Yarn Cakes, Balls, Skeins and Hanks Explained

Yarn-form names are used loosely, but the practical question is whether the strand can feed cleanly from the package.

Ball

A traditional ball is wound into a round shape and can usually be worked from the outside. It may roll unless placed in a bowl or project bag.

Skein

Commercial skeins often have an elongated shape and may offer a centre-pull end as well as an outside end. “Skein” is also used as a general retail term, so inspect the form.

Hank

A hank is a large loop of yarn, usually twisted for storage. Untwist it, place the loop on a swift or around a stable support and wind it into a ball or cake before crocheting. Working directly from an open hank invites tangles.

Cake

A cake has flat ends and is often wound on a ball winder. It can feed from the centre or outside depending on construction.

Keep the label with every form. The shape does not tell you the fiber, length, weight category or care.

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