If you’re an avid knitter, weaving enthusiast, or macramé lover, you know that mastering the skill of winding yarn is essential to your craft. But what do you do when a swift isn’t available? Don’t worry—you don’t need fancy tools and expensive equipment to wind neatly skeined yarn!
In this article, we’ll show you how to wind yarn without a swift using simple DIY methods and household objects. With these tips in hand, the art of winding your own yarn has never been easier!
What Can I Use if I Don’t Have a Swift?
If you don’t have a yarn swift, there are a few different methods that you can use to wind your yarn. The easiest and most accessible option is to place the hank of yarn on the back of a chair or around your arms. The downside Have a Niddy Noddy? of this method is that it can cause the yarn to become stretched or tangled.
Another option is to use a niddy noddy. A niddy noddy is an L-shaped tool that helps you wind your yarn into an even skein of yarn while keeping its shape intact. With a niddy noddy, you simply wrap the yarn around the tool several times and then slide it off. The niddy noddy will help you measure the length of yarn in your skein and will help make sure that the yarn is evenly wound.
Finally, if you don’t have a swift or a niddy noddy, you can wind your yarn manually by holding it between your hands and turning it in a circle. This can take some practice and it isn’t the most efficient way to wind your yarn, but if you don’t have access to either of the other tools, this is a great option.
13 Ways How to Wind Yarn without a Swift
1. The Over-the-Chair Method
This method is great for small balls of yarn or if you’re working with a particularly slippery yarn. Simply drape the yarn over the back of a chair and then wind it into a ball by hand. You can also use this method to wind multiple skeins of yarn at the same time. If you’re using multiple skeins of yarn, it’s best to use a chair with a wide back so that you have plenty of room for all the yarn.
2. The Under-the-Arm Method
This method is similar to the over-the-chair method, but instead of draping the yarn over the back of a chair, you drape it under your arm. This can be a bit more challenging, but it’s still doable with practice. To use this method, start by draping the yarn over your shoulder.
Then take the end of the yarn and wrap it around your arm until it is taut. This will help keep the yarn in place. Once you’ve wrapped it around your arm, start winding the yarn into a ball. As you wind, keep your arm close to your body and make sure the yarn is tight. When you have wound up most of the skein, take the end of the yarn from your arm and tie it off to secure it.
3. The Around-the-Waist Method
This method is great for larger balls of yarn. Simply wrap the yarn around your waist a few times, and then wind it into a ball by hand. You may need someone to help you hold onto the end of the yarn while you’re winding it. This method is great for when you have a lot of yarn to wind, and it’s easy to control the tension as you are winding.
4. The Backpack Method
This method is similar to the around-the-waist method, but instead of wrapping the yarn around your waist, you wrap it around a backpack or other bag. This can be helpful if you don’t have someone to help you hold onto the end of the yarn.
5. The Thigh Method
This method is great for larger balls of yarn or if you’re working with a particularly slippery yarn. Simply drape the yarn over your thigh and then wind it into a ball by hand. You can also use this method to wind multiple skeins of yarn at the same time.
6. The Neck Method
This method is similar to the thigh method, but instead of draping the yarn over your thigh, you drape it over your neck. This can be a bit more challenging, but it’s still doable with practice.
To use this method, drape the yarn over your shoulder with the ball in the back. Wrap the yarn around your neck twice so that it creates an X-shape at the front. Pull one end of the yarn up and over your shoulder so that it creates a loop.
7. The Crochet Hook Method
This method is great for small balls of yarn or if you’re working with a particularly slippery yarn. Simply insert a crochet hook into one end of the skein of yarn, and then use the hook to wind the yarn into a ball by hand. You can also use this method to wind multiple skeins of yarn at the same time.
8. The Yarn Bowl Method
This method is great for larger balls of yarn or if you’re working with multiple skeins of yarn at once. Simply place your skeins of yarn into a bowl or other container, and then wind them into balls by hand. This method can help keep your yarn from becoming tangled or stretched.
9. Using a Doorknob
Another option is to wind the yarn around a door knob. Start by draping the yarn over the knob, and then start winding it around. You can also use a doorknob to wind yarn into a hank, which is helpful if you’re planning on dyeing it later on.
Once you get the desired number of wraps, simply tie off the end and cut it. This method is just as effective as a swift or ball winder and can be used if you don’t have either of those items.
10. Using a Stair Banister
If you have a staircase with a banister, you can use that to wind your yarn. Just drape the yarn over the banister and then start winding it around. You can also use this method to wind yarn into a hank. To do this, tie four sections of a hank together and then drape the yarn over the banister.
Slowly start to spin it around while keeping the four sections tied together. This will help to keep your yarn from becoming tangled or knotted while winding it around the banister. Once you reach the end of your yarn, you can use scissors to cut it and tie a knot.
11. Using a Paper Towel Tube
You can also use a paper towel tube to wind yarn without a swift. Just cut one end off of the tube and then put the yarn inside. Start winding it around the tube, and then slide it off when you’re finished.
This is a great option if you don’t want something bulky like a swift taking up space in your craft room. It may take a little longer to wind the yarn this way, but it’s a great option if you don’t want to invest in a swift. Plus, you can recycle your paper towel tube when you’re done.
12. Using Your Leg
If you don’t have any other objects that you can use, you can always wind the yarn around your leg. Start by putting the yarn over your foot, and then start winding it up your leg.
Once you get to your thigh, you can start winding it into a ball. This is a great way to wind yarn if you don’t have any other objects around, but it can be a bit tricky. Make sure that you are paying attention to the tension of the yarn and that you are winding it evenly around your leg.
13. Using a Hanger
You can also use a hanger to wind yarn without a swift. Just put the hook of the hanger through the center of the skein of yarn, and then start winding it around the rest of the hanger. This method can be helpful if you’re working with multiple skeins of yarn at the same time.
Now that you know how to wind yarn without a swift, it’s time to get creative and start winding! From small balls of lace weight to large skeins of bulky yarn, these methods will ensure that you have the perfect ball of yarn every time. Happy winding!
You Can Check It Out To Crochet a Worry Worm
Conclusion
Now that you know how to wind yarn without a swift, put your new skills to the test! If you find that this method doesn’t work for you, don’t be discouraged – there are plenty of other ways to wind your yarn. With a little practice, you’ll be able to find the method that works best for you.
While there are many gadgets that can make knitting and crocheting easier, it’s still possible to wind yarn without any special tools. All you need is a little time and patience. Give it a try the next time you’re looking for a project to work on!
You Can Check It Out to Knit a Bow
