Swifts and niddy-noddies are the main feature in this category. We can also order in skein winders from several of our suppliers. Just drop us a line for current pricing and availability.

Ashford Yarn Gauge
Ashford Yarn Gauge
For calculating wraps per inch on handspun or commercial yarns.

This wooden gauge features a 1-inch and 1/2-inch slot. You wrap your yarn evenly in the slot (not too loose, not too tight) and count the number of wraps. The little instruction leaflet is attached, and gives a chart to determine the yarn type or you can use other charts that are available online or in spinning reference books. A handy leather loop is for hanging this on your wheel or on a hook.

PRODUCT of NEW ZEALAND

$12.75 Add to cart
Ball Winder, Ashford Wood – Electric – PRE-ORDER only
Ball Winder, Ashford Wood – Electric – PRE-ORDER only
Oct 6/23 - we are currently out of stock and so is the Ashford Canada warehouse. The next shipment from New Zealand does not have a set date yet, could well be into 2024. Our cart shows a quantity onhand only so it can accept new orders, this does not reflect our actual store inventory. FREE SHIPPING within Canada by Expedited Ground Parcel! Canadian orders only. We have this item shipped directly from the Ashford Canada warehouse, and usually have it in stock at the store. NEW 2021! For those that do a lot of ball winding, or struggle with turning a manual winder. Wind small to really large balls of yarn quickly and effortlessly with this amazing, simple-to-use e-Ball Winder: - Wind huge balls up to 500g (17.5 oz).. - Infinitely variable speed. - Wind balls both clockwise and counterclockwise. - Soft start allows you to control the yarn as it starts to wind onto the cone. - Instant stop when you need it. - Foot controller included for hands-free start and stop. - 8mm (5/16”) yarn guide - mounted on rubber feet. - includes one table clamp - Powerful 12v 2.0-amp DC motor - 12v Power Supply Cord (from machine to wall). - net weight 2.5kg (5.5lbs). - Dimensions: 30 x 20 x 28cm (12 x 8 x 11”) - made from New Zealand Silver Beech hardwood with a lacquered finish, assembled Ball winders are used in conjunction with a Swift, which holds your skein of yarn and rotates to allow the yarn to feed on to the Ball Winder. Ashford Ball Winders are durable and far superior to any cheap, plastic ball winders currently on the market. PRODUCT of NEW ZEALAND
$837.00 Add to cart
Ball Winder, Ashford Wood – Manual
Ball Winder, Ashford Wood – Manual
FREE SHIPPING within Canada by Expedited Ground Parcel! Canadian orders only. We have this item shipped directly from the Ashford Canada warehouse, and usually have it in stock at the store. NEW 2021! Wind small to really large balls of yarn quickly and effortlessly with this amazing, simple-to-use manual Ball Winder: - wind huge balls up to 500g (17.5 oz). - wind balls both clockwise and counterclockwise - 8mm (5/16”) yarn guide - mounted on rubber feet. - includes one table clamp - net weight 1.5kg (3.3 Lbs) - made from New Zealand Silver Beech hardwood with a lacquered finish, assembled Ball winders are used in conjunction with a Swift, which holds your skein of yarn and rotates to allow the yarn to feed on to the Ball Winder. Also available is the Ashford ELECTRIC Ball Winder, please inquire for pricing. These new Ashford Ball Winders are durable and far superior to any cheap, plastic ball winders currently on the market. Note: ships separately from other items on your order because of the awkward box size. PRODUCT of NEW ZEALAND
$329.00 Add to cart
Niddy Noddy, Ashford – 1.5m
Niddy Noddy, Ashford – 1.5m
Canadian orders only. Winds 1.5m circumference (5 foot) skeins. A good all-purpose niddy noddy, made of sturdy turned silver beech hardwood. Unfinished, but easily given a coat of urethane or varnish if desired. This comes apart for more compact storage. Don't let the handy person in the house glue both ends!! One cross-arm should always be free to rotate, for easy removal of your wound skein. PRODUCT of NEW ZEALAND
$43.50 Add to cart
Niddy Noddy, Ashford – 90cm Sampler
Niddy Noddy, Ashford – 90cm Sampler
Canadian orders only. Winds 90cm circumference (36 inch) skeins. Serious students of spinning appreciate a smaller niddy noddy for skeining up sample "test runs". This nice little one is just perfect for sampling, which of course we are all supposed to do before tackling the big spin. Made of sturdy turned silver beech hardwood. Unfinished, but easily given a coat of urethane or varnish if desired. This comes apart for more compact storage. Don't let the handy person in the house glue both ends!! One cross-arm should always be free to rotate, for easy removal of your wound skein. PRODUCT of NEW ZEALAND
$38.00 Add to cart
Skeiner, Ashford Skeiner 2 Lacquered
Skeiner, Ashford Skeiner 2 Lacquered
FREE SHIPPING within Canada! Canadian orders only. We have this item shipped directly from the Ashford Canada warehouse, generally within one or two business days. We also often have one assembled at our store for you to try. A couple of years ago Ashford came out with their new and improved skein winder, and we love it. Some of the features: - holds up to 1.5kg (around 3.75 Lbs) of yarn. - holds or makes skeins from 1 to 2m in diameter (1.09 to 2.19 yards). - clever tensioning system for making even skeins, easily bypassed if you wish. - skeiner arm pegs are fully adjustable. You can use the notches provided or slide the arm adjusters in between the notches and tighten to whatever diameter you prefer. Preset notches are at 1, 1.5 and 2m. - solid construction from silver beech hardwood, with a lacquered finish. - amooth, effortless winding with quiet nylon bearings. Assembly required, but it's pretty simple. Alan says to pay attention to the instructions: when they say the small washer or large washer, they mean it. November 2018: Ashford also offered this in a natural/unfinished version but that has been discontinued. Note: ships separately from other items on your order because of the awkward box size. PRODUCT of NEW ZEALAND
$375.00 Add to cart
Umbrella Swift, Glimakra – 1 to 2 yd
Umbrella Swift, Glimakra – 1 to 2 yd
Canadian orders only. From GLIMAKRA of Sweden, a company long-known for its quality products. Regular-sized swift, holds skeins 1 to 2 yards in circumference. Unfinished birch wood construction. Can be mounted vertically or horizontally. A swift is designed to hold a skein under tension while winding it into a ball on a ball winder (as shown in the picture -- ball winder not included) or by hand. People that don't own a skein winder also sometimes use a swift to wind balls or cones of yarns into skeins. They sort of work for this purpose but nowhere as efficiently as a real skein winder. Note: ships separately from other items on your order because of the awkward box size. PRODUCT of SWEDEN
$156.00 Read more