Niddy noddy

A niddy noddy is a simple hand tool used in fiber arts—especially spinning and yarn making—to wind yarn into a skein and measure its length .

What It Does

1. Forms Skeins of Yarn

After spinning yarn on a spinning wheel or drop spindle, the yarn is usually wound onto a bobbin. The niddy noddy allows you to unwind that yarn and wrap it into a neat loop called a skein, which is easier to wash, dye, store, or twist into a hank.

2. Measures Yarn Length

Because each full wrap around the niddy noddy equals a specific length (commonly 1 or 2 yards, depending on its size), you can calculate the total yardage by counting the number of wraps.

For example:

• If one wrap equals 2 yards

• And you make 100 wraps

• You have 200 yards of yarn

3. Prepares Yarn for Finishing

Once wound into a skein, the yarn can be washed and “set” (which helps relax the twist and even out the fibers).

In Short

A niddy noddy is a measuring and winding tool used by hand spinners to turn spun yarn into organized, measurable skeins.