Etcokei Electric Yarn Winder – A Complete Guide!
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Today, I’m super excited to share a tool that’s been a total game-changer in my craft life: the Etcokei electric yarn winder from Amazon! If you’re anything like me, you love working with yarn but maybe not so much the messy tangles or awkward skeins.
To be honest I never saw the point of an electric yarn winder. Generally I just left my yarn however it came or if necessary, I roped my husband into helping me hand wind it (not the best experience). But now I totally get it and I am going to show you what I mean. So, prepare to have your yarn life transformed too!
If you use the links dotted about throughout this post you can secure a 20% price reduction using code CHRISTINESYT.
This page contains affiliate links meaning I earn a little commission if you use those links at no cost to you. I only recommend brands I use and trust. Full disclosure – I was gifted this yarn winder.
Video of the Yarn Winder – unboxing and using it!
This video is also available on my YouTube channel.
First Impressions
When this white, full-size beauty arrived, my first thought was, “Wow, this requires virtually no assembly!”. Assembly was an absolute breeze. I’m talking minutes, not hours! Seriously, you can unbox this thing, pop a couple of pieces together, and be ready to wind in no time.
It comes with 3 screws and a tiny screwdriver. You only need one screw but they kindly supply spares just in case you lose it! No need to search the house for the correct screwdriver.
It’s also got a handy USB power supply, which is super convenient for me and all of this meant that my first impression was really good and I was up and running making perfect yarn cakes in about 5 minutes!
Set Up and Operation of the Electric Yarn Winder
As I have said it was super quick and easy to get set up. You simply attach the tensioner using the screw, attach the winder shaft, attach it all to your table or desk using the wingnut and connect the power supply.
This really did take only 5 minutes and then I was onto threading it up. I have loads of yarn so I was not short of yarn to try it out with.
You simply feed the end of your yarn up through the hole in the bottom of the tensioner and then pull the spring back and let the yarn pass between it and the tensioner.
Then take your yarn over the top of the tensioner, under the next spring and over to the winder shaft. Wrap it round the shaft a couple of times in a clockwise direction and then secure it in the notches on top of the winder.
You are now ready to start winding your yarn cake. Simply turn the knob on the electric yarn winder and it will start. It is a variable speed winder so you can select the speed by turning the knob more or less.
Now, sit back and enjoy winding your yarn cakes. But, don’t leave the yarn winder unattended as it may need your assistance if it encounters any knots or resistance.
If it encounters resistance it will stop turning. You simply turn the knob to off, untangle the yarn and then turn it back on to complete your yarn cake.
Once your yarn cake is complete it will easily slide off the winder for you to store or use. I must confess that since this machine arrived I have been busy making loads of yarn cakes and my yarn storage (I keep all my part balls of yarn) looks amazing and it will be so much easier to find what I want in future.
Pros and Cons of the Etcokei Yarn Winder
Pros:
- Consistent yarn twisting for neat balls
- Large capacity (up to 10oz)
- Adjustable speed for different yarn types
- Quality construction
- Easy assembly
- Can cope with yarn up to 8mm diameter
- Can be used with a yarn swift
Cons:
- Requires constant attention during use
- May be pricier than manual alternatives
- Electric power source limits portability
- Is not recommended for use with a wooden umbrella swift
Electric vs. Manual: How Does the Etcokei Compare?
| Feature | Etcokei Electric Winder | Typical Manual Winder |
| Speed | Fast & Consistent | Depends on the person |
| Effort Required | Low | High |
| Capacity | Large (up to 10oz) | Usually less |
| Portability | Limited (needs power source) | High (no power needed) |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
| Husband Grumpiness | None | Loads! |
The Etcokei electric winder offers significant time-saving and effort-reducing benefits over manual alternatives. However, it comes at a higher price point and with less portability. Your choice between electric and manual should depend on your winding frequency, project sizes, and budget.
Recommendation
I honestly can’t recommend this Etcokei yarn winder enough. If you’re looking to save time and say goodbye to tangled messes, this is your new best friend. It produces fabulous yarn cakes that aren’t just great to craft from (no more fighting with a flopping skein!), but they also look absolutely fabulous in storage.
I have never owned a yarn winder before and I love this one. I am definitely a convert to the world of yarn cake winders. My improved yarn storage will pay huge dividends and when crocheting the experience is just so much nicer.
Plus remember that if you go to Amazon via this link and use code CHRISTINESYT you can get a massive 20% off the price.
It’s an investment in your crafting sanity, and trust me, it pays off big time! Go grab one and transform your yarn stash today!
And next …
If you love yarn crafts, and I am guessing you do, then there are loads of great ideas on this website for you to enjoy.
How about using up your old yarn scraps to make cute yarn dolls? Great little gifts for all especially if you include the ‘dammit doll’ poem!
If you love to crochet how about creating some cute crocheted hearts to gift to others either on cards or attached to other projects. Instructions in US and UK terms.
Or how about crocheting some cute, lined, granny square bags. Easy to scale up or down and these ones can have a zipped fastening!
Whatever you are getting up to I hope you will enjoy your yarn crafts as much as I do! Let us all know what you are working on in the comments below.
