Category: Yarn

Making a Center Pull Skein

Half way into the skein you are using you notice that the yarn is loosing shape and falling in on itself. It might even start to tangle. EGADS! Wouldn’t it be nice to know how to make a center pull skein? or know what options you have to keep your yarn tidy?

Never fear! The Left Handed Knitter is here!!

You have three options to help keep your yarn orderly:

  1. Continue knitting and deal with the skein as it gets more and more tangled.
  2. Detach the ball band, make it tighter around the skein and tape it back together.
  3. Rewind your yarn making a center pull skein.

Today we will focus on option number three as the first two, I hope, are self-explanatory.

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Starting a skein of yarn

You came across a pattern that you just have to try so you jump in your vehicle, zoom down the road to your local craft store and buy the prettiest of yarn. Woo Hoo! You can’t wait to make this gorgeous project! That night you sit down on the couch, turn on Netflix, grab the yarn out of the plastic bag, But, wait! What do you do about starting a new skein?

Have no fear! The Left Handed Knitter is here!

A skein versus a hank of yarn

What’s the difference?

Starting a new skein: Comparing a skein with a hank of yarn
White yarn: an example of a skein
Purple yarn: an example of a hank

A skein is a length of yarn that is ready for use. Typically big chain stores sell these types of yarn. They also tend to be lower quality yarns such as 100% acrylic.

A hank of yarn is a length of yarn wound into a large circle and then twisted on itself. It is not ready to be used. It must first be wound into a ball or skein. Hanks are typically sold at yarn stores or on line and they are of higher quality fibers such as alpaca or merino.

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