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Yarn Bowls: Why You Should Have One (or many!)

crochetbynatalielu
I rescue yarn from being held hostage in a yarn store. I am not a hoarder. I am a HERO. ~ CraftGossip


What is a yarn bowl:

It's definitely NOT a soup bowl! See pictures below to see why. A yarn bowl is a decorative bowl with holes for yarn and needles in the side to use for your yarn. When the yarn is threaded through the holes, it creates the perfect tension for your work. Plus, your ball doesn't fly all over the floor likes it's trying to compete with the Roomba. So, I will try and not do too much talking to you but sharing my experience as to why I (heart) yarn bowls! Stay with me! (If you are a yarn bowl expert and want to see my top 10 list, scroll to the bottom.)



I've spent years buying yarn to pull it out from the center and be left with a glob of tangled yarn. Just when I thought I was gonna get knee-deep in my new creation, I spend the next hour untangling yarn and cussing like a sailor-ette.


That may be inevitable: the tangle.. not the cussing. When you purchase yarn, you WILL come across the straggler with a huge tangled knot. Take a deep breath, be your perfect sailor-ette and work through it. AFTER, you can start on your precious well-loved creation and apologize for all those nasty things you said to your yarn friend.


Then, not having a yarn bowl (in the beginning of my crocheting/knitting journey), my yarn rolled all over the floor. More sailorette spewing.


Again, why the yarn bowl:





They are a stylish way to keep yarn from getting tangles and keeping a nice tension while you work. No more mysterious knots and tangles!



There are many bowls that are mass produced and made my artisans. Not too long ago, I took my son to a ceramic shop to paint and there were unfinished displays of yarn bowls waiting for a painted design. So, if you are wanting more of your own touch on a design, check out local ceramic DIY shops. You may be in luck. I'll send you my address if you are blessing me with a gift. Just kidding.. maybe..


99% of them are almost too perfect to use that you want to keep them on display. But honestly, they do serve a purpose and have a function. I just like pretty things.


 

Why a yarn bowl?:

If you are a beginner crocheter or knitter, save yourself the headache from the beginning. Get the yarn bowl. No more balls of yarn rolling on the floor, and then under the couch.


I made the mistake when I was a teen, I was on a plane crocheting when my ball fell in to the aisle and began to roll. I jump up and go for the chase, apologizing to the people along the way. I slide into home and raise my yarn in the air: SCORE!



(That didn't happen.. I just sheepishly did the hunchback of Notre Dame shuffle down the aisle to grab my yarn.. trying not to make eye contact, and sit back in my seat quietly.) And, don't you know that it almost did it again and I about tore my shoulder out of its socket when the yarn tried to run away again.


As the first picture above shows, no more run-away yarn. The yarn threads through the hole aka guides and it stays in place. The yarn "happily" rolls around in the bowl. #problemsolved


The other two holes would be used to "rest" your crochet hook or knitting needles. How many functions have you counted for a yarn bowl? As you count them up, I see the wheels turning! The yarn bowl will be your new best yarning friend. #ipromise


 

Can I just use my bowls in my cabinets?:

You can in a quick fix but the holes in a yarn bowl have specific functions over a regular bowl. You can use the holes to thread your yarn through for the perfect tension which is essential when crocheting and knitting so your work isn't too loose or too tight. It's just right.


Use the holes for a resting place for your hook or needles. Plus, it keeps it to where your pets won't think it's toy for them to play with while the yarn is rolling all over the floor.



No tangles and no rolling over and under the couch picking up dust bunnies. You will thank me, trust me!




Looking at a yarn bowl, you can pretty much figure out how to thread the yarn through the loopty-loo or through the holes. If you do use the holes, you will need to cut the yarn to remove your yarn or to change colors. Just FYI in advance!


 

What makes a yarn bowl unique?:

You can buy or make yarn bowls to fit your unique style. They represent you and the work you will create.


I love having mine because I use them daily plus, when I am not, they are on display. My little collection, which is gaining momentum as time has gone by, as well as many that have broken over the years because I love pottery. The one I use everyday is the first one on the list below. It has been dropped many times for the 3 years that I have owned it. No scratches, dents or missing pieces!


 

What specifics should a yarn bowl have?:




Components that help in crocheting and knitting weight, size, wood/clay/ceramic, how many strands of yarn are you working with at one time, smooth finish (you don't want yarn to catch or fray).


Polished is key!


 

I sure hope I have peaked your interest in a yarn bowl. Now that you are beginning to crochet or knit (or you are a seasoned hooker), listed below are 10 incredible yarn bowls. Each with their own unique-ness. Click on the (blue) links to read more about each. Happy shopping!


 

Convinced yet? Listed are 10 beautiful yarn bowls that you can buy!




Why I love it:

  • This is the bowl I have and I take it with me everywhere I go with my yarn projects.

  • Lightweight

  • Has a semi-gloss protective coat and the yarn won't catch or snag on the wood

  • When I use my knitting needles, I can place then in the two holes provided

  • Durable

  • Pleasing to my eye!

  • The look of the wood grain

 



Why I love it:

  • It's beautiful

  • hand painted

  • the design is so colorful

  • Looks great on a shelf when not using it

  • (just be careful) it is ceramic (and can break if dropped)

  • I want to add it to my pottery collection!

  • I don't know what you would want to cook with it but it is microwave and dishwasher safe (makes me laugh!)

  • Guaranteed that the colors will not fade so it will stay vibrant FOREVER!

 



Why I love it:

  • It's handpainted so when it's handmade, my heart sings even more!

  • It's so pretty to look at

  • Whimsical and happy

  • I would want to open this as a gift!

  • Another one that can break easily so it may just have to be on a shelf with a collection!

  • Affordable price for handmade pottery

 



Why I love it:

  • Square with lid so it is perfect next to my crocheting chair

  • Looks like a nice piece of furniture

  • Can store yarn while working on a project

  • Yarn fits nicely through the satiny wood

  • Sturdy enough to function as a chair (2 for the price of 1)

  • Can fit several balls of yarn in this box... more projects!

 



Why I love it:

  • Polished look

  • I'm all about having things that are pleasing to the eye: symmetry, polished look, attention to detail

  • You can get a small, medium, or large on Amazon. Not enough? Buy a set!

  • Durable

  • Has a heavy base

  • Yarn won't catch on the wood

 



Why I love it:

  • 4 way yarn tray

  • Crocheting a project with 4 colors? Perfect for multi-yarn working at the same time

  • Sits flat; ideal for on the couch next to you while working on a project

  • One side for yarn, the other side for your drink! Convenience is a must for me!

  • Yarn won't catch on the wood

  • While not using it for yarn, will work as a book or magazine holder on your coffee table

  • Sturdy, won't move while you are crocheting/knitting

  • The craftsmanship makes for a stunning gift

 



Why I love it:

  • The message says it clearly: I love yarn and dogs

  • This makes me smile

  • Handmade clay

  • Durable but remember that if it drops, it breaks

  • The maker of this bowl has so many cute items to buy on Amazon, why stop at the bowl. Get a collection! Just sayin'...


 



Why I love it:

  • I am a huge fan of Outlander

  • I love Scotland (check out my travel blog: www.thistlesandcoos.com and there's lots of Scotland stories on there. Of course I had to add a plug in there for ya. Slainte!)

  • I love sheep and lambs.. I want to crochet and knit sweaters for them

  • Whimsical

  • Too bad Jaime isn't on the bowl. Darn. But I do like the Lallybroch reference

  • Expertly made.. don't drop. If you do, guess you will have to order another one. Again, darn!

 



Why I love it:

  • It's not a yarn bowl but a tote that you can weave your working yarn through the holes and work on your project.

  • I got this as a gift and love it.

  • Lots of storage

  • Highly durable

  • Nicely woven and well-made

  • Works great while traveling... again.. check out the travel blog! (Shameless 2nd plug)


 



Why I love it:

  • Who wouldn't love it: cats and yarn go puuurrrr-fectly together!

  • Whimsical

  • Can you tell I am a fan of this maker? 3 on the list from her! Just sayin...again...

  • Handmade

  • Great conversation piece

  • Had 2 black cats and this reminds me of them. The stare is spot on!


 

Happy Shopping while you are Happy Hooking!


Stay tuned for more blogs of tutorials, sewing, and "I want that!".


Connect with me on Facebook, Join the CbNL crochet group, Instagram, and YouTube. Advice, chit chat, meetups, giveaways, and Live videos.


LEARN SOMETHING NEW. ~NatalieLucille

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Facebook group: Crochet by NatalieLucille

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