Yarn Packaging - Balls, Skeins, Hanks, and Cones

So, we've been learning the fundamentals of knitting here, and now lets talk about yarn just a little more.

Before you go rushing off to the store with all of your newfound knowledge, you should really be familiar with the way yarn can be packaged. It may seem unimportant, but the first time you come home with a hank of yarn and end up in tears on the floor because it won’t unravel properly, you’ll get the point of this little review.

Skein : Usually any knitter’s dream. Skeins are great because most manufacturers have structured them in a way that allows you to pull your working piece of yarn from the center. This means that you don’t have to unwind and ball the yarn, but it also means that you can work in a smaller, more manageable space.

Ball : This should be self-explanatory. If not, you need to find a book even more basic than this one. You usually won’t find yarn sold in ball form at the store – you have to wind them that way yourself. More advanced knitters sometimes have gadgets to help with winding, but you can also do this using a doorknob or a friend’s hands.

Hank : A record-setting player for the Atlanta Braves… oops, wrong book. To make a hank, manufacturers or yarn spinners lay out all of the yarn in the shape of a big O. They then twist it into a smaller bunch for easier packaging. Hanks have to be untwisted and rewound into a ball when you want to work with them.

Cone : Huge projects can become infinitely more affordable by using cones. Commercial manufacturers use this format when they want to sell over a pound of yarn at a time, but the price per pound is often much less than if you bought the same quantity as a skein.

Hope this helps!
Sarah Beth
http://www.knittingtips.com

Yarn Weight

Today we're going to talk about weight

Not yours, the yarn’s. There are several specific weights of yarn, each of which corresponds to different types of projects. You can use unconventional weights for projects when you have a little more experience manipulating it, but for now you’ll want to stick to these guidelines:

Worsted weight : This is the most adaptable weight of yarn and therefore the most popular. You can make just about anything with worsted weight, which gives you the added bonus of having more colors and textures from which to choose.

Sport weight : If you like basic projects and find yourself sticking mostly to worsted weight, you can easily switch to sport weight for a lighter, more summery feel. It’s a little thinner, so it works perfectly for wispier projects like shawls.

Fingering weight : Some of the most popular knitting projects are for babies, and this thinnest yarn weight is ideal for the smaller, more delicate work involved in baby blankets and clothing. It can also be softer than worsted and sport weights which makes it gentler on baby’s skin.

Chunky weight : At a heavier weight than worsted, these yarns usually come in fun, bold colors perfect for making thick sweaters, hats, and other winter clothing. As an added bonus, they also work up more quickly than worsted weight.

Bulky weight : The biggest, fattest yarn available. If you’re looking for a yarn that can become a fully-formed project in about the time it takes you to make and eat a PB&J sandwich, this is it. (It’s also fun to pair with big, fat needles and pretend you’re a giant!)

Double knit weight : This weight has become rarer to find in shops since it toes the line between sport and worsted weights. However, it does give you the flexibility to make projects in either of the other two weights without having to adjust the patterns

Next week we'll cover yarn packaging...till then!