The Glider Swift

A modern, smooth, umbrella-style swift that is simply a joy to use.


We've always been a fan of the traditional umbrella style swift - it's quick to set up, collapses for easy storage, and using it doesn't require you to clear off a bunch of table space. But we saw some room for improvement, so we've designed the Glider Swift to be even better - our one-handed raising and lowering mechanism leaves one hand free to wrangle yarn. Our clamps are stable and have ample range to fit on a variety of table thicknesses. Best of all, the swift just glides. Its smooth action doesn't add unnecessary tension to your ball of yarn.


And did we mention the glitter? We offer the Glider Swift in a range of colors and materials - everything from subtle sheer matte colors to super in-your-face glitter everywhere sparkles. Check out our Swift Colors page - it's full of photos and information so you can choose the perfect combination that reflects your style!


Our current lead time is 2-3 weeks.

Lorri Helberg

Arkansas Yarn Co.

"Thank you so much for modernizing the yarn swift! Not only did you make it aesthetically pleasing, but the finger lift to open the swift is so convenient! At Arkansas Yarn Co we are asked to cake a lot of yarn and I love how it glides open making the set up for caking a breeze….oh and having SPARKLE while we are winding is like icing on the cake!"

"This swift works beautifully. The operation is smooth and, unlike my wood one, squeak free. It is durable, and has stood up to regular, long winding sessions. It has worked equally well with a manual and electric caker. What's more, it is visually stunning. We have put ours just in front of a window, and the light that comes through the vibrant struts as it turns makes winding yarn a pleasure.​"

Kira Dulaney

Kira K Designs

"I love this swift not only because it's beautiful, but because of the smooth silent action and the ease of opening and closing it with one hand. I've used lots of swifts over the years, and this is the easiest to get a skein onto and silent to use. Wooden swifts are heavier, make a clacking sound when in motion, require more force when using a hand-powered ball winder, and make me want a third hand to get the yarn loaded on."

Swift Features:
  • Automatic locking clip for one-handed operation
  • Ergonomic clip shape provides comfortable place to grasp for raising the swift
  • Light touch lever for lowering - only one finger needed to release
  • Stable clamp with wide adjustment - works with up to a 2.25" thick table surface
  • Super smooth operation - it really does glide!
  • Many colors to choose from - make it your own!
  • Designed for repairability - all parts can be replaced with minimal common tools


We make all of our tools for professional users - yarn stores, yarn businesses, textile designers, and people who work with many skeins of yarn every day.  We care about quality and every piece has been engineered to make sure these swifts provide you with the best winding experience.  We're confident that you will absolutely love your Glider Swift!


All parts were custom designed by Alpenglow Yarn, all swifts are assembled and tested by us in our workshop in San Luis Obispo, California.