Join me to learn how to make a yarn bobbin. Anne Berk, author of Annetarsia, is here to show us the best way to manage your yarn while working Intarsia Knitting.

Anne is the expert when it comes to Intarsia Knitting. Not only has she master this technique but she has even gone so far as to create her only style and titled it Annetarsia.

*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking one of these links and making a purchase a small portion goes to support the blog so I can bring you more free content. The price you pay is not changed. Thank you for your support of the blog.*

Yarn Management:

While working an Intarsia pattern bobbins are typically used to hold each of the colors that you are working on. Yarn bobbins can become cumbersome and get in the way was you work. Anne has found that using a simple yarn butterfly is much more efficient.

Another great thing about using yarn butterflies for your work vs. yarn bobbins is that you don’t need any additional equipment. To make the butterflies all you need is your yarn, your hands and some scissors.

How to make a Yarn Butterfly/Yarn Bobbin:

Step 1: Position the tail of the yarn on your palm, leaving at least a 5″ tail. Then wrap the working yarn around your thumb, going from inside to outside. Repeat this series of motions by stringing the yarn back to your thumb & wrapping it around the thumb from inside to outside. Repeat until you have the desired length between your fingers.

Step 2: Cut the working yarn from the ball leaving at least a 15″ new tail. Pinch the yarn wrapped around you fingers at the center point and remove from your fingers (this is often called a butterfly).

Step 3: Wrap the new tail around the pinched center leaving at least 6″ to form a half hitch knot to secure the butterfly. To make a half hitch knot simply slip the knot over one end of the butterfly and pull on the tail to secure.

NOTE: The half hitch knot is securing the butterfly and the original tail pulls gently from the butterfly.

Want to see making a yarn bobbin in action? Watch the YouTube video tutorial that Anne and I put together for you.

Don’t forget to subscribe so you know every time I release a new tutorial video. Use the subscribe button blow the video here in the blog, you don’t even have to head to YouTube.

Learn Annetarsia:

Learn more about Anne Berk and her book head over to Anne’s website.

To learn from the best join Anne on Craftsy to learn her method of Annetarsia.

Also on the Blog:

• Halloween at Hogwarts: 10 Super Saver Stash Buster Projects for the Harry Potter Fan
• Big Comfy Sweater Video Tutorial
• Knit Pumpkin Patch Free Pattern

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I use yarn butterflies instead of bobbins?

So here’s the thing… yarn butterflies are way more efficient for managing your yarn when you’re working on Intarsia knitting projects. They don’t get as cumbersome or get in your way while you’re knitting compared to traditional bobbins.

Can I really make these yarn butterflies with just my hands and scissors?

Honestly… yes! That’s the best part about using yarn butterflies. You don’t need any extra equipment at all. Just your yarn, your hands, and a pair of scissors, and you’re good to go!

How long of a tail do I need to leave when I’m making the butterfly?

For the first tail, leave at least a 5-inch tail when you position it on your palm. Then, when you cut the working yarn, leave a new tail of at least 15 inches. And don’t forget to leave at least 6 inches for the knotting part!

What’s the point of the half hitch knot?

Yes! That half hitch knot is super important because it secures your yarn butterfly. You just slip the knot over one end and pull the tail to tighten it up. It keeps everything together nicely so your yarn doesn’t unravel.

Where can I learn more about Anne Berk’s Annetarsia technique?

Oh, you definitely should! You can learn more about Anne and her amazing book by heading over to her website, or you can even join her on Craftsy to learn her special method of Annetarsia directly from the expert!