If you are an avid knitter, you know the importance of having a good yarn bowl. A yarn bowl will keep your yarn from tangling and knotting as you work on your projects. A good yarn bowl will not only make knitting easier but will also add a personal touch to your crafting space.
If you are new to yarn bowls, you do not know what you are missing. Below, I will talk more about yarn bowls and their benefits.
What is a Yarn Bowl

A yarn bowl is a specially designed bowl designed for knitters and crocheters. The bowl holds your yarn while you are working on your projects. The design of the bowl allows the yarn to unwind smoothly as it is being pulled. This prevents tangling and wasted time.
Yarn holder bowls come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. Yarn bowls are a popular and essential tool for anyone who knits.
Benefits of Using a Knitting Yarn Bowl
Using a knitting bowl offers a number of benefits, including:
- Will keep yarn organised while preventing tangling and knotting.
- Stops yarn from rolling around on the floor and getting dirty.
- Adds a personal touch to your workspace.
- Reducing the need to handle the yarn can alleviate strain on the hands and wrists.
- Provides a smooth and even flow of yarn.
- Can save you time and frustration.
- Helps prevent yarn waste by keeping it clean and contained.
- They can be used with a variety of yarn weights and types.
I have compiled a list of five of my favourite yarn bowls that are available for purchase. Each of these yarn holder bowls is unique and beautiful. In addition to ready-made options, I have also included three knitting patterns. These patterns will allow you to create your own custom yarn bowls.
1. Green/Blue Wheel Thrown Yarn Bowl Beach Series from NewMoonStudio
This knitting bowl is handcrafted from high-fire stoneware clay with a beach like appearance. The speckled clay has been glazed with a beautiful combination of white, green, and blue.
The knitting bowl measures approximately 6 inches wide x 3 inches high. If you are looking for different colours or a larger size, the designer takes custom orders too!

Find the Bowl from NewMoonStudio Here
2. Jujube Wooden Yarn Bowl from Craftboutiquenyc
This exquisite knitting bowl is crafted from authentic jujube wood. Sourced from South Asian countries, jujube wood is renowned for its natural beauty and sustainability. The knitting bowl is handmade by skilled artisans in India, who have more than 30 years of experience.
Choose from 2 sizes, a large bowl measuring 8 inches x 3 inches or a medium bowl measuring 7 inches x 3 inches.

Find the Bowl from craftboutiquenyc Here
3. Yarn Holder Bowl with the Lid from NikaCreativeThings
This stunning hand-crafted yarn holder bowl is designed with a lid and a spiral hole on one side. It would make a wonderful tool for knitting. The design keeps the yarn securely in place, while allowing it to flow smoothly with an even tension. The lid helps keeps your yarn tidy, clean, and neatly organized.
The bowl is made from natural wood, with a clear finish that highlights its natural grain and texture. It measures 5.5 inches in diameter and stands 3.5 inches tall.

Find the Bowl from NikaCreativeThings Here
4. Yarn Bowl 3D Printed from Fabberforge
Crafted with both beauty and functionality in mind, this knitting bowl is perfect for knitting. It features a stylish decorative pattern. The bowl is designed with one open hole and two closed holes. You can use whichever hole works best for you.
The bowl pictured is made from “marble” PLA. It is a biodegradable plastic material. Being made from PLA, the bowl is lightweight and durable.

Find the Bowl from Fabberforge Here
5. Pixie Pink Ceramic Yarn Bowl from 2ndstop
This handmade ceramic bowl has a lovely pink hue that makes it a perfect Mother’s Day or gift it to yourself. It features a convenient fishhook slot when you need to switch between colours and 3 single holes for working with one colour.
The bowl measures 7.25 inches wide x 3.5 inches high. Since the bowls are handmade, each one is unique.

Find the Bowl from 2ndstop Here
3 Yarn Bowl Knitting Patterns
Below are 3 knitting patterns that will guide you through making your very own yarn holder bowls.
. Deciduous Chunky Super Bulky Yan Bowl Knitting Pattern by MelHarrisonDesigns
Here is a beautiful yarn holder bowl you can knit yourself. It is a beautiful bowl that boasts a chunky, textured, and rustic look. It is patterned with an autumn leave design to add a touch of natural elegance to your craft room.
The deciduous yarn knitted bowl will measure about (14 cm) tall and (13 cm) wide at the opening. If you would like to create a different sized bowl, you can either increase or decrease the number of cast on stitches by 8. It is knitted in the round on 8 mm and 10 mm circular knitting needles.

Find the Pattern by MelHarrisonDesigns Here
2. Original Knitting Pattern for Hand Knit Yarn Bowl by MollyConroy
With three patterns in one, you will have plenty of options to choose from. Each yarn bowl knitting pattern creates a small knitting bowl, with variations for worsted, chunky, and super chunky yarn. Each of the finished bowls will measure between 5 to 6 inches tall and 6 to 7 inches wide, at the base.
The knitting pattern comes complete with written instructions and explanations of all abbreviations. You will also find the felting techniques and instructions included will make the process even easier.

Find the Pattern by MollyConroy Here
3. Boho Japanese Knot Yarn Bowl Knitting Pattern by ArtsyKnitsandGifts
This pattern is perfect for advanced beginners to intermediate level knitters. The knitted bowl can be easily adapted to any size. It only requires knowledge of simple techniques like stockinette stitch, fair isle, and increase.
To complete the yarn bowl knitting pattern, you will need one set of size 4 US double-pointed needles or a size 4 US 16 inch circular needle.

Find the Pattern by ArtsyKnitsandGifts Here
Frequently Asked Questions About Yarn Bowls

How Big Should a Yarn Bowl Be?
The size of a knitting bowl depends on the amount of yarn you will be using. You will often want a bowl that is at least twice the size of the skein of yarn. However, it is important to remember the larger the bowl, the heavier and more awkward it can be to use.
How Much Yarn Can You Hold in a Yarn Holder Bowl?
The amount of yarn you can put in a knitting bowl will depend on the size of the bowl. Knitting bowls come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Small bowls can only hold a single skein of yarn. While larger bowls can hold more.
It’s also important to consider the weight of the yarn and the size of the opening in the knitting bowl. If the opening is too small, it may be difficult to pull the yarn through. If the bowl is too heavy or the yarn is too densely packed, it may be difficult to use comfortably.
Do I Need to Roll the Yarn into a Ball?
No, it is not necessary to roll the yarn into a ball before using a bowl. However, some bowls are created for either balls or cakes. Ultimately, the decision to roll yarn into a ball depends on your preference and the type of bowl you are using.
Can I Use a Yarn Cake in a Yarn Bowl?
Yes, you can definitely use a yarn cake in a yarn knitting bowl. Using a knitting bowl will help to prevent the cake from rolling away or tangling while you work on your project. To use a yarn cake in bowl, simply place the cake in the bowl. Then feed the end through the notch or slot.
Are They Really Helpful?
Yarn holder bowls can be helpful for several reasons. They can keep your yarn from tangling, rolling away, and getting dirty. Also, they can help you maintain an even tension while knitting. Knitting bowls are an essential tool that not only serves a practical purpose, but can also add a personal touch to your crafting space.
Are there any alternatives to using a yarn holder bowl?
Yes, there are alternative methods to using a yarn bowl. While many knitters prefer knitting bowls, they are not the only option. You can find a list of alternative ideas HERE.
A yarn bowl can help you keep your yarn clean, organized, and tangle-free. This can save you time and frustration.
A yarn bowl can be a great investment for anyone who enjoys knitting. Not only will it keep your yarn organized, tangle-free, and clean, but it can also help you get faster.
Looking for more knitting essentials? Check the articles below:
- Best Knitting Stitch Markers
- Best Knitting Needle Cases
- Best Double Pointed Knitting Needles
- Essential Knitting Tools
- Best Knitting Row Counters
With the right yarn bowl, you can take your projects to the next level and enjoy a more comfortable knitting experience.