In this article I´ll list the Best Ball Winders for Every Budget. Winding yarn from skeins into cakes is a crucial step for many knitters and crocheters, especially if you’re working with certain yarn brands. If you’re new to using a ball winder, you might be wondering if they all perform the same. The simple answer? Definitely not.
When choosing a ball winder, keep these three factors in mind:
- Budget
- Quality
- Stability
Ball winders vary widely in price and quality, from basic models starting at around $22.99 to high-end, professional winders that can exceed $400.
In this guide, I’ll share my top picks for the best ball winders in every price range.
List of contents:
Best Budget-Friendly Ball Winder for Beginners
Swift Table Top Hand Operated Winder
Knit Picks Ball Winder
Best Quality Ball Winders for Crafters
Stanwood Needlecraft Ball Winder
The Handcrafted, Artisan-Made Ball Winder
Hind Handicrafts Handcrafted Wooden Yarn Ball Winder
Electric and automatic Yarn winders
Etcokei Automatic Ball Winder
Knitline Automatic Yarn Ball Wool Winder with Tension Controller
Yarn winder or roller Basics Best Ball Winders for Every Budget
Why a Good Ball Winder Matters
You don’t need to break the bank, but a well-made ball winder is essential for avoiding a tangled mess of your yarn. Also it would take less time to wind each yarn ball with a more quality Yarn winder.
What is a yarn ball winder for?
A yarn ball winder is a handy tool used by knitters and crocheters to transform skeins or hanks of yarn into neat, compact balls or cakes. These cakes of yarn are easier to work with because they don’t tangle as easily and allow the yarn to be pulled smoothly from the center, making your crafting process more efficient and enjoyable.
What is the difference between a swift and a winder?
A yarn swift and a yarn ball winder are two different tools that work together to help you transform hanks or skeins of yarn into neat, usable balls or cakes.
While you can use each tool independently (you can manually hold the yarn while using the winder, or wind the yarn by hand off the swift), using them together is much more efficient and helps prevent tangles and uneven winding.
Do you need a yarn umbrella?
A “yarn umbrella” is another name for a yarn swift, so whether or not you “need” one depends on how often you work with hanks of yarn and how much convenience matters to you.
A yarn swift isn’t strictly necessary, but it’s a very useful tool if you regularly work with hanks of yarn or if you want to make the winding process smoother and faster.
Best Budget-Friendly Ball Winder for Beginners
Swift Table Top Hand Operated Winder
“This is my go-to yarn winder and it always worked well but the yarn seems to tangle under the base so you need to go slow to make the perfect cakes. Also the spindle is not that great as it moves around while you are spinning and sometimes you have to hold it with your hands.”
If you’re on a budget, it’s important to note that cheaper ball winders often come with trade-offs. Some models as low as $15 are available on sites like Amazon, but you generally get what you pay for.
These lower-cost options usually have flimsy clamps that don’t stay put, leading to a frustrating experience and possibly a big mess of yarn.
Knit Picks Ball Winder
Easily winds up to 100g or 3.5 ounces of yarn, from lace and fingering weights to worsted and bulky weights
Attaches to any table edge or surface up to 1-1/2″ thick. Removable spindle and folding yarn guide arm make for compact storage while still allowing quick and easy assembly
“The only thing this wouldn’t be able to wind is a giant bulky – like something you’d use to make those huge blankets, etc. Other than that – this works EXTREMELY WELL, it was super easy and quick to assemble, and now I’m pretty much winding everything in the house.”
My top pick for a budget-friendly beginner’s winder is the Knit Picks ball winder. It’s simple, well-made, and perfect for caking up average-sized skeins of yarn. While it’s a great starter option, you might eventually want to upgrade to a more durable model.
Best Quality Ball Winders for Crafters
Stanwood Needlecraft Ball Winder
“It can fit even the bulkiest yarns into a single cake, it runs smooth, and it saves time and frustration. It’s very sturdy and you can tell it’s not a plastic toy or something that’s going to fall apart quickly. It wasn’t difficult to set up either!”
Our favorite for chunky yarns is the Stanwood Needlecraft Ball Winder. This sturdy winder can handle any skein you throw at it. It’s easy to set up and break down, and it’s built to last. With proper care, this winder will be a long-term investment in your fiber art tools.
The Handcrafted, Artisan-Made Ball Winder
“Like the wooden yarn swift, this yarn ball winder / maker works very well and does not need the clamp to hold it steady. The craftsmanship in the construction aids in creating the perfect ball of yarn regardless of whether it is lace weight or chunky. It is well worth the cost as compared to the other plastic models! “
This beautifully handcrafted winder combines quality and functionality, making it a reliable tool for winding large quantities of yarn.
With its sturdy construction, this winder ensures durability and makes winding yarn into neat, center-pull cakes a breeze. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting out, this winder simplifies your yarn preparation, making your projects more enjoyable.
Hind Handicrafts Handcrafted Wooden Yarn Ball Winder
“This winder makes really nice cakes in no time, with minimal effort. The cakes come out like they are supposed to. Just enough tension to hold their shape without stretching the yarn and damaging the fibers. I love it and will be using it and showing it off to everyone. Seems sturdy and made to last.”
Our top pick for a wood winder is the Hind Handicrafts Handcrafted Wooden Yarn Ball Winder. Made from wood and metal. It’s efficient, and can handle just about any skein of yarn.
Electric and automatic Yarn winders Best Ball Winders for Every Budget
Etcokei Automatic Ball Winder
Pros:
Easy to assemble and operate
The clamp can go pretty wide meaning you will likely have somewhere you can use it in your house
Come with all tools needed for assembly
It winds FAST
The plastic is lightweight but durable
Cons:
The power button can be a little finicky. On mine, if I turn it all the way up it slows down, it has to be stopped at the right spot.
The spring on the guide needs more tension on it, the ball is bigger and slightly more delicate than it needs to be. If the yarn is not be fed straight up into the guide, the yarn will pop out.
The final ball is more “football” than “cake”. If you want your ball to sit flat you will be disappointed.
Even knowing the cons, I would buy the product again. The issues don’t outweigh the saved time and price point for me.
It effortlessly winds up to 100 grams or 10 ounces of yarn, from delicate lace to bulky weight, it can handle it all.
Size: W11.2″*D5.9″*H12.8″ (W28.5cm *D15cm*H32.5cm)
Knitline Automatic Yarn Ball Wool Winder with Tension Controller
“This didn’t really work well straight out of the box. I got misaligned balls of yarn and tangles inside of the ones that even made it through the process without breaking the skein in bits.”
For those with a bigger budget consider a professional electric yarn ball winder, With a quiet mechanical sound of 50db, you can use it comfortably at home or in places sensitive to noise.
Rotation Motor and Tension Regulator are Attached!- With a tension controller and a rotary motor running at 450 rpm, you can wind the thread simply and quickly.
Caring for Your Ball Winder
No matter which ball winder you choose, take good care of it. Avoid dropping or bumping it, as even a slight misalignment can affect its performance. My first ball winder was a decent, affordable option, but one drop rendered it useless—it started caking yarn into an egg shape, creating a nightmare to work from. Learn from my mistake and handle your winder with care.
NOTE: These images may contain affiliate links to products I enjoy using. Should you choose to use these links, this blog may earn affiliate commissions at no additional cost to you. I really appreciate your support!
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Hi! I’m Fabiana, a crochet and knitwear designer with a passion for creating beautiful, functional pieces. I love experimenting with textures, colors, and patterns to craft everything from cozy sweaters to crochet swimsuit. On my YouTube channel, I share tutorials, tips, and behind-the-scenes looks at my design process. Crochet and knitting are more than hobbies—they’re my way of life.
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