How Big Is That Yarn Bowl?

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.

---

JUMBO is the MAXIMUM SIZE WE OFFER! 

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.

Make sure you know exactly what you're buying.

Looks can be deceiving. In photos, our Large and XL yarn bowls may appear to be the same size or larger than our XXL – JUMBO bowls. All our images "fill the frame" to showcase the finest details.

• Know what you're getting before your new yarn bowl arrives. A great trick is to find a glass or ceramic bowl of similar diameter/depth to be sure it will suit your needs. 
• ​To showcase the unique characteristics of each yarn bowl, it's important to "fill the frame" in every photo. These close-up, tightly framed product shots can be deceiving. When all the sizes are grouped and viewed together on our main product pages, the smaller bowls will appear to fill more of the frame than the larger ones because they are not as wide. As a result, they may seem much taller than the larger yarn bowls.

This is why we always include one or two images of every yarn bowl, filled with yarn and tools as a reference point. We hope this helps you choose the perfect Heckathorn Yarn Bowl for your work style

LARGE Yarn Bowl #617, 20-1/2" circumerence around middle, LOOKS same size as XXXL #1119.

XXXL Yarn Bowl #1119, 29-1/2" circumerence. Photos are sized to fill space & show detail, similarly proportioned bowls look same size!?

 HINT:
Make sure you know exactly what you're buying
Find a similar glass or ceramic bowl at home to be sure it's the size you want....  Know what you're getting before the bowl arrives at your door! 

We've had requests for bigger yarn bowls, but there is a limit to how big Bob can go...

UPDATE: Spurred on by a couple requests for bigger (!?) yarn bowls, Bob broke his rule and turned two COLOSSAL pecan bowls last fall. While stunning, they were both a difficult make –so enormous and heavy, they are both too cost prohibitive to ship!

 

The colossal spalted oak bowl (above); is a magnificent cup/hub bowl. That said, the spalting/special properties combined with heavy ship weight and massive size meant these bowls would cost around $700!

'Nuf said. For now, I'm really enjoying them both –one for huge blanket projects/backup skeins; the other is a killer fruit bowl... I don't want to let these colossal anyway. 🫢

I still keep getting requests from yarners (who haven't read to the end of this post) requesting "bigger bowls" or "14" or bigger..." this update is here to explain why we stop at 14".