Yarn Swift
A yarn swift is a rotating stand that holds a hank of yarn stretched out while it is wound into a ball, preventing the yarn from tangling in the process.
Explanation
A yarn swift is an umbrella-like or cylindrical stand that adjusts to hold a hank of yarn stretched out in a circle. The hank is secured to the swift, which rotates freely as you pull out the yarn, often feeding it into a ball winder, keeping the yarn under control so it doesn't tangle along the way. Without a yarn swift, you often need another person to hold the hank stretched between their hands while you wind the yarn by hand, which is far slower and more demanding.
Also known as: Swift, Umbrella swift
What it does
A swift holds a hank open while it rotates, feeding yarn evenly to the ball winder without tangling. The umbrella type clamps to a table and adjusts to the hank’s circumference; tabletop models stand free.
Without one the hank has to be held open some other way — over chair backs, or by another person — and the feed keeps stalling.
When you need one
Only yarn sold in hanks calls for this. Yarn already wound into balls can be knitted straight away. If you buy much hand-dyed yarn, which is almost always sold in hanks, a swift pays for itself quickly.
Common mistakes
- Opening the hank too wide, which stretches the yarn.
- Cutting the hank ties before it is mounted on the swift — that guarantees a tangle.
Keywords
- yarn swift
- hank holder
- swift
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a swift?
Only if you buy yarn in hanks. Hand-dyed yarn almost always is; commercial yarn is often pre-wound.
What is the difference between a swift and a ball winder?
The swift holds the hank and lets it rotate. The winder turns the yarn into a cake. They work together but do different jobs.