How to Make Your Own Swift for Winding Hanks & Skeins of Wool

A swift is an essential tool for yarn enthusiasts, especially if you work with hanks or skeins of wool. It allows you to hold the yarn securely and spin it freely while winding it into balls or cakes. While commercial swifts are readily available, making your own can be a satisfying and cost-effective project. Here’s how you can craft a simple and functional yarn swift at home.

Why Use a Yarn Swift?

Hanks or skeins of yarn are beautiful and compact, but they’re not practical for immediate use. Without a swift, trying to wind them into usable balls can result in frustrating tangles and wasted yarn. A swift keeps the yarn in place, allowing it to unwind smoothly and evenly as you work.

Materials Needed for a DIY Yarn Swift

To create your own yarn swift, you’ll need basic tools and materials that are inexpensive and easy to find:

  • Wooden dowels or PVC pipes (for arms)
  • A wooden base or a lazy Susan (for the base)
  • Screws, bolts, or nails (to secure the parts)
  • Clamps or a vise (optional, for securing the swift to a table)
  • Drill and bits
  • Sandpaper (to smooth edges)
  • Measuring tape

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create the Base

The base of the swift is the foundation. It needs to be stable and allow the arms to spin freely.

  • Use a wooden disk or lazy Susan for a rotating base.
  • Drill a hole in the centre of the base to fit the pivoting bolt or dowel.

Prepare the Arms

The swift typically has four arms, forming an “X” shape.

  • Cut two wooden dowels or PVC pipes to equal lengths (e.g., 24 inches).
  • Drill a hole at the centre of each dowel to allow them to intersect and attach to the pivoting point.

Add Peg Holes

Peg holes secure the yarn on the arms.

  • Drill evenly spaced holes (e.g., 2–3 inches apart) along each arm.
  • Insert small pegs or dowels into the holes, ensuring they fit snuggly but can be adjusted for different yarn sizes.

Assemble the Swift

  • Attach the arms to the base using the drilled central hole. Secure with a bolt or dowel, allowing the arms to rotate freely.
  • Check that the arms spin smoothly without wobbling.

Finish the Edges

  • Sand down any rough edges on the wood or PVC to prevent snagging the yarn.
  • Optionally, paint or varnish the swift for a polished look.

Test It Out

Clamp or secure the base to a table for stability. Place a hank or skein of yarn around the pegs, and start winding. Adjust the pegs as needed to fit different hank sizes.

Tips for Success

  • Use recycled materials: Old furniture parts, dowels, or a lazy Susan can make excellent components for a DIY swift.
  • Adjustable pegs: Consider adding rubber bands or washers to hold the pegs firmly in place if they’re loose.
  • Lightweight materials: PVC pipes are lightweight and easy to handle but may require extra support for stability.

Benefits of Making Your Own Swift

  • Cost savings: Commercial swifts can be expensive, but a DIY version costs a fraction of the price.
  • Customization: Design the swift to suit your specific needs, including arm length, peg spacing, and materials.
  • Sustainability: Upcycle materials you already have at home to create an eco-friendly tool.

Conclusion

Making your own yarn swift is a rewarding project that enhances your crafting experience. Whether you’re a knitter, crocheter, or fibre artist, a DIY swift provides a practical, personalised, and affordable solution to managing hanks and skeins. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you created a tool that supports your craft for years to come.

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