Unbox and Review: Wooden Yarn Holders from AliExpress

I recently treated myself to a batch of yarn holders from AliExpress, and I’m so excited to share with you my honest thoughts after unboxing and testing them out. If you're like me and work with yarn cakes and skeins quite frequently, you'll understand the joy of keeping your yarn organized while crocheting or knitting. I was looking for something that would make my life easier, especially since I regularly frog projects and end up working from the outside of the yarn cake. Let’s jump into the experience!

What Sparked My Interest?

So, here’s the deal—I’ve been ordering from AliExpress for a while now, and one project got me thinking about yarn holders. Specifically, I was frogging a spiral granny square blanket and needed to rewind my yarn cake using a ball winder. The trouble was, I had to crochet from the outside of the cake because my working yarn was already attached. I quickly rigged up a DIY solution using a Lazy Susan from my kitchen, but it wasn’t great. The yarn still dragged and slipped around. That was my turning point: I needed a yarn holder.

But not just any yarn holder. I had specific criteria in mind: it needed to be simple, affordable, and functional for my yarn-cake adventures. After sifting through what felt like countless listings on AliExpress, I settled on three different kinds of wooden yarn holders. Here's what I found.

First Impressions of the Yarn Holders

When the yarn holders arrived, the packaging wasn’t stellar. One holder even looked slightly warped—classic AliExpress shipping snafu. But I wasn't going to judge just yet. Let’s get into the details!

1. Bamboo Yarn Holder ($6)
   At six bucks, this one was the cheapest of the lot, and, unsurprisingly, it shows. Upon unboxing, I noticed the peg was slightly off-center, giving it a bit of a Lean Tower of Pisa vibe. Functional? Maybe. But elegant? Definitely not. For lightweight use, I think it might work, but if you’re expecting precision, this one might just disappoint you. But hey—it was only $6, so I wasn’t too shocked.

2. Magnetic Yarn Holder ($11.70 each)
   There were two of these: one in a natural wood finish and one in brown. The first feature that caught my attention was the magnetic top, which made assembly super easy. These even came with a screwdriver—how considerate! The design was smoother and more polished compared to the bamboo one, which I appreciated. The yarn slid off with minimal effort, making it a far better choice over my makeshift Lazy Susan. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it, especially since it only cost a little over $11.

How Did They Perform?

So how do these yarn holders actually perform? Well, in all honesty, I was ready to discount the cheaper ones before even giving them a proper chance. However, the magnetic yarn holders actually exceeded my expectations. Here's how they stack up:

• Bamboo Yarn Holder: While it technically works, it doesn’t glide as smoothly as I'd hoped. There’s a little too much friction as the yarn pulls, which means tension builds during use. This would definitely bother me if I were working on a larger project, but for small, quick fixes, it could work in a pinch.

• Magnetic Yarn Holders: These little beauties spun with ease! I popped one of my yarn cakes onto the holder, and it just flowed! The design reminds me of a paper towel holder, and the magnet connection keeps everything secure while allowing for a smooth glide. What more can you ask for at $11.70?

Should You Get a Yarn Holder?

If you’re dealing with frogging and consistently working from the outside of your yarn cake like me, a good yarn holder could become your new best friend. I wasn’t sure that yarn holders were going to solve my problem, but I was wrong—they do, and quite efficiently! Plus, if you're working with delicate or fancy yarns, you may want to avoid pulling from the center of your balls or cakes to prevent any fiber damage.

Not sure if a yarn holder will make a difference for you? Think about whether you’re frequently in similar situations where your yarn is dragging or building unnecessary tension. If so, I highly recommend getting one to help take the hassle out of your next project.

For a robust yarn holder collection, you can also check out some crochet accessories like yarn bowls or winders, which serve a similar purpose. I promise, it’s a game-changer—no more kitchen gadgets doubling as crochet tools!

Interested in more crochet tools or finding your next fun project? Don't miss my blog on Viral Crochet Instruments from Junk Drawer Items, where I craft yarn accessories using recycled materials. It’s a fun and resourceful read you’ll love!

Conclusion

From unboxing these yarn holders to trying them out with real projects, I found most of them useful—especially the magnetic ones. Sure, the bamboo one left a little to be desired, but for its price range, it might still come in handy for small, low-stress projects.

If you’re in the market for a yarn holder, I’d recommend starting with a magnetic version, as it’s definitely a step up from the basic models and delivers decent functionality for its price.

If you’ve tried any yarn holders or are considering a purchase, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! Do you use holders regularly? Or did you buy one only to stash it away? Let’s chat about our crochet experiences!

Stay creative and stay hooked! 😊

Looking for more inspiration? Check out my crochet patterns page where I offer detailed tutorials and patterns to help you create your next masterpiece. Browse crochet patterns that suit both beginners and advanced crocheters!