People use cords in a wide variety of crafts. We enjoy hearing of different applications.

The Kipu is more familiar to many of us as there is substantial experience in the community with 4 hook winders.

The versatility of the Watu 7 hook winder is a new and interesting development. All the possible applications will be developed through use. This page will document questions and answers we receive from the community. Please feel free to ask any questions about either the Kipu or Watu and we will try to provide answers directly and add them here. Send emails to cordwinders@creativehandicraft.co.uk

Q        Is winding 5 and 6 ply cords more difficult than winding 2, 3 or 4?

A        No. It isn’t more difficult.

As always, you must pay attention to balancing the tension in all the elements. This becomes more sensitive the more elements you wind. 

Q        Which cord winder is better for beginners?

A        The Kipu is a simpler machine so may be preferred by beginners.

Q        Could I learn on a Watu making simple 2, 3 and 4 ply cords, without a core?

A        Yes. 

Q        Can one of the winders go faster than the other?

A        Yes Watu hooks turn at 12 times the speed of the crank handle, Kipu at 8 times.

Q        With a Watu, what stops the elements and the core from tangling?

A        The hooks are well spaced apart.

The core is tensioned separately from the other elements so is always tightly held in the centre. 

You will have to experiment to find the optimum weight on the core for a particular combination of length, number and thickness of elements and types of yarns.

Q        Can the core also be a cord and be used as a seventh element?

A        Yes.

This opens up some creative possibilities. The core element does not twist, you need to make a separate cord first, to the tension you require, then use that as your core.

Q        Do you send cord winders to my country?

A        Very likely yes, although there are some countries that we do not send to.  We have sent winders to 12 different               countries so far.  Please ask.

We send the winders by Royal Mail, international, tracked and insured, which connects to your country's postal service. 

Recently Covid-19 has caused delays and increased postage costs.
There will be a delay as the goods clear Customs in your country. This is currently several weeks in some countries and you also may be charged taxes. Every country is different.