Difference between ball winder and yarn swift?

[donnalynn2]

I'm wondering what the difference is? If a yarn swift doesn't wind yarn into a ball, what is it's use??? (I know, a really dumb question)

[Natasha]

One uses a swift to hold yarn that is sold/put up in hanks while it is being wound into a ball with the ball winder. The swift spins as you unwind the yarn from the hank into a ball.

[nightowl]

Natasha has it, Donna A traditional swift looks a bit like the "works" of an umbrella upside down and holds the hank taut on its arms. Because it spins around as you wind it's more efficient than using the back of a chair and complains less than a friend/child/SO

 

Smiles,

[losingmymind2]

Perfect, Nowl. I find it much less annoying to use a swift than a human.