A rotor assembly is provided for a motor of a laundry appliance. The rotor assembly includes a rotor frame having a hub region that extends radially outward from a central hub, and a cylindrical rim extending axially from the hub region. The rotor assembly further includes a yoke disposed at an inner surface of the cylindrical rim, and a plurality of magnets disposed at an inner surface of the yoke, wherein the yoke comprises a helically wound metal strip.