How to unwind a Skein or Hank

As a knitter or crocheter you've likely seen or purchased the type of beautiful new yarn, quite often a hand-dyed variety, which are wound into a loosely twisted loop.  While this shape is lovely for display and ensures the yarn was dyed evenly, it is not ready for knitting or crocheting.  In the UK these are commonly referred to as Skeins (or Hanks elsewhere).

Attempting to use a skein or hank directly will inevitably lead to frustrating tangles. Fortunately, transforming this loop into a usable ball or cake is a simple and essential first step. In this post, we'll guide you through the process of winding the skein, ensuring you start your project with perfectly neat, manageable yarn.

Preparing to Unwind a Skein of Yarn

• Untwist the Skein or Hank: These usually come twisted into a figure-eight shape. Carefully untwist to open it into a large, continuous loop.
• Identify the Ties: The yarn is held together by smaller, separate strands of yarn or string. These keep the loop tidy during dyeing and shipping. 
• Use one of the methods below to hold the yarn whilst you wind this into a ball.

Unwinding Methods (Creating a Ball)

The goal is to keep the yarn loop (skein) taut and open while you wind the yarn from one end into a ball.

1. Using a Chair Back (No Helper Needed)

Setup: Place the open loop of yarn over the back of a sturdy, straight-backed chair. You can also use the backs of two chairs placed a little distance apart if needed. This acts as a makeshift swift to hold the yarn.

Remove the Ties: Only cut or untie these small strings used to secure the yarn.  Do not cut the yarn skein itself! 

Find the Yarn Ends: Once the ties are removed, you will have two loose ends of the main yarn—one on the inside of the loop and one on the outside.  

Winding: Grab one of the yarn ends and begin wrapping it by hand to create a ball.

Start the Ball: Wrap the end around your fingers a few times. Slide it off, fold the bundle in half, and begin wrapping the main strand around the fold to create a small core.

Continue Winding: Keep the tension consistent (not too tight, not too loose). Rotate the ball frequently as you wind to create a round or slightly flattened shape.

Keep it Tidy: As you pull the yarn off the chair, try to keep the loop on the chair back from twisting or crossing over itself.

2. Using a Partner (A "Human Swift")

Setup: Ask a friend to place the loop of yarn over their outstretched arms. They need to keep their arms steady and slightly apart to hold the loop taut.

Winding: You wind the yarn into a ball or cake, pulling it gently off their arms. This method often works well because your helper can slightly adjust the tension and position of the yarn as you wind.

3. Using Specialized Tools

For a frequent yarn crafter, a Yarn Swift and a Ball Winder are excellent investments.

Swift: This is an adjustable device (often an umbrella-style one) that holds the open hank and spins freely as you pull the yarn.

Ball Winder (or Cake Winder): This machine attaches to a table and quickly winds the yarn into a tidy, flat-bottomed "cake." This is often preferred because yarn cakes sit still and can be worked from the centre.

Regardless of the method, the most important thing is to wind slowly and never pull the yarn so tightly that it stretches. 

FAQ

Q: Do I need to unwind a hank of yarn before starting my project?
A: Yes, it's highly recommended to wind it into a ball or cake first to prevent tangles and knots while working. Knitting or crocheting directly from the hank often leads to a messy experience, as the yarn can twist and knot up. See resources like knittinghelp.com for user stories.

Q: What's the difference between a hank and a skein?
A: Terminology varies by region.  A large, loose loop of yarn twisted for storage or dyeing, often used for hand-dyed varieties, is known as a Skein (UK) or a Hank (US). A more oblong, wound form that's ready to use is called a Ball (UK) or a Skein (US).  A Ball (US) is often called a Donut (UK).

Q: Why is yarn sold in skeins / hanks instead of ready-to-use balls?
A: Hanks allow for even dyeing, easier shipping (they pack flat and take less space), and prevent stretching from tight winding. They also showcase colours better for specialist yarns.

Q: How can I unwind a skein / hank without it tangling?
A: Open the hank into a large loop, remove ties carefully (don't cut the yarn), and use a support like a chair back, partner's arms, or a swift to keep it taut. Wind slowly with even tension.

Q: What tools are best for winding yarn?
A: For beginners, a chair or helper works well. For frequent use, invest in a yarn swift and ball winder for tidy cakes.

Q: Can I knit or crochet directly from the skein / hank?
A: It's possible but not advised, as it often results in tangles mid-project. Some lay the open hank flat and work carefully, but winding first saves time and reduces stress.

Q: What if my skein / hank gets tangled during unwinding?
A: Stop immediately, lay it out on a flat surface, and gently tease apart the knots with your fingers or a needle. Prevent this by keeping the loop taut and winding slowly.

Q: How do I wind yarn into a centre-pull ball without tools?
A: Start by wrapping around your fingers or a cardboard tube for a core, then wind figure-eights and rotate. It's trickier by hand, so tools are preferred for true centre-pull.

Q: How tight should I wind the yarn?
A: Keep tension even but not too tight to avoid stretching, which can alter the yarn's texture and project sizing. Conversely, loose winding may cause slubs or uneven feeding.