Best weaving & spinning supplies according to redditors
We found 107 Reddit comments discussing the best weaving & spinning supplies. We ranked the 45 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 107 Reddit comments discussing the best weaving & spinning supplies. We ranked the 45 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
FYI, I've had this one for more than a year, and it's held up like a champ. I got it for $15. It's now $10.
I have this one and this one and they're pretty amazing. Worth it to me for perfect pom poms every time, and they're not expensive
I actually got it at my LYS. It came in a generic white box that says wool winder without a particular brand stated. I am pretty sure they sell the same/similar winders on amazon, though.
Here is a link to one I found on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00R7GGTCI/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1502738012&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=wool+winder&dpPl=1&dpID=41ep3AiS-tL&ref=plSrch
Buy some split loom off Amazon. We bought 100 ft of it for super cheap. You can get different sizes depending on how thick the cable you need to wrap is. I think we got 1/4 inch? I don't remember, but it cured our chompy cat of chewing on cords.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PLY92TA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_f.fmzbG9GRWRF
Yarn Swift. There's two kinds: an Umbrella swift, and an Amish swift. The ubmrella swift has a mechanism that "opens up" like an umbrella, and holds your hank in a loop. They usually attach to a surface like a countertop or tabletop. The Amish swift doesn't attach to a counter or table, but rests upon it, and has little "arms" that holds your hank in an open loop. You stick your hank on the swift, then cut the ties (don't cut the ties before it's on the swift, that's asking for trouble), then use a ball winder or your hands to form your ball/cake/whatever.
As long as you cut the ties AFTER the yarn is on the swift, you should have a relatively easy time. Though, that assumes that the dyer/manufacturer of the hank didn't screw it up when dyeing and or tying the hank. But if the dyer/manufacturer screwed up, there's not much you can do about that, swift or no swift.
I get mine to look like that using this:
https://www.amazon.ca/Housweety-fiber-string-Winder-Hand-operated/dp/B00DORAE9I/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1523916415&sr=8-3&keywords=yarn+winder
It's especially handy for when yarns don't come with a centre pull! Neat little yarn cakes every time!
Knitpicks https://www.amazon.com/Knit-Picks-Yarn-Ball-Winder/dp/B00O3GHFA0/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1549167430&sr=8-1-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=knitpicks+yarn+winder&psc=1#
Make sure to get one that can handle large quantities if your skeins run higher than 300-400 yards or you've got a lot of bulky yarn.
I've got one similar to this and I love it.
When buying from Amazon, the first pens that come to mind would be the Zhigao pens. This and this are apparently the "better" Zhigao pens. These are quite heavy (probably too heavy for you if this will be your first pen mod), in about the same weight class as the Dr. KT. You could also try finding any pens from the SpinZ line but they are rather low-quality.
Generally, the pens on Amazon aren't good for beginners. If you can buy from other websites, www.penwish.com has pens in your price range, albeit they are rather light (RSVP MX, ballsign, etc)
Penwish also sells mod parts so you can put together your own mod and give it a weight you feel comfortable with.
EDIT: If the description of this item is to be believed, then this Zhigao pen is better-suited for beginners
It’s actually sold by Knit Picks through Amazon, just FYI, but good to know anyway!. Knit Picks Yarn Ball Winder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O3GHFA0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_75X3Cb6KH6JBT
Do you have a swift too? I find most of my frustration comes from dealing with the hanks without the swift.
That said, I have a winder off amazon that I really like.
(High Speed) LAMXD Needlecraft Large Jumbo Metal Yarn/Wool/String/Fiber Ball Winder Hand Operated,10-Ounce,with Thread Cutter Scissors https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D54LTXG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_CuIJDbS9ACSZT
The pattern is here. The print out doesn't say much on it, but the youtube video it links to is excellent and really easy to follow.
You'll need a hairpin lace loom. I used this one.
Buy a spinning pen and teach yourself how to do this. You'll undoubtedly be a hit with members of your preferred gender. Oh, you need a bit of help? Some lessons maybe? Here you go!
Non-mobile: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004BP21H0
^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble.
Her colors are gorgeous! I’ve loved everything I’ve gotten from her so far!
I got the set off amazon. It seems pretty good but these are the only two I’ve done so far. Yarn Ball Winder and Yarn Umbrella Swift (with Skein Holder) Basic Combo Set
You can make flat panels/scarves and such on a round loom. All you do is not knit in the round, you would knit to the last peg and instead of connecting it to the first peg you would turn and knit back the opposite way.
Most of the people I know start with a set like this: https://www.amazon.com/Darice-Plastic-Knitting-11-inch-9-inch/dp/B001GAHFHY/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1541170279&sr=8-10&keywords=loom+knitting
That way you can make different size items more easily since it comes with different sized looms. I use the smallest to make socks/slippers and the largest to make panels for blankets. I started with a set like that, then bought some long rectangular looms, and also an infinity/afghan loom. I think the circle ones are a good starting point for people just getting into this. Double knitting with the rectangle looms is good for when you want something thicker and warmer, but you could also achieve that by using a thicker/chunkier yarn on a round loom.
Loomahat.com has a load of tutorials for casting on, using different stitches, fixing mistakes, and finishing a project. She also has a youtube channel with easy to follow guides.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions, I've been doing loom knitting for a decade now lol.
U-nitt Red Handle Metal Jumbo Large Yarn/Wool/String/Fiber Ball Winder Hand Operated 10 oz ML702 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JMO8A10/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_KlwWBbHQ8QYBC
I've had this for years and its served me well! Its large and a bit clunky, and a little loud, but maybe I like it so much bc I can relate to it hahahaha. Seriously though, it really works well and its built solidly.
There are also cheaper versions but I like the extra arm on this one, it helps keep the cakes spooling correctly.
i used this tutorial for the scarves and a knitting loom like these for the hats. i used lion brand hometown USA for the yarn on all of them, they are easy to find for about $3 a skein from walmart. Hope this helps 😁
Not certain but it could be used for weaving bobbins; https://www.amazon.com/Glimakra-Swedish-Bobbin-Winder-Quills/dp/B00HB8ROIU
My daughter is that age and also loves to finger knit. She has the best luck (and the end product looks the nicest) with worsted or aran weight wool. Bulky is a little too much for her little fingers and the fingering/sport weight ends up looking like mesh.
My daughter regularly uses up the ends of my knitting cakes that are in colors she likes. She even stole one full hank of bright pinky-orange yarn. I would grab a yarn ball or two in colors that she likes. Check out Michaels or JoAnn's shops near you, both are having pretty big sales at the moment.
You may even consider something like a Zippy loom or a circular loom. Both work similarly to the finger knitting, so she should pick it up pretty quickly to make full size scarves and hats!
I have owned two yarn winders before finding my true love. The first was from Knit Picks, it broke after seriously 3 balls. Knit Picks was pretty reasonable and gave me a full amount store credit. The second was some cheap-o off Amazon, which ended up teaching me about exposed gears eating yarn. Yeah, expensive LYS hanks got eaten. I cried and died a little on the inside. The Knitters Pride is amazing! Smooth turning, so far has lasted through rewinding all my stash plus it makes really even cakes.
For a swift I own Knit Picks it has lasted without issues.
Also, I travel a lot which means limited room for yarn/goodies so owning a winder helps me manage packing yarn up better for travel. Plus, once caked I can store more yarn at home too.
(Edit: To suggest winders are worth every penny)
I like using unbrella swifts, but that's because it's the only one I've ever used. I also don't own any (my LYS has one and lets customers use it anytime), but if I did I'd own this ball winder (Nancy's Knit Knacks Heavy Duty Ball Winder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0039ZGFWU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_tFhVzbYVQBQBG) and a regular unbrella swift.
someday I'll be able to drop insane amounts of money on my hobbies
A ball winder and swift is the best investment I’ve made! Especially now that I buy lots of hanks. Here is the ball winder I have and here is the swift I use.
You can watch any YouTube video for instructions, but a very important tip. Never cut the ties before you put the hank on the swift!! Good luck!
This is the one I got for my birthday that works really well if you need it. But hopefully that isn’t the case.
https://www.amazon.com/Yarn-Ball-Winder-Craft-Destiny/dp/B07FNZ4TQ9/ref=asc_df_B07FNZ4TQ9/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242046133612&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=415934909828121041&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9006755&hvtargid=pla-573031031202&psc=1
Thanks! I used the Susan bates one..I bought it from amazon. It cost around $7. Here is the link http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004BP21H0
https://www.amazon.com/Cutehill-Umbrella-Operated-Knitting-Winding/dp/B00VGD39O4/ref=sr_1_21?crid=33CD1EDMFGHG9&keywords=yarn+swift&qid=1574363859&s=arts-crafts&sprefix=Yarn+sw%2Carts-crafts%2C155&sr=1-21
Best $10 I ever spent. I've had it a couple years and she still works great
I bet! Mine looks similar to this and makes little center pull cakes you can stack.
Marrywindix Bobbin Winder Yarn Winder Table Clasp, Hand Operated Manual Wool Winder Holder for Swift Yarn Fiber Ball https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R7GGTCI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_xnjvDbN7GP0VX
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JMO8A10/?tag=sewingdeals1-20 this one is on my wishlist, and came recommended by a few fiber arts sites I frequent, but I haven't actually used it yet.
I just got this about 2 months ago. It's not fantastic, but it wound a whole Rubbermaid tote packed full of tangled and partial skein of yarn into nice little easily stored cakes without a problem. It's cheaply made, but gets the job done.
http://www.amazon.com/Housweety-fiber-string-Winder-Hand-operated/dp/B00DORAE9I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1394586394&sr=8-2&keywords=yarn+winder
I bought a pompom maker on Amazon. It's super easy to use. You just pick out your yarns and wrap them around this little contraption and then you cut it around the edge and tie it together.... Sounds a little complex but it's quick to pick up!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N4BKCC5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_5L6ODbA9T0FNY
Hi! Thanks! I use this It’s $19.99 on Amazon, very affordable. It’s nice to have the right tools.
alternatively, there's some cheap yarn swifts on amazon - I bought this one https://www.amazon.com/Cutehill-Umbrella-Operated-Knitting-Winding/dp/B00VGD39O4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1539610044&sr=8-2&keywords=yarn+swift . Its definitely not the greatest swift in the world but it does the job surprisingly well
A swift is only necessary if you are winding hanks of yarn. I would be afraid the yarn would tangle without a swift if winding a hank. There's a relatively inexpensive swift on Amazon here: Umbrella Swift I have it and while no, it isn't as visually attractive as the nice wooden ones, it works very well and stores easily.
You can protect the electrical cords and your cat from electrocution with Split Loom Tubes. Check them out at Amazon:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PLY92TA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Many sizes are available.
I have a swift similar to this one: Amish Style Wooden Yarn Swift
It isn't the fanciest thing in the world, and generally I prefer using the upright ones, but it gets the job done, and it's really portable since it breaks down into individual straight pieces and can be kept in a bag.
As for a winder, I would *not* recommend this one or anything similar: Marrywindix Ball Winder
It's extremely unsteady, the yarn feeder needs to be held in place while you're using it, and yarn constantly slips and winds up wrapping around the top/bottom, and generally becoming a tangled mess.
To throw out one that is not great, just so you know what to avoid -
I went real cheap with this one from Amazon and while it technically works, it's really not a pleasant experience. The little wire piece that you run the yarn through before it goes onto the actual winder part just doesn't stay put. It's collapsible and likes to collapse midway through all the time. Basically have to hold it in place with one hand and crank the thing with the other.
EDIT: Apparently it was my own silly user error! I did not realize how firmly I need to pull it out, until it clicks a second time to lock it in place. I retract my previous statement. That cheap winder works just fine in light of this new information!
Thanks! I use the knitpicks ball winder. This one in particular! I do hold tension on my yarn while winding and I bent the metal holder to fit the large ball lol Knit Picks Yarn Ball Winder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O3GHFA0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_p.HPCb2F75KKG
I loom! And by that I mean I crochet/knit with a circle loom. Here's a little guide for stitches and getting started with looms. Personally, I make hats, scarves, and sometimes bracelets and anklets. You can get a cheap set of looms on Amazon and yarn isn't too expensive. Once you get the hang of it, it can actually be pretty addictive. I sold one of my work friends a scarf for $20, but mostly I just make gifts rather than selling them. I made myself several hats, and my siblings hats for their new born babies. :)
This one -> https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00O3GHFA0?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_title
He says he ordered it on Amazon...this is the model. Holy cow, it's high quality. It even came with tools and extra parts.
I always put yarn like that on this to wind it into a ball:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00VGD39O4/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1526908602&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=yarn+winder&dpPl=1&dpID=5171tQEelnL&ref=plSrch
I recently purchased this one from amazon.
Thanks for answering. Is this beginner kit on amazon good for doing beanies?
https://www.amazon.com/Darice-Carryi-Round-Knitting-7-inch/dp/B001GAHFHY
Probably Knifty Knitters, which is hard to find now, but this one I got recently is a super nice quality. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GAHFHY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Came with lots of different sizes too!
I have the Knit Picks winder, which works wonders for me.
Recently got a swift and it's not the most amazing thing but it was $16 which is right in my price range! Here is the Amazon link.
I got this swift because another reddit user commented that they got it and it's worked for them for three years. Obviously because it's plastic and thin metal you need to be careful when using it and store it safely, but it fits right back in the box and I love it so far.
Is this the one?
https://www.amazon.com/Knit-Picks-Yarn-Ball-Winder/dp/B00O3GHFA0/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=knitpicks+yarn+winder&qid=1554558644&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1
I asked for a set of pom pom makers, a yarn winder, a nice-looking yarn tote, a set of blocking mats, and some awesome crochet books!
I have this one.
http://www.amazon.com/Vktech-String-Winder-Holder-Operated/dp/B00DKW9F6A/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1408078928&sr=8-2&keywords=yarn+winder Its under $18 US.
I love it. I when I am done with a ball of yarn and there is a space in the middle I just wind it into a ball again. It works so well. I have not had to deal with tangled yarn since.
https://www.amazon.com/Lavievert-Multi-Craft-Weaving-Hand-Knitting-Intellectual/dp/B07KPVGQM7/ref=sr_1_13_sspa?crid=3J9V52K5QU2C2&keywords=weaving+loom&qid=1566740717&s=arts-crafts&sprefix=Weaving+%2Caps%2C149&sr=1-13-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUE5TjJERjNGWTBERUkmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA2NzMyMDgzQUw3TDRQWlZOTjBEJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA5MzczMjcyOUVGRERJTU5GMUQ0JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfbXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
My first was a basic Michaels, $29.99 winder. It fell off the table, and some tiny connecting piece snapped on the inside.
What are your suggestions for my second winder?
EDIT: I was looking at this.
I don't know about specific brands, but I know the style where its angled is preferred (like this https://www.amazon.com/Vktech%C2%AE-String-Winder-Holder-Operated/dp/B00DKW9F6A ). The one's where its straight the the guide arm moves have a tendency to pop out of place.
Get a knitting loom! Like this!
https://www.amazon.com/Darice-1171-58-Round-Plastic-Knitting/dp/B001GAHFHY
That way you can set it down and don't have to worry about dropping stitches. It's really simple and relaxing :)
I got one yesterday! This one:
https://www.amazon.com/Knit-Picks-Yarn-Ball-Winder/dp/B00O3GHFA0
It's working fine for me so far :) There are picture of the cakes in the reviews
I just can't remember what it does not, its slightly bigger than a flush toilet. Could be used for weaving bobbins; https://www.amazon.com/Glimakra-Swedish-Bobbin-Winder-Quills/dp/B00HB8ROIU. i have a number below the counter top brewer.
I tried looking for the one I bought on amazon but it looks like they no longer sell it. But I did some searching and found two:
Knit Picks Yarn Ball Winder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O3GHFA0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_2WO5BbZCAERFF
Stanwood Needlecraft Large Metal Yarn/Fiber/Wool/String Ball Winder, 10-Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0078T6KQY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_5NO5BbBJGNRE5
The one complaint I have about mine (and I’m not sure there’s really a product that would do any better) is that sometimes when you’ve wound a big cake if you try to wind too much the whole thing will just fly off...so I wish it had some sort of cap that would keep it from doing that. But I mean as long as you slow down once it starts getting big it’s fine. I suppose it wouldn’t be too hard to come up with a quick fix at home, I just haven’t put any effort into that myself.
Good luck!!! 😀
Knit Picks Yarn Ball Winder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O3GHFA0?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I've used this pretty frequently and it's amazing for the price. I've had no issues with it and I've done my whole collection of yarn with this.
I have this one and I love it, I found mine on ebay used for only 10 bucks. Just be careful not to go too ridiculously fast otherwise nice softer yarns can fly off. It works like a charm though.
https://www.amazon.com/Knit-Picks-Yarn-Ball-Winder/dp/B00O3GHFA0/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=yarn+winder&qid=1550710566&s=arts-crafts&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1
Hey! I got my budget swift on amazon for $17
It's admittedly not perfect--yarn snags a lot on the cheap pieces and I've had to jury rig a few things that broke very quickly. But it gets the job done, especially when you don't have the money to spare on a more expensive swift! Good luck!
You need these! They are totally worth the money. Hat looks great. I like the floppy pompom.
https://www.amazon.com/Pompom-Pom-pom-Knitting-Decoration-Knewmart/dp/B01IOEE84C/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1480940816&sr=8-3&keywords=pom+pom+maker