4 Types of Yarn Packaging
I recently saw an Instagram post from a crocheter (aka a hooker), who posted a picture of the different types of yarn packaging. She complained about how crocheters and knitters call them by the wrong name. I know that I am guilty of calling a hank a skein and I think in the U.S. it is common for us to use these two terms interchangeably.
While hanks, balls, cakes, and skeins are often used interchangeably and are not the only types of yarn packaging, they are the four primary types.
Let’s take a look at each type of yarn packaging.
Yarn Packaging Basics
Yarn is sold in various forms, including balls, skeins, cakes, and hanks. While the packaging style doesn’t usually affect the quality or type of yarn you choose, it can influence how you handle and prepare your yarn for use. Here’s what you need to know about each form.
What is a Yarn Skein?
A skein is the most common form of yarn packaging and is shaped like a cylinder. It’s the classic shape most people visualize when they think of yarn. One of the biggest advantages of a skein is that yarn can be pulled either from the outside or the center, offering flexibility while working.
However, as you work through a skein, it tends to lose its shape, increasing the risk of tangles. To avoid a tangled mess, when I get toward the end of a skein I usually wind the remaining yarn into a ball. This helps me save what can be hours of time untangling a big mess (Ask me how I know this!).
What is a Yarn Hank?
A hank is a loosely wound loop of yarn twisted into a neat, compact form. The majority of yarn I receive in my subscriptions or hand-dyed yarns come in hanks (I admittedly refer to the hanks as skeins, which as you can see in the graphic above, so does Knitpicks!).
Hanks are easy to ship and are aesthetically pleasing, so hanks are a favorite for yarn displays. However, before using a hank, you’ll need to untwist it to reveal a large loop of yarn, which must be wound into a ball or cake for use.
The winding process can be time-consuming, but it’s worth the effort. I wind mine by hand but you can also use a swift and a ball winder to transform your hanks faster and more efficiently.
What is a Yarn Ball?
As the name suggests, a ball of yarn is a round, ball-like bundle. Balls are practical because they’re easy to handle. I prefer to roll yarn from skeins or hanks into balls. My Frenchie, however, finds yarn balls irresistible and often looks at me with one his mouth as if saying, “Mama, tell me again why a yarn ball isn’t a real ball!”
What is a Yarn Cake?
Yarn cakes are wound into a flat, cylindrical shape with a flat top and bottom. Cakes are often created using a ball winder and are designed for center-pull use. This feature helps prevent the yarn from rolling around as you knit, making cakes an excellent choice for smooth, tangle-free knitting.
Cakes are especially useful for multi-colored or gradient yarns, as the flat shape displays color transitions clearly. This makes them both functional and visually appealing.
What’s your favorite yarn format to work with? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!
Book + Knit Kit
I have a new adventure! I am offering book + knit kits. I thoughtfully curate each kit and sometimes add a surprise reading or knitting-related item to make your experience even more enchanting. Lose yourself in a story + create something beautiful, while you indulge in both worlds.
I love to make cakes! Except when I get a little exuberant and it comes flying off the winder and makes a mess 😆😆 I have (mostly) learned my lesson.
True! I call a hank a skein and I think it is common in the U.S. You’re absolutely correct that at the end of the day it’s all yarn!