Abstract: A skein winder for winding skeins of pre-weighed yarns is disclosed that includes a balance means which has a first platform to receive the yarn bobbin and a variable restoring force acting on the balance means which variable restoring force may be lightened in predetermined increments. A switch means is responsive to unbalance in one direction to initiate rotation of the skein winding spindle and to unbalance in the other direction to stop winding and also to remove a predetermined quantity of restoring force weight automatically.