Is this ball winder for yarn worth it? A trusted brand by many crocheters me included! These handy tools keep you yarn in neat and tidy yarn cakes. Read my review of the Stanwood yarn ball winders.
Known for sturdy build quality, ease of use, and versatility. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the features, benefits, and drawbacks of the Stanwood Yarn Winder to help you decide if it’s the right tool for your crafting needs.

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For Those In A Hurry
- Best Heavy Duty – Stanwood Needlecraft Heavy Duty Winder
- Best Over All – Stanwood Needlecraft Compact Yarn Ball Winder
Table Of Contents
- 7oz Yarn Ball Winder
- Stanwood Needlecraft Heavy Duty Winder
- Stanwood Needlecraft Compact 4oz Yarn Ball Winder
- YBW -B Winder
7oz Winder YBW-M – Stanwood’s New Products

A new model joins the range of Standwood Yarn Winders. The YBW-M, has the capability of producing center pull balls that can hold approximately 7 oz of yarn.
It is easily attached to the edges of tables, chairs, benches, or any other suitable surface via its clamp-on base.
The maximum thickness of the surface that it can securely attach to is about 1 3/4″. This winder falls in between their popular 10-ounce model their budget-friendly 4-ounce model in terms of size and capacity.
Pros
- Easy to use: Comes fully assembled. It can be quickly and easily attached to the edge of a table or other surface, and it can be operated with minimal effort.
- Versatile: It can wind a variety of yarn types and weights, making it a versatile tool for knitters and crocheters. It can produce center pull cakes, which are convenient to use and help prevent tangling.
- Durable: Built to last, with sturdy construction and quality materials. It is designed to withstand regular use over time and is a reliable investment for avid crafters.
- Space-saving: Compact and can be easily stored when not in use. It takes up minimal space, making it ideal for those with limited workspace.
- Compatible with other devices: Recommended to use the winder with a umbrella yarn swift
- Capacity: Can hold approximately 7 oz of yarn, making it suitable for medium-sized projects. Its capacity falls between Stanwood Needlecraft’s 4-ounce and 10-ounce models, providing a range of options for different project sizes.
Cons
- Capacity: The YBW-M can hold approximately 7 oz of yarn, making it suitable for medium-sized projects. Its capacity falls between Stanwood Needlecraft’s 4-ounce and 10-ounce models, providing a range of options for different project sizes.
- May not be suitable for large projects: Has a capacity of approximately 7 oz of yarn, which may not be enough for larger projects. For those who frequently work on larger projects, a higher-capacity winder like the 10oz may be more suitable.
- Manual operation: It’s manually operated, which means that it requires some effort and attention to use. This may not be ideal for those with physical limitations or those who prefer automated tools.
- Price: While the YBW-M is not the most expensive yarn winder on the market, it is not the cheapest either. Its price point may be a barrier for some crafters who are on a tight budget.
Stanwood Needlecraft Heavy Duty 10oz Winder

This is the most popular model of Stanwood Needlecraft products. It’s designed for heavy-duty use, or when you have lots of yarn to wind. It winds up to 10 ounces of yarn. 2x more than their smaller models.
Features
- Creates center pull yarn cakes
- For serious use
- Spare bobbins are available
- Rust-resistant steel
- No tools required
- Designed in the USA
- Made in China
Pros
- Fair manufacturers’ guarantee and return policy
- High-quality construction and materials
- Lasts for years
- Ease of set up
- The gears are protected. No yarn snagging
- Fast shipping
- Smooth crank
Cons
- Need a large area, even in storage
- Expensive shipping for international addresses
Stanwood Needlecraft Compact Yarn Ball Winder YBW-A

Their smaller model is less popular but excellent. Suitable for those with wrist strain as it’s effortless to crank. The gears are protected, unlike other brands of yarn ball winders. Want to use it with a swift? Use an Umbrella or Amish style.
Features
- Great for smaller balls
- Wind up to 4 oz of wool yarn
- Creates center pull cakes
- Clamps to a surface – max depth 1 3/4″.
- Manufacturer’s guarantee
- Fair return policy
- Spare bobbins are available
- Designed in the US
- Made in China
Pros
- A smooth, even crank
- The yarn hardly ever snags
- Ease of setup
- Speedy delivery
Cons
- You may need to split larger hanks into two or three.
- Expensive international shipping
Stanwood Needlecraft Compact Yarn Winder (YBW-B)

t winds the same amount of yarn, 4 oz, but the surface thickness it clamp to is 1 1/2″, so less than the YBW-A model. Want to use it with a yarn swift? Try an Amish or umbrella-style swift.
Features
- A dial on the base of the yarn winder for tightening the clamp
- Makes wound center pull yarn cakes
- Quality metal gears are protected
- Company based in the US
- Manufactured in China
Pros
- Easy storage and set up
- Small and compact
- Doesn’t damage the surface
- Metal yarn arm is sturdy
- Economical
- High-quality manufacturing
- Excellent return policy and manufacturers’ guarantee
- Spare bobbins are available
- Quick shipping
- Can sometimes find this item on sale
Cons
- It’s difficult to find a suitable surface
- Shipping orders internationally is pricey
FAQs About Stanwood Winders
What Is The Difference Between Model YBW-A and Model YBW-B?
There are three main differences: YBW-A has a larger clamp capacity, YBW-A is quieter and has a smoother pull, and YBW-B is smaller.
What Are The Stanwood Needlecraft Gears Made Of?
The gears of the Standwood Needlecraft Large are reinforced nylon.
Can The Heavy Duty Winder Be Used To Wind Smaller Balls?
Yes, it wind yarn balls up to 10 ounces.
Conclusion
Designed and manufactured with a quality lasting years. I’d love to hear your thoughts on Stanwood needlecraft yarn ball winders. Let me know in the comments.
See my review of the best yarn swift and ball winder combo.
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Do I need to wax the gears? What am I doing wrong for the arm piece to come off while winding?
Hi Susan. No need to wax the gears. Hook the yarn guide behind the Phillip screw in the bottom plate so it doesn’t move. Place the washer on the wingnut screw, then the wingnut and tighten it.
Cheers Jodie