Lazy Kate

{{Short description|Assistive yarn accessory}}

{{refimprove|date=November 2014}}

Image:LazyKate.JPG

A lazy kate (also simply known as a kate) is a device used in spinning to hold one or more spools or bobbins in place while the yarn on them is wound off from the side of the bobbin.{{cite book|last1=Claydon|first1=Jennifer|title=Spin, Dye, Stitch: How to Create and Use Your Own Yarns|date=28 August 2009|publisher=North Light Books|location=Ohio|isbn=9781600611551|page=20|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b9amTp3YuOoC&pg=PA20|accessdate=11 November 2014}} Typically, a kate consists of a standing rack with multiple rods which allow the bobbins placed on them to spin. Tensioned kates have a band that loops over the bobbins to prevent them from spinning freely. Some spinning wheels have built-in kates, although these tend to be more cumbersome to use than free-standing ones.

Kates are commonly used to ply yarn but may be used for any task which involves winding off yarn from a bobbin.

Electricians use a similar device to mount their spools of wire for pulling and storage.

An improvised kate can be created out of a cardboard box pierced by some sort of dowels.