Summary

This is a 100% printable yarn winder designed to turn loose yarn or threads into clean, compact balls — easily, quickly, and reliably.

Key Features

• Fully 3D printable — no screws, bearings, rubber bands or glue required

• Open guide spiral allows easy yarn removal without cutting

• Print-in-place rotary handle for smooth, comfortable turning

• Optimized for PLA only — no TPU or PETG required

About This Version

This model is based on everything I learned from my first TPU-belt version.
After receiving a lot of helpful feedback, I wanted to create a winder that:

• prints more easily

• uses only standard PLA

• avoids flexible belts and additional materials

• integrates all improvements from the earlier design

• The result is a simpler, stronger, and more reliable yarn winder — still fully 3D printable, now even more accessible.

Link to the previous version

BOM

Quantity

Designation (normal process)

Alternatives (troubleshooting)

1

Axis

1

Axle end

1 per clamp

Clamp mount

1 per clamp

Clamping screw

1

Drive screw

1

Drive wheel screw

Gear screw + Drive wheel screw

horizontal version

1

Drive wheel

1 per clamp

Foot

1

Gear screw / Gear screw shorter head

Gear screw + Drive wheel screw horizontal version

1

Gear

1

Outrigger bolt

Outrigger bolt - horizontal version

1

Outrigger

1

Plate

1

Spinning center

1

Spinning wheel (either length)

1

Spinning wheel screw

1

Weight

2

Wheel spacer

1

Yarn Guide

Changelog

Changes

V1.0

Initial Release

V2.0           

The Bearing Update

• Gear and drive wheel equipped with needle bearings

• Both gears run more smoothly and no longer require support

• Wheel spacers adjusted

Transition from previous version - reprint - gear and drive wheel and two wheel spacers.

V2.1

More screw options

• Two “new” screws, designed to print horizontally to take advantage of the stronger alignment.

Transition from previous version -  if you have problems with the vertically printed screws (breaking off), please try the horizontally printed ones.

Assembly

Tip: Lightly sanding and lubricating the rotating parts can improve smoothness.

Step 1 – Spinning Unit Preparation

• Screw the spinning wheel screw into the spinning centre.

• Place the weight into the recess.

• Screw the drive screw into the spinning centre.

Step 2 – Plate Assembly

• Screw the axis into the plate.

• Insert the outrigger and secure it with the outrigger bolt.

• Screw the yarn guide into the outrigger.

• Mount the drive wheel into the plate using the wheel spacer and the drive wheel screw.

• Mount the gear into the plate using the wheel spacer and the gear screw.

Step 3 – Install the Spinning Unit

• Place the assembled spinning unit (from Step 1) onto the axis.

• Secure it by screwing on the axle end.

Step 4 – Install the Spinning Wheel & Engage the Gear

• Push the spinning wheel onto the spinning wheel screw.

• Lift the spinning unit slightly if needed to help the gear engage with the axle end.

Step 5 – Table Clamps (Optional)

• For each table clamp required:

• Screw the clamping screw through the clamp mount.

• Push the foot onto the joint of the clamping screw.

• Insert the clamp mount into any plate slot and tighten to secure the winder to a table.

Done :)

Leave a comment if you like the project or leave a make if you made it too :) have fun winding