How to wind a yarn ball

Despite years of hints to my husband, I still don’t own a yarn swift and winder, so I thought I’d share my favorite technique for how to wind a yarn ball by hand! All you need is an empty paper towel roll, scissors, and a lovely skein of yarn. I’m winding this buttery soft Mamacha (baby alpaca/merino wool) from Amano Yarns.

Start by cutting two slits in the top of the paper towel roll.

Unwind your hank of yarn, and place the end of the yarn into the slits. I like to leave the tail tucked inside the paper towel roll so I can easily find it to make a center pull ball. It’s best to drape the hank over a chair back, or even your knees, to keep it from tangling while you wind.

Next, wind the yarn around the towel roll several times.

Then begin winding diagonally, while slowly rotating the towel roll the opposite direction.

And just keep winding!

When you’re finished, tuck the tail end of the yarn around another strand to keep it in place.

And done! Pull the tail out from the center and slide the ball off the towel roll.

And you’re ready to knit!

Share this technique with your friends – click to pin the image below!