Detailed Electric Yarn Ball Winder Guide

Most of the ball thread winders you find are manual, and they do a good job if you have the time. But what if you don't?

For some, winding yarn by hand is not a task they enjoy, or it's not possible since they have sore wrists or hands. It can also be very tiring if you suffer from fatigue or strain in your arms and shoulders.

Having an electric string ball winder is an attractive option. It solves all of the above problems, and is a very convenient tool. Standard Electronic Maple Yarn Ball Standard Ball Winder
Standard electronic electronic maple yarn ball ball winder by The KnitStore Etsy Store.
The Knit Store has 5 star reviews from their satisfied customers.
This is a simple plug & play operation and runs on 100-240v wall power. This winder can handle most commercially available skeins.
Ashford Electric Ball Winder
Ashford Electric Yarn Winder The Spinnery Etsy Store
The Spinnery has very happy customers sharing 5 star reviews.
Wind up to (17½ozs) 500gm of yarn.
Clockwise and counterclockwise winding balls.
Soft start allows you to control the yarn as it begins to wind onto the cone
Instant stop when you need it and includes a foot switch for better control of your yarn.
Mounted on rubber feet, one clamp included
12v electrical cord from the pipes included
Manufactured from beautiful New Zealand native silver beech wood with a lacquered finish

The Simplicity Boye electric thread winder
Simplicity Boye electric yarn ball winder
If you have done any searching, you would have found a model made by Boye: The Simplicity Boye Electric Yarn Winder. Boye is a well-known company of knitting and crocheting tools and notions.

Buying a new one of these models is highly unlikely, as it doesn't seem readily available. You are more likely to find a second hand model. However, I don't think you should bother.

Although it sped up the process of winding the yarn by hand, it needed to be constantly monitored. Many customers found that the motor was not powerful enough and sometimes stopped working altogether.

Yarn store good yarn

Weaver Electric Yarn Winder
Electric Weaver Yarn Spinning Winder
A Hong Kong-based company created this model. It originated as a Kickstarter project, and after being adequately funded, it went into production.

This automatic yarn winder has several speeds, normal, fast and running. The last one allows you to press the button, and the machine will spin for as long as you hold it down.

The moment you take your finger off the button, it stops automatically. It also has an electronic rotation counter.

I have read the reviews, and they are poor. Most people felt that this product was not worth the money, as it did not work as they expected.

Customers found that the unit jumped all over the place when running, and did not make a neat and tidy yarn cake.

Check today's price
Beech 250G Electric Backing Spinning Winder
Beech Knitting Accessories Beech PDB3
The PDB 250g electric yarn winder will finish up to 250 gm / approximately 9 oz of yarn, depending on the type of yarn used.

A spare bobbin is also supplied. There is no automatic shut off on this motorized yarn winder. You have to turn off the thread winder once the bobbin is full.

A UK based company, but ships internationally. The winder will be the correct tension for the country it is being shipped to. However, you may need to fit a suitable plug in some countries.

More information from Hague Direct
I am yet to find an electric wire winder that will suit someone on a budget. I dare say that was why the Boye Electric Yarn Winder was popular in the past. It was cheaper than the previous options.

I'll be sure to update my post if I find something inexpensive but works well.

If you know of an electric yarn ball winder you recommend, get in touch here or send me a message on Twitter.