Our biggest marketing challenge is helping yarn lovers imagine just how big our XXL - JUMBO Yarn Bowls are when just looking at tiny photos and reading dimensions. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice as you navigate through the five general sizes offered.

The first dimension listed is the diameter of the bowl, measured in inches across the center from one side to the other (outside edges; see photo). The depth of the bowl is the second measurement listed, from the top rim to the base (where it sits on the table).

We usually use the diameter to determine the size/category of a #HeckathornYarnBowl. We use these standard bowl measurements to keep things simple, knowing that the circumference is a much more impressive figure.

We also provide circumference measurements for our bowls. If you need to convert these measurements to circumference or meters, you can use the quick and easy tool on OmniCalculator.com

For larger bowls like XXL (based on diameter), we may place them in the XXXL category if the yarn bowl is unusually deep. Please note that all dimensions are outer dimensions (od) and are approximate, as wood can warp, causing slight variations in the top diameter depending on where and when it's measured.

The depths of our XL – Jumbo Yarn Bowls can vary significantly. As a result, depths are not listed on this sizing chart; however, they are always included on each listing.

• SMALL-MEDIUM: Under 6" + diameter; depth varies. Rarely turned; smaller bowls start with the same size wood specimen and the same amount of time/labor to produce. These bowls are perfect for sock, mitten, and hat projects where smaller quantities of yarn are needed. Nice for dk, fingering, and fine cotton spools. Not always available.

• LARGE: 6 - 7+" diameter x 5+" deep. Our classic "WORKHORSE" yarn bowl; is perfect for any project accommodating a single 5-7oz skein of worsted yarn, rolled into a ball ready to glide like silk making all yarn projects easier. Nice for "frogging" as well.

• XL: 7+ - 8-1/2+/-" diameter our "WORKHORSE" on steroids! Depth varies considerably depending on the style of the bowl.

• XXL: 9 - 12" diameter (depth varies considerably depending on the style of the bowl).
• XXXL: 12 - 13+" diameter (depth varies considerably depending on the style of the bowl).

• JUMBO CUP/HUB SETS: 14" (plus!?) Bob rarely gets to turn a 14" Yarn Bowl. He would if more jumbo wood stock was available here, however, his XXXL yarn bowls are very close in size to Jumbo, and we usually have a few in both shops.

Bob's bowls max out around 15-16"(finished). These Jumbo Yarn Bowls start with a huge log; approx. 20" diameter x 10" deep. Extremely heavy at around 40-50 lbs.; factoring age, water content, wood properties, etc. Anything bigger (ie. heavier) is difficult and dangerous to turn on the lathe. *That said, Bob broke this rule in Sept. '21 –read about it at the end of this post.

Fresh hardwoods are not always available here, and while Florida live oak is plentiful, premium hardwoods like cherry, pecan, cedar and camphor; to name a few are a rare find. Recently, Bob found a reliable source for prime cherry hardwood; a particular favorite for its minimal warping, stunning tones and a very hard durable finish that resists dents and dings.

Turning fresh hardwood into yarn bowls is a lengthy process spanning several months. Each bowl starts after a fresh log is cut into blanks. Each log is stripped of bark and trimmed with a chainsaw. Next the blank is mounted on the lathe for a rough turning, shaping and hollowing.

​After roughing out, each bowl is set aside for a drying period of one to four months time depending on weather conditions (humidity, barometric pressure and temperature). 

The drying period is the most critical stage for fresh turned wood. A stretch of dry, cool weather for example can cause the bowls to warp and crack. Some hardwoods (like cherry) are less prone to warping and cracking, other hardwoods gently warp, while many crack considerably, or warp and crack. Nature determines the condition of the bowl when it’s dry enough; as interesting wood patterns and challenges emerge. The choicest bowls are finished first. 

Most wood turners reject cracked and warped bowls; discarding them to focus on more pristine specimens. Bob sets these nature challenged bowls aside until his supply of hardwood gets low, and he has the necessary hours to rescue these gifts from nature. This is when the real magic begins –with restoration techniques that result in his most artful offerings. 

The larger cracks are filled with our proprietary sparkle inlay; in custom colors mixed to complement the bowl. Fine cracks are filled to match the wood tones. Bob’s process follows the ancient Japanese philosophy “Wabi-Sabi” using ancient "Kintsugi" techniques, embracing the flawed or imperfect; highlighting the cracks and repairs to honor the life of an object rather than allowing its service to end at the time of its damage or breakage. 

Drying Jumbo yarn bowls is Bob’s biggest challenge to date. These HUGE hardwoods usually crack considerably -even before they are removed from the lathe!

This large oak bowl has developed multiple cracks on its east/west sides and notable black line spalting on the north/south sides. Bob meticulously filled in the fine cracks to match the darker grains, and the larger cracks were filled with custom-matched inlay. This was a challenging process as the wood and fill colors will change once the piece is finally finished.

This particular set is too big to sell/ship and the yarn fanatic loves it… 💭🧶👍🏻❤️

In some trees, such as oak or maple, spalting is rarely black-line often resulting in vague, amorphous, blotchy black or dark-gray areas. On rare occasions, spalting may cause colorful changes other than black. ​​

When nature gifts Bob with an interesting piece of wood that nature has spalted, it makes a rare and particulary beautiful yarn bowl. He usually sets these specimens aside for up to a year to encourage more spalting. Then, when his wood supply is depleted and with no fresh wood on the horizon, Bob will turn 2-4 highly spalted  bowls at one time. Once these uncommon yarn bowls are finished, the spalting process stops, embedding artful designs into the wood.

While his lengthy finishing process hardens the wood (and sadly masks its nice scent); Bob notes that cedar yarn bowls are more prone to small dents and dings over time, which give personality to your heirloom bowl for future generations.​

Harder woods (like cherry, oak and pecan), are more resistant to dents and marks with continued use; although if you love the look of our cedar yarn bowls like we do, place it on a round cutout of non-skid fabric or crocheted mandala and give it a little extra TLC! Your magnificent and functional cedar bowl will turn your #wip into a conversation piece wherever it rests.

​On rare occasions Bob finds some fresh “green” hardwood (Cherry, Pecan and Maple to name a few) from a fallen tree or local tree trimmer. And, although turning green wood bowls on a lathe is easier because it’s in a soft state, the necessary drying process that ensues is risky!
 
After a fresh wood yarn bowl is turned, it is set aside to dry. Depending on the current weather conditions (like relative humidity, barometric pressure and temperature to name a few) the drying process takes one to three months. As the hardwood dries, it has a tendency to warp and crack. Warping usually adds nice character to the yarn bowls; however, Bob feels that cracking; which is easily repaired in the finishing process, is an undesirable feature in some of his collectible art bowls. As his partner, I try to respect those high standards while at the same time viewing the cracks that ensue as the final word from nature!
 
Too often, I’ve watched Bob throw a beautiful yarn bowl into the recycling bin and felt that his lack of control over a few small cracks deprived a fellow yarn crafter of a unique and naturally beautiful piece. After some whining on my part, Finally, Bob acquiesced and started finishing these natural wonders when the occasion arises. Now, I’m able to offer a distinctive piece at deeply discounted price.
 
There’s a lot of value in our “Perfectly Imperfect” Yarn Bowls. Each one takes ten to twenty hours (at the least) to make –the same amount of time it takes to create a first quality bowl. For those who may not be able to invest in our first quality yarn bowls, I consider these pieces to be a special offering from Heckathorn Turned Wood as they are all authentic gifts of nature!

Some #HeckathornYarnBowls feature our proprietary "Inlay" or "Sparkle Inlay" enhancing a knot or set into the rim of the bowl for added appeal.

In 2014, with no real colorful options for inlays, we developed a special process of mixing custom colors and textures to match or compliment the style/color tones of each individual its intended for.

When so inspired, Bob will add a channel to the rim of a bowl, a few orbits or a star to the sides for those that like a little bling. Sometimes he uses this special inlay to restore/repair natures damage to a piece which can occur when it dries; using age old "Kintsugi" techniques.