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?
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.