Cord Winders
These Cord Winders are for making twisted cords of 2 to 7 plies quickly and consistently.
The Kipu and Watu winders are individually made in the UK in our small craft workshop.
The designs have been thoroughly tested by many Crafters during their evolution.
With these Cord Winders you can create decorative twisted cords in your own yarn and fabrics. The cords can be used for various crafts, including ply-split braiding and passementerie.
To watch demonstrations of cord winding using a Kipu follow the links below.
Key Features of our Hand Operated Cord Winders
- Directly feel the tension in your cord to control the quality and consistency of cords.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Quiet.
- Ergonomic handle - easy for everyone to hold, at all stages of winding the cord.
- Ambidextrous - suits right or left handed people.
- Large hooks - well spaced, easy to tie on fine or thick elements of different materials.
- Fast - the hooks spin much faster than the speed of the crank handle.
- Works equally well in both directions to make S or Z twist cords.
- Handles many types and thickness of yarn.
- Made of durable, strong materials.
The Kipu Cord Winder
The word Kipu in Quechua means "talking knots" (also known as Quipus and khipus).
Kipus were messages and recording devices made by knotting cords, used in a number of cultures, particularly the Incas. We have roots in Andean South America, naming this winder the Kipu is our way of including this culture of communicating through cords.
Kipu is a 4 hook winder, for winding 2, 3 and 4 ply cords.
The hooks spin at eight times the speed of the crank handle.
Kipu weighs 515g.
A four hook Out End is required, see ours below.
The Watu Cord Winder
The word Watu in Quechua means cords, which are used in many ways such as clothing, bags, bundling, transportation, on livestock and general utility. Quechua is the language of the Incas. This continues our Andean South American theme and the culture of communicating through cords.
Watu is a 7 hook cord winder.
5 and 6 ply cords are wound round a central core.
2, 3 and 4 ply cords can be wound with or without a core.
The hooks spin at twelve times the speed of the crank handle.
Watu weighs 615g.
A seven hook Out End is required, see ours below.
Central core element
The Watu has a central hook which does not twist the material tied to it.
It is designed so that a core can be created.
A core is necessary in the construction of a 5 or 6 ply cord to prevent one of the main elements randomly slipping into and out of the void in the centre of the cord.
A core is not necessary in the construction of 2, 3 or 4 ply cords. It may be desirable depending on the purpose of the finished cords e.g. in Passementerie.
A core can add thickness to a cord, it can be made visible or left completely concealed.
A core can also be used as an additional element to work into a design e.g. in ply-split braiding.
Creating a core
The core element can be of the same or of different material to the main elements.
It can be thicker than the other elements but not less than half the thickness of any of them.
The core does not twist with the main elements as the cord is made, it hangs freely and is weighted for tension.
The Watu Out End has a hook and a hole in the centre for the core, see picture below.
Take the core:
Either - over the central hook so it hangs in front of the Out End.
Or - through the hole so it hangs at the back of the Out End.
Hang a weight on the core as high as possible. The weight will drop as the main cord elements are twisted, make sure the weight hangs freely and does not eventually reach the floor.
The weight needed for tensioning the core will vary. It depends on the number of cord elements, how stretchy they are and how long the cord is.
A recommended weight to start with is 300g for a 4m cord with six twisted elements and expect to adjust from there. Inadequate weight will allow the main elements to tangle with the core.
Out Ends
Our Out Ends have large hooks, well spaced apart to make tying on easy. They are made of solid oak in our workshop and are supplied in natural wood. The Out Ends can be used as they are, or varnished or oiled.
Clamps are not included with an Out End. The G clamps in the Out End photos are 3" (75mm) to show how an Out End can be clamped. Clamps the right size for your particular situation can be found in hardware and DIY shops.
General Information
Availability: We make Cord Winders and Out Ends in batches and can only accept orders and payments when there are some winders available to ship. If you would like to order a winder, please send us an email. We will let you know when the items are available.
Where to buy:
Please order from ourselves
cordwinders@creativehandicraft.co.uk
or from Julie Hedges
juliehedges49@gmail.com
Julie, a well known Ply-Split Braider would be happy to advise you on the quality and use of the Kipu and Watu winders.
Prices:
(Effective 1st October 2023)
- Kipu Cord Winder including an Out End £165 + Postage £9.
- Kipu Cord Winder alone £155 + Postage £7.
- Kipu Out End alone £18 + Postage £5.
- Watu Cord Winder including an Out End £240 + Postage £9.
- Watu Cord Winder alone £220 + Postage £7.
- Watu Out End alone £25 + Postage £5.
Postage quoted is for within the UK, by Royal Mail. Packing and postage outside the UK will be at cost, confirmed at the time of order. Any Duties, Taxes, special documentation, handling charges or other related international costs are excluded.
Maintenance & Use:
Make sure the Winder is tethered to your work table or bench with its safety cord so it cannot be pulled off while drawing out the elements.
Do not drop or subject the Winder to shocks or impacts.
Do not apply any lubricant. The winders are lubricated when they are made and no further lubrication is required. Any excess lubricant that weeps out initially can just be wiped off .
There are no user serviceable parts inside. Opening a Winder will void the Warranty.
Clean with a soft cloth periodically.
Use and store in a dry place. Do not get damp, wet or immerse.
The Kipu and Watu Cord Winders are not suitable for making ropes or for twisting heavy or stiff materials. Using unsuitable materials can bend the hooks and damage the internal components.
Warranty and Repairs: The Cord Winders and Out Ends have a 12 month warranty from the date shipped. This does not cover wear and tear, accidental damage or any use other than we intended. Within the warranty period, we will repair any manufacturing defect at no charge. The customer is responsible for postage to us and we will cover the return postage.
International returns must clearly state the reason for shipment is “Repairs under Warranty” to avoid Taxes and Duties.
Outside the warranty, we will repair any damage or wear and tear. We will give an estimate of the cost before we start work. You can then decide what you would like us to do.
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