To use a yarn swift, you open the hank of yarn and place it onto the swift's ribs, expanding them to hold the yarn securely in place.
Using a yarn swift simplifies the process of winding yarn from a hank into a ball or cake, preventing tangles and making it much more efficient. The swift acts as a third hand, holding the yarn steady while you wind.
Here's how to get started based on the provided information:
- Prepare the Swift: Set up your yarn swift. Most swift types, like the umbrella swift, attach to a table edge. Ensure it's stable.
- Open the Hank: Take your yarn hank, which is a large loop of yarn usually tied in a few places. Carefully cut the ties holding the hank together, being careful not to cut the yarn itself. Open the hank into a large circle.
- Place Hank on Swift: Drape the open hank of yarn over the ribs of the swift.
- Expand the Ribs: Expand the ribs of the swift so that they fit snugly inside the open Hank of yarn. This holds the yarn In Place.
- Secure the Position: Secure that position by turning the tightening screw. The screw adjusts the tension and size of the swift to hold the hank firmly. The reference mentions using a pair of scissors to turn the screw, though some swifts have a knob or other mechanism.
Once the hank is securely on the swift and the ribs are expanded to hold it taut, you are ready to wind the yarn using a ball winder or by hand. The swift will rotate freely as the yarn is pulled from the hank, ensuring a smooth, tangle-free winding process.
Remember to always remove the yarn ties before placing the hank on the swift and expanding the ribs, as these ties keep the hank from becoming a tangled mess before you're ready to wind.
