Knit Picks Yarn Winder – Recommended Ball Winder For Crochet and Knitting

By Jodie Morgan

| Updated:

| Published:

Knit Picks is loved by crocheters and knitters worldwide. Judging from the quality of their products and service, their wool winder is no exception. Is it worth your money? I discuss the good and bad, plus how to use it.

DIfferent colored heathered yarns on a wooden shelf.

Note: If you click a link on this page and make a purchase, I may receive a commission, but at no extra cost to you. Learn More.

Don't Know What To Crochet Next?

I’ve got just the thing! Subscribe for hand-selected pieces of crochet-worthy inspiration every Time-Saving Thursday.

I reviewed, fact checked and updated this post on April 28, 2023

Table Of Contents

Designed by the yarn company Knit Picks (owned by Crafts Americana Group), it’s a helpful tool to make it easier for crocheters to keep their yarn neat and tidy and comfortable to work with. It winds hanks, skeins, and other ways threads come to handy center pull cakes, which are very easy to work with. It saves you time, is convenient, and it’s straightforward to use.

Knit Picks Yarn Ball Winder

Knit Picks Yarn Winder attached on a wooden table

A quality, no-nonsense yarn winder that winds quietly, efficiently, and built to last, it’s hard to believe it does all those things due to the price! Despite being more affordable, it does all of these things and more, making it a worthwhile purchase. It’s small and great for those who only do a little bit of winding.



Works equally well in tandem with or without a yarn swift, though having the said item certainly makes the process much more comfortable! This the only yarn winder available from Knit Picks. If you’re looking for a jumbo or heavy-duty version, you’ll have to choose another company to buy from.

Knit Picks Exclusives winding tools come in kits where you can purchase the Knit Picks Ball winder and swift. An excellent idea when they are on sale at certain times of the year.

Note: When it arrives, the metal yarn guide arm will be folded against the yarn winder. To start winding correctly, you need to move it and place it opposite the crank.

Features

  • A compact yarn winder, perfect for those with limited space
  • Able to wind up to 3 ounces of yarn or 100 grams
  • Ideal for those on a budget, low price
  • Manufacturer’s guarantee
  • Instructions included in the box, easy and simple to understand
  • Despite being made of plastic, it’s very high quality and made of durable materials
  • Able to attach to the edge of a table
  • Free shipping for orders over $65 USD so be sure to treat yourself to some extra goodies from their latest catalog

Pros



  • Easy to set up, comes almost completely assembled.
  • Fair and simple return policy
  • Fast shipping, and ships worldwide
  • Stores very easily
  • Portable and lightweight, great for those who travel

Cons

  • Smaller yarn winding capacity than most other yarn winders.
  • Not suitable for larger skeins/hanks, you will most likely need to cut them in half first
  • Sometimes the gears may fail, but this rarely happens, and replacing the widener is very easy.
  • Due to their popularity these items are sometimes out of stock

How Do You Use A Knit Picks Yarn Winder?

Here is a list of steps on how to use this tool:

  • First, set up your yarn winder on the surface you’re going to use it on. Place a cloth down first if you’re worried about it marking the tabletop. Clamp it down, and tighten the screw to secure.
  • Make sure there’s enough empty space for your swift to sit if you’re using one. If not, make sure there’s space for your yarn to the left of the winder.
  • Set up the machine and make sure everything is positioned correctly.
  • Feed the end of the yarn through the metal guide arm
  • Then place the same end in the notch at the top of the bobbin
  • Crank the handle slowly, to make sure everything is working, and it’s winding smoothly
  • As you continue cranking, you can increase the speed slightly, you can use your other hand to control the tension if you need to. It also helps you find knots and tangles in the yarn.
  • Keep turning the handle until you’re nearly at the end.
  • Tuck the end of the yarn into the yarn cake, and ease it off the winder.
  • Tada, you’re done!

Conclusion

There you go. Hopefully, you better understand whether the knit picks yarn winder is right for you. Happy winding, and may you spend more time crocheting and have a tidier yarn stash!

Do you have experience in this machine, or are you considering purchasing it? Let me know what you think, I’d be interested to hear your thoughts.



Pin Now Save For Later

Knit Picks Yarn Winder Pin

About The Author

Jodie Morgan From Crochet Penguin

Jodie Morgan (Author & Founder)

[email protected] | Lives In: Regional Australia

Author: Jodie Morgan is a passionate crocheter and blogger with 17+ years of experience currently living in regional Australia. Taught by her mother, she fell in love with crocheting after her first child was born. When she’s not crocheting, you’ll find her enjoying a cup of coffee with cream, or sharing helpful resources and tips with the online crochet community. Please say hello, or see what she's making on socials.

Crunchbase | Flickr | LinkedIn | MuckRack | Ravelry | Substack | Twitter

Don't Know What To Crochet Next?

I’ve got just the thing! Subscribe for hand-selected pieces of crochet-worthy inspiration every Time-Saving Thursday.

Leave a Comment