Ashford e-Ball Winder Review

The Ashford e-Ball Winder is a premium tool designed to make the process of winding yarn from a skein into a “cake” (another term for a ball of yarn wound in the fashion that a ball winder produces), easier and more efficient. It is perfect for crafters who value both quality and sustainability. With its thoughtful design and ease of use, it’s an essential tool for anyone who enjoys spinning, weaving, or knitting. Whether you’re winding small or large amounts of yarn, the e-Ball Winder handles it all effortlessly, ensuring a smooth, tangle-free experience.

In this review, we’ll examine its components, setup, key features, and performance in greater depth to show you how this winder can enhance your crafting experience.

What's Included in the Box?

Unboxing the Ashford e-Ball Winder is a delight, thanks to its clean and well-organised packaging. Inside, you’ll find:

• The Ashford e-Ball Winder itself, is made from sturdy New Zealand silver birch.
• An ACDC adapter to power the winder.
• A foot switch for hands-free control.
• A clamp to securely attach the winder to your workspace.
• A drive band, ensuring smooth and consistent winding.

Each component is carefully designed to work together, making setup quick and easy. The thoughtful packaging not only protects the winder but also reflects Ashford's commitment to quality and sustainability.

Setting Up the Ashford e-Ball Winder

Setting up the Ashford e-Ball Winder is straightforward, even for those who’ve never used a ball winder. Follow these simple steps to get started:

1. Attach the drive band by looping it over the ball winder's fly wheel and motor pulleys.
2. Secure the winder to your workspace using the clamp for stability.
3. Plug the foot switch into the designated port labelled "foot switch."
4. Connect the power adapter to the "input" port and switch the winder on.

For optimal performance, adjust the tension and use the speed control dial to set your desired winding speed. Ideally, start the winder on low speed and increase to desired speed each time it is started. The intuitive design ensures you're ready to wind yarn in minutes, making it an excellent choice for crafters of all skill levels.

Key Features and Build Quality

Material and Design

Crafted from New Zealand silver birch, the Ashford e-Ball Winder combines durability with aesthetic appeal. Its light-coloured timber and subtle grain make it a beautiful addition to any crafting space. Compact and portable, it fits perfectly in both small studios and mobile crafting setups.

Functional Features

The e-Ball Winder comes loaded with features that make it even more user-friendly:

• Soft start function: Gradually ramps up the speed over 6 seconds to enable time to assess tension on yarn, how the cake is forming and whether it is evenly winding off of the skein.
• Directional switch: Lets you easily unwind yarn when necessary or wind it in a specific direction, giving you full control. Note the normal direction to wind is forward or clockwise on the switch.
• Speed control dial: This tool offers adjustable speed, so you can fine-tune it for different yarn types and projects.

These thoughtful details make the e-Ball Winder a versatile and intuitive tool that takes your crafting experience to the next level.

Performance and Winding Experience

Hands-On Winding

Winding yarn with the Ashford e-Ball Winder is a near effortless process. To achieve neat and tidy cakes of yarn, hold the yarn at a 45-degree angle with light tension from the guide and adjust the pigtail guide, as needed, as the ball grows larger. We recommend using a swift to hold your skein of for the most fluid experience. The winder delivers consistent results, whether you're working with handspun yarn or commercial skeins.

Foot Pedal Use

The foot pedal provides two operation modes:

1. On/off switch mode (alternate): Press once to start and again to stop.
2. Sewing machine-style mode (recommended): Press and hold for continuous control.
3. The latter is recommended for better precision and to avoid stressing the yarn.

Capacity and Precision

Designed to wind up to 500 grams of yarn into a single ball, this yarn winder is the ideal companion for projects of all sizes, from delicate accessories to full-sized garments. Imagine creating a sweater with a single, massive cake of yarn—no more dealing with multiple skeins or messy tangles. Thanks to its precision engineering, the winder ensures consistent, smooth winding every time, giving you perfectly uniform results.

Maintenance Tips for Longevity

To keep your Ashford e-Ball Winder in excellent condition:

• Loosen the drive band after use to prevent stretching.
• Store it in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight, to protect the materials.
• Clean it regularly to remove dust and fibres.

These simple maintenance steps will ensure your winder remains a reliable companion for years to come.

Comparison with Manual Yarn Winders

While manual yarn winders, like the Ashford Manual Ball Winder, are an affordable and reliable option for occasional crafters, the e-Ball Winder takes efficiency and convenience to the next level. Featuring electric operation and hands-free functionality, it’s perfect for those who wind yarn frequently or prefer a more effortless experience. It’s also a great choice for crafters with mobility challenges, as it reduces physical strain during use. For more options, be sure to explore our full collection of ball winders at Thread Collective.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Premium materials and sleek design: Built from high-quality New Zealand silver birch, it’s durable and stylish.
• Efficient and precise: Delivers smooth, tangle-free winding with great accuracy.
• Handles large capacities: Easily accommodates up to 500 grams of yarn, perfect for bigger projects.
• User-friendly features: The foot pedal and adjustable speed dial make it a breeze to use.
• Compact and portable: Easy to move and store, making it great for smaller workspaces.

Cons

• Higher price point: It’s more expensive than manual winders, which may be a consideration for some.
• Not ideal for casual crafters: If you only wind yarn occasionally, it might be more than you need.

Who Should Buy the Ashford e-Ball Winder?

This premium tool is perfect for frequent crafters who wind yarn regularly, especially those working on larger projects. Fibre artists will appreciate the precision and efficiency it offers, while crafters with mobility challenges will benefit from its hands-free operation. If you’re looking for a tool that combines reliability, durability, and beautiful craftsmanship, the Ashford e-Ball Winder is a worthwhile investment.

Crafting Made Simpler with the Right Tools

The Ashford e-Ball Winder is more than just a yarn winder—it's a tool that simplifies and elevates your crafting experience. With its premium materials, thoughtful features, and exceptional performance, this winder is an investment that will elevate your studio and make every winding experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Ready to see it in action? Watch Sam's full video review to discover how this incredible tool can transform your crafting journey. Explore our collection at Thread Collective to find more tools that inspire and support your creativity!