those as backup. Happy Crafting 🧶

[@noelleparris9451]

I have a plastic winder given to me by a friend. I'd love to purchase a swift at some point, it would be a great tool to have I'm sure.

[@ivymerritt7577]

I'd LOVE to get both of these lovely tools, but they are a bit outside of my price range right now. Some days I wonder if I can afford the YARN! 😂😂😂😂😂

[@churchofjean2641]

Love my yarn winder from KnitPicks. I get a lot of yarn donated that are half-skeins, some tangles messes. I cake them up and them am ready to go. ps - Your "Room Service" hubby is a keeper. ;-)

[@JustMeandCrochet]

Hi Toni, I have a wooden swift and winder. With my first hank of yarn I didn't have anything to wind my yarn and it got tangled and was a big mess. I never got it untangle. It is so important to have the proper tool, it makes life so much better. Thank you for this wonderful video.

[@debsmith7439]

I have a tabletop swift and a yarn winder like the first one you showed. For large yarn, I make 2 skeins out of it.

[@PixelRenaissance]

The way I literally gasped with my mouth agape whenever you showed how quiet that winder is.

[@marugochan131]

I bought a Knit pro yarn winder and swift at a big Yarn and fabric fair in my town at the beginning of the month. The swift is a used one and the previous owner said to be careful with it, so so far I've only used my yarn winder with leftover yarn to get used to the winder before using it on the skeins/hanks of yarn I got at the fair. Plus I don't want to "accidentally" start another project because the yarn I winded into a yarn cake is too pretty not to start something (when I have already two projects going on).

[@madabbafan]

I remember when my gran was winding yarn. Her way was to pick on someone and tell them 'arms out' so she could use them to bold the yarn while she wound it up.

[@alicemarchetti4340]

Winding yarn with those tools seems so fun and relaxing and I'd love to try, but unfortunately even the cheaper ones are a bit too pricey for me right now, maybe one day🤗

[@spicesfunny]

I don't have a swift yet but I do have a winder. I found a trick of putting a toilet paper tube over the part that you wind onto so you can make larger cakes if you have the smaller winder, like me.

[@kmhealed]

I have the knitpicks winder and it’s great for my use. But oh I’d be tempted to get one like yours if I needed it more! I went Uber cheap on my swift, buying a plastic and metal one. It works just fine but I wish I’d spent more and got a nice one.

[@firemoonlily]

I’ve only made one cake so far, using a really long flashlight like a distaff for the center, and having my husband hold the skein. My father-in-law was very confused by the sight XD

[@Kimberly_Knit4Brains]

My hubbys life changed for the better when I got my ball winder! Before that, he would outstretch his arms and hang his head in shame, it wa s ALWAYS a hot mess of knots and swear words! PS he was watching this video with me and says, "Thank you. " And now he is off making ME some bacon!! XX Kim

[@pattypage6723]

Man I have bern wrestling with my swift!! Have been trying to put it on tge open swift and yarn falling off… ugly mess. Will try the closed method you used and hopefully I get better st this soon. Absolutely love the ball winder from fiber arts!!! Bought it after I saw you demo it. Thanks Toni❤️!

[@pipeliner4029]

Your husband and you are adorable together! 😂

[@terrichristensen9586]

I just bought a very simple yarn winder from Loops & Threads. It makes multiple small cakes from 1 full-size skein.

[@tiffanyhunsicker6789]

Just bought one like you used to have. I have been using a toilet paper roll to wind my cakes, it is very trying and tiryng, lol!

[@judysangregorio2787]

Great video! Yes I’ve used a ball winder and swift but I like the tips you’ve mentioned! Thanks! 💜❤️💕🧶

[@luminalsaturn2]

I am in envy of your wooden ball-winder… I have an el-cheapo plastic winder. I can’t wind my thinner handspun on it, because it kicks like a donkey and likes to break said thinner yarn! I use a nostepinne for those ones. Is very tedious though lol

[@Jassyt9008]

Thank you so much for this video! I've been toying with the idea of investing in a yarn winder, I'm just nervous about which one to get! I haven't bought any yarn hanks yet, so I probably won't invest in a swift, but using the skeins I purchase from Michael's and JoAnn is always a hassle to find the center thread and I get tangled up in there like a damn cat! Lol

[@kristalpower292]

Thanks for this. Most yarns I have brought have been in cakes or balls I can pull from the centre. I have a yarn winder for left overs. I have just started sock knitting and most of the yarn for that comes in yanks.

[@kenpatton8761]

Toni I just adore your videos, you are so easy to watch and follow and I always leave with a smile - Thank you! I purchased the same winder after your earlier recommendations (Christmas gift list, I think?) and I have been having lots of trouble with it. I am going to contact the company to find out if I am doing something wrong, but it just seems not to work well with fingering yarns I frequently use. Found out several local yarn shops had the same issues with fingering weight on this winder. I'd love to know if you have any suggestions?

[@ticketNo713]

I used to wind my yarn by hand. Girl I will never go back EVER. my carpal tunnel would scream after, and the winder is way more fun.