Prepare substantial amounts of fine yarn without automatically dividing every large hank into several cakes.
Generous yarn capacity in a timeless natural finish
Make yarn preparation feel smooth, calm and beautifully organised
The KnitPro Natural Mega Ball Winder turns hanks, skeins and loose yarn into neat, project-ready cakes. Its handcrafted wooden build, bearing-assisted rotation and large capacity make it a rewarding upgrade for regular knitters, crocheters and yarn dyers.
- Winds up to approximately 450g of fingering-weight yarn in one cake.
- Anti-friction bearing supports free, smooth spool rotation.
- Natural wooden construction brings substance and warmth to the craft room.
- Replaceable drive bands support long-term practical use.
Up to 450g Fingering Weight
Up to 450gFingering-weight capacity
Hand OperatedYou control the pace
Natural WoodWarm handcrafted finish
35005KnitPro article number
A substantial upgrade from a compact plastic ball winder
This model is made for people who wind yarn often, buy generous hand-dyed hanks or simply want a smoother and more stable setup. The large wooden base and belt-driven mechanism provide a controlled winding experience without electricity.
The anti-friction bearing lets the spool rotate freely for a controlled, consistent wind.
A table clamp and anti-skid rubber pads help keep the winder settled while protecting the work surface.
The two-band system can be refreshed with KnitPro replacement set 35007, sold separately.
A useful yarn tool that deserves to stay out on display
Each winder is individual: natural grain, colour and small tonal variations are part of the character of real wood.
Up to 450g applies specifically to fingering-weight yarn
KnitPro states that the winder can hold up to approximately 450g, or 15oz, of fine fingering-weight yarn. That is enough room for a genuinely generous cake.
Chunky, lofty and textured yarns occupy more space per gram. Watch the cake as it grows and stop before yarn reaches the spindle edges, guide or moving parts.
You do not need to fill it: smaller, relaxed cakes are often easier to store and work from. Divide a very large quantity whenever that will make the yarn easier to handle.
Prepare new hanks, organise leftovers and reclaim yarn neatly
Hand-dyed hanks
Pair with a swift to turn an opened hank into a smooth, project-ready cake.
Large skeins
Prepare generous fine-yarn quantities with fewer separate cakes and joins.
Yarn dyeing
Present finished colourways in a consistent cake or divide a batch into measured quantities.
Project leftovers
Rewind useful remnants so colour, texture and remaining quantity are easier to organise.
Frogged projects
Reclaim yarn after removing tangles and arranging the strand to feed without snags.
Assemble, clamp, prepare, thread, wind and release
Follow the guide
Assemble the winder exactly as shown in the included instructions before the first use.
Clamp the base
Secure it to a strong, stable table edge and confirm the base cannot move.
Prepare the yarn
Open a hank on a swift or position the existing ball or cone so the strand feeds freely.
Set the yarn path
Pass the strand through the upright guide and secure the inner end at the spindle.
Wind smoothly
Turn slowly at first, then maintain light tension and an even, comfortable pace.
Finish and relax
Remove the cake, then release the drive band from the driver wheel before storage.
Stop if anything catches: never force the wheel. Pause if the yarn snags, a band shifts or rotation becomes difficult, then correct the setup before continuing.
The swift supports the hank while the winder builds the cake
| Tool | Its job | Why the pairing works |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Mega Ball Winder | Draws freely feeding yarn onto the spindle and forms it into a cake | The generous capacity and smooth bearing suit both everyday and substantial winding sessions |
| Umbrella or tabletop swift | Holds an opened hank under light tension so it can rotate and unwind | Prevents the looped hank from collapsing into a tangled pile during winding |
| Both together | Create a controlled path from the supported hank to the growing cake | The swift releases yarn while the manual winder lets you manage speed and tension |
Swift sold separately: a swift is strongly recommended for hanked yarn but is not included with this ball winder.
Choose by capacity, finish and how often you wind
| Model | Construction | Capacity guidance | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Ball Winder 35005 | Natural wood finish | Up to approximately 450g of fingering-weight yarn | Frequent winding, large hanks and a calm natural look |
| Signature Ball Winder 35002 | Natural and colourful laminated wood | Up to approximately 450g of fingering-weight yarn | The same large-capacity concept with colourful Signature styling |
| Compact Ball Winder 10941 | Plastic body with hand crank | No fixed manufacturer capacity is published | Occasional winding, smaller quantities, lighter weight and compact storage |
Natural or Signature? Their working concept and published fine-yarn capacity are closely matched. Choose Natural for understated wood grain or Signature for its colourful laminated finish.
Release the drive band between winding sessions
After every use
- Remove the finished cake and any loose fibres
- Release the band from the driver wheel
- Leave the band relaxed instead of under constant tension
- Wipe dust from the wood and metal with a soft dry cloth
- Store the winder clean, dry and away from direct heat
If a band wears or stretches
- Use the correct KnitPro replacement set, article 35007
- The replacement set contains one small and one large band
- The small band fits the winding wheel
- The large band fits the driver wheel
- Replacement bands are sold separately
KnitPro's care advice: leaving the band engaged on the driver wheel during storage can stretch it. Releasing the band helps extend its useful life.
Use light tension, a stable table and hand power only
Do not touch the belts, pulley, rotating spindle or yarn path while the wheel is moving.
Do not stretch elastic yarns or build a cake so firm that the fibres remain under strain.
Use a soft dry cloth. Avoid oils, water and solvents that could affect the wood or transfer to yarn.
The winder is designed for manual operation. Never connect the drive wheel to a drill or motor.
KnitPro Natural Mega Ball Winder specifications
| Brand | KnitPro |
|---|---|
| Official name | Natural Ball Winder |
| Also known as | Natural Mega Ball Winder |
| Article number | 35005 |
| Barcode | 8907628000387 |
| Operation | Manual hand wheel with belt drive |
| Power required | None |
| Capacity | Up to approximately 450g / 15oz of fingering-weight yarn |
| Primary result | Large yarn cake suitable for centre-pull or outside-feed use |
| Construction | Natural wood with metal working parts, rubber pads and elastic drive bands |
| Rotation | Anti-friction bearing for free spool movement |
| Stability | Table clamp and anti-skid rubber pads |
| Approximate base size | 41cm long x 8cm wide |
| Approximate overall height | 24cm |
| Approximate clamp opening | Up to 4.5cm |
| Replacement bands | KnitPro set 35007, containing one small and one large band, sold separately |
| Assembly | Required; follow the included instruction manual |
| Not included | Swift, yarn, scales, table protector and other accessories |
KnitPro Natural Mega Ball Winder FAQs
What is the KnitPro article number?
The official KnitPro article number is 35005.
Is Natural Mega Ball Winder the correct name?
Yes. KnitPro uses Natural Ball Winder and Natural Mega Ball Winder for this model. Both names refer to article 35005.
How much yarn can it wind?
It can wind up to approximately 450g, or 15oz, of fingering-weight yarn. Capacity reduces as yarn becomes thicker, loftier or more textured.
Will it hold 450g of chunky yarn?
Do not assume so. Chunky yarn occupies much more space, so the practical cake weight will be lower. Stop before yarn reaches the spindle edges or moving parts.
What is the winder made from?
It has a natural wooden base and winding components, plus metal working parts, rubber pads and elastic drive bands. Natural grain and colour variations are expected.
Is it electric?
No. You control the winding speed manually with the large wooden hand wheel.
Does it create a centre-pull cake?
Yes. Keep the starting end accessible at the centre when removing the cake. The finished cake can also be worked from the outside.
Do I need a swift?
A swift is strongly recommended whenever yarn is supplied in a hank. It holds the opened loop securely so the yarn can feed freely to the winder.
Is a swift included?
No. This listing is for the Natural Ball Winder only. A swift and yarn are sold separately.
How large is the assembled winder?
The wooden base is approximately 41cm long and 8cm wide, with an approximate overall height of 24cm. Allow extra working room for the yarn source, hand wheel and guide.
How thick can the table edge be?
The clamp opening is approximately 4.5cm. Measure the actual mounting edge, including any apron or lip, before choosing the work area.
Why does the winder use bands?
The elastic bands transfer rotation from the hand wheel through the winding mechanism. This belt-driven system avoids the small plastic gears found in many compact winders.
Should I remove the bands after every use?
Release the drive band from the driver wheel so it is not stored under constant tension. KnitPro recommends this to help prevent stretching.
Are replacement bands available?
Yes. KnitPro replacement set 35007 contains a small band for the winding wheel and a large band for the driver wheel. It is sold separately.
Does it require assembly?
Yes. Assemble it before first use by following the included instruction manual, and check the band path and fasteners before winding.
Can I rewind leftovers or reclaimed yarn?
Yes. Remove knots and tangles first, then arrange the yarn so it can feed freely without catching or creating excessive tension.
Can I use a drill to wind faster?
No. This product is designed for controlled manual use. A drill or motor can damage the winder and create a safety risk.
How should I clean and store it?
Dust it with a soft dry cloth, release the drive band, and store the winder dry and away from direct heat, moisture and heavy objects.
Turn yarn preparation into a satisfying part of every project
With generous fine-yarn capacity, smooth bearing-assisted winding and warm natural woodwork, the KnitPro Natural Ball Winder is ready for serious knitting, crochet and dyeing spaces.
Review the Winding Steps