In my possession I have quite a bit of yarn that has come in a skein rather than a ball.

These skeins look so pretty – they show off the colours and textures within the yarn beautifully, and I have to say that there is an indulgent pleasure when one snips off the little bits of yarn that secure the scrumptious bundle. It is a grand opening ceremony of sorts. Yarn that is presented in a skein is quite often on the pricey side. To unwind a skein is to commence a special project. There is an additional step. The excitement is prolonged. By the time you start to knit or crochet the yarn, you feel like you have experienced a kind of long tease. Yarn foreplay is a perhaps a good word to describing the unwinding of a skein.

Last night I laid out four skeins of Malabrigo Chunky yarn. I am going to knit up a new design, a cowl with a lovely mosiac pattern. I had to pop into town at lunchtime and decided to only unwind one of the skeins this morning. Now, all of the above paragraph is true. I was very excited. But after I had unwound the skein into a far more usuable ball of wool I had to sit down and take an ibuprofen.

My back was killing me! I think I managed to pull a muscle due to my rotational stance. The trip to town was very short. I didn’t even buy any wool! I am now home and looking at the remaing three skeins and thinking swear words inside my head. I can’t be bothered to unwind them. I will, because the yarn is extremely beautiful and I think the resulting cowl will look awesome. You can see them in the main photo. Pretty, aren’t they.

Well. this article is about yarn skeins. Why do some companies put their yarn into skeins instead of balls? How do you unwind a skein? Is the extra step worth it? Please read on to find out more about skeins of yarn.

What is a skein of yarn?

A skein of yarn is a length of yarn that is loosely wound into a long, oblong shape, making it easy to handle and work with. Unlike a ball of yarn, which is wound tightly into a compact sphere, a skein is designed to be more accessible for knitters and crocheters as they can easily pull the yarn from the outside or the center. This form allows the yarn to be measured and stored conveniently, and it can be unwound smoothly as you work on a project.

Skeins are often used in retail settings because they display the color and texture of the yarn more effectively than other forms, such as balls or cones. They are commonly sold in a twisted form, where the yarn is looped and then twisted back on itself to keep it secure. Before using a skein, many crafters prefer to wind it into a ball to prevent tangling during use. Skeins are popular because they are easy to manage, store, and transport, making them a practical choice for a wide range of knitting and crochet projects.

I personally think you have to unwind them before use, that it is impossible to work with a skein otherwise. I know that some crafters do unwind a skein as they work. I really do advise against this, especially with thinner wool. I have had to throw a tangled mess resulting from insufficient skein unwinding before now.

Are skeins of yarn more expensive than balls?

Skeins of yarn are not necessarily more expensive than balls of yarn. The price of yarn is typically determined by factors such as the fiber content, brand, weight, and length rather than the way the yarn is packaged. Both skeins and balls can be priced similarly if they contain the same type and amount of yarn.

However, in some cases, skeins might seem more expensive because they often come in larger quantities or are made from higher-quality materials. This can give the impression that skeins are more costly, but it’s essential to compare the actual amount of yarn and the material to determine the true value.

The Malabrigo Chunky that you see in the photos cost around ten pounds per skein. This is for 100 grams, and the fibre is pure merino wool. Malabrigo is hand dyed in Uraguay, and is an absoloutely beautiful yarn brand to work with. I don’t think the ten pounds price is expensive at all for what you get. I possibly wouldn’t knit a long cardigan or a blanket with this yarn. I would be too worried about ruining it somehow. But for a cowl, hats or gloves I think the price is prefectly reasonable.

Why do some yarn companies sell their yarn in skeins and not balls

Some yarn companies sell their yarn in skeins rather than balls because skeins offer several practical advantages. One reason is that skeins allow the yarn to be displayed in a way that shows off its texture, color variations, and thickness more effectively than tightly wound balls. This helps customers better assess the quality and appearance of the yarn before purchasing.

Additionally, skeins are easier for manufacturers to produce and package, especially for hand-dyed or specialty yarns, as they can be wound and dyed in larger quantities. Skeins are also more convenient for certain types of yarn, particularly those with unique textures or delicate fibers, as they reduce the risk of stretching or damaging the yarn during packaging. For these reasons, skeins are a preferred choice for many yarn companies, particularly those focused on high-quality or artisanal products.

What is the best way to unwind a skein of yarn into a ball

The best way to unwind a skein into a ball is to first find the two ends of the yarn. One end is usually on the outside, and the other is hidden inside the skein. Many crafters prefer to use the end from the center to avoid the skein rolling around as they work. If you decide to use the center end, gently pull it out until you find a continuous strand.

Once you’ve located the end, you can begin winding the yarn into a ball by hand. Start by wrapping the yarn around your fingers a few times to create a small loop, then remove the loop from your fingers and begin wrapping the yarn around it in different directions. This will help you form a round, even ball. As you wind, keep the tension steady and avoid pulling the yarn too tightly, as this can stretch the fibers. If the skein is large, it may help to place it on a swift or around a chair back to keep it untangled while you wind.

Below you can see a skein of Malbrigo Chunky alongside the ball that I prepared earlier. I like to snip the ties from the skein and then I place the piece over the back of a chair. I then wind the yarn onto my hand, changing the direction of the yarn as stated above.

The original skein does look more attractive than the ball, doesn’t it? At a price of ten pounds, I think I would be more inclinded to buy the skein than the ball. The varying shades are more clearly visible, and it somehow looks like there is more yarn.

However, I now have to unwind three more skeins before I can get on with my new knitting project.

I would love to know if there are any skein lovers out there. Do you prefer to purchase and use skeins or would you pass them by because its extra work? Please let me know and thanks so much for reading this article about skeins and balls.

Here is one last look at the pretty Malabrigo, soon to be unwound…sooo squishy!

I bought my Malabrigo Chunky here at Lovecrafts (affiliate link).

You can get 30% off your first Lovecrafts order find out more by clicking here thank you.