What do I call this Yarn? A Skein? A Ball? A Hank? Something else?
For the longest time I had no clue how many names one could call yarn and be right. I always referred to everything as a Skein. There are four main different types of yarn packaging. These names include Hank, Skein, Cake and Ball. Each of these types have sub categories that define how these yarns are wound. Our logo features many different types of ways yarn is wound.
Lion Brand Hand Dyed Heaven is an example of a Hank style yarn
Hanks begin as a circle of yarn they can stay the circle and just be called a Hank. A Hank can come folded which is called a Folded Hank. Another type of Hank is a Twisted Hank these are the Hanks you will commonly see in stores. Lion Brand Hand Dyed Heaven comes in a Twisted Hank.
Lion Brand Feels Like Butta Bonus Bundles are an example of a Skein
Skeins are one of the most common winding methods you will see in a store. Oftentimes these skeins will be the Center Pull Skeins such as Lion Brand Hometown USA. Center Pull Skeins have an outer loose piece of yarn and an inner piece of yarn. Many Crocheters and Knitters use this type of yarn by pulling from the center as the yarn is harder to roll away. The downfall of this type of skein is what is called yarn barf. This is where you have gotten a new skein of yarn and are trying to find the center pull. You press your fingers into the center opening and come out with a wad of yarn it takes a bit to find the end and you will sometimes have to untangle the yarn to find the end. Do not be discouraged I typically lay out my yarn after untangling into rows and work quickly on my project to avoid more of a mess. Bullet Skeins look similar to the Pull Skeins these tend to be shorter than the classic pull skeins and the yarn will often poof at both ends around the label. These can be seen with Lion Brand Go For Faux. These skeins can be worked similar to the Center Pull Skeins.
An example of a hand rolled Ball
Ball this is the shape you are thinking of many have seen others wind a ball to start a project instead of using their yarn in a Hank or Skein. There is nothing wrong with doing this to your yarn, be careful when winding your yarn in this shape to avoid over compression of your yarn’s fibers which can cause problems with making your projects. Oftentimes balls of yarn will roll as you work on your project. If your yarn ball is running away you can purchase a yarn bowl or use a mixing bowl below the level of where you are working. This keeps your yarn ball contained and leaves your hands free to work. There are balls that resemble a donut and these are referred to Donut Ball I find I tend to need to work slower with this type of ball or I will tangle my yarn. For those who work with crochet thread you will be familiar with the Hard Core Ball these balls almost resemble toilet paper rolls. I have found when working with these balls if I can suspend my Hard Core Ball such as on a dowel rod or toilet paper dispenser I can work quickly. A small branch from the Hard Core Ball is the Cone many will find these at their local craft store often with Cotton yarn on them. These are great to set on the floor to one side of your work and pull upwards the ball will work from the outside towards the inner cone.
Lion Brand Mandala yarns are an example of Cakes. Pictured here is a Mandala Bonus Bundle in Giant.
Cakes are a flat bottomed wound yarn that can be pulled from the outside or inside. Many pull from the inside of these yarns which are found from Lion Brand in their popular Mandala, Mandala Baby, Mandala Sparkle and Mandala Ombrè lines. This method of winding is becoming more and more popular with an easy to use yarn that does not require any extra effort to set up for use.
