How to Use a Nostepinde

Ok, directions for this are all over the web now..but here is my version since we are selling them now!

It does not matter whether you are right or left handed for these instructions. Try both and see which works for you.

Step 1: Hold the nostepinde in your hand comfortably. The end of the nostepinde should be at the heel of your hand.

Step 2: Wrap a bit of yarn around the end of the nostepinde, in this case, the grooves are made to hold it there comfortably.

Step3: Bring the yarn up the shaft of the nostepinde, and wrap it around the middle of the smooth area 6-7 times.

Step 4: The tricky part! Really though, it's a snap once you do it a few times. Hold the yarn at a 45 degree angle and KEEPING it at that angle, wrap around the 6-7 wraps you just made. Wrap 3-4 times at a 45 degree angle, then turn the nostepinde slightly. Wrap 3-4 more times, then turn again. It does not matter whether the yarn goes over or under the nostepinde, or whether you wrap from top to bottom or bottom to top...it just matters that you keep going in the same direction. Notice in the picture on the right how the forefinger braces the wraps to keep them from slipping off initially. As you wind more yarn on, this won't be necessary. The thumb is bracing the bottom of the yarn wraps.

Keep wrapping and wrapping at a 45 degree angle while turning the nostepinde. Eventually you will start seeing a nice yarn ball forming.

Step 5:When you are done wrapping grab the yarn ball in your hand and slide it off the smooth end of the nostepinde. Keep your finger on the yarn wrapped around the groove.

The yarn wrapped around the groove is now the leader yarn for your center pull ball. Pretty nifty eh?

It only takes me slightly longer to wind on a nostepinde than on a ball winder. With practice your speed increases and you will be zipping through it without even thinking about it.