How to wind yarn into a Skein

I've decided to start some how-to/skillshare posts to share what I learn as I go. I've learned lots from people's how-to's so I thought it would be nice to return the favor :)

This is pretty simple, but an essential skill for crocheters & knitters, and people who want to dye or process their own yarn.

When you buy yarn, it will often come in a skein- basically a big loop of yarn. It's pretty impossible to start working with, so you'll eventually have to wind it into a ball.

But for this purpose, you'll want to wind your yarn into a skein for dyeing. Find something to wind it around, I chose a chair. You don't want something to wide or narrow. Don't wind it really tight, but not too loose either. Remember, you're gonna have to pull it off when you're done. Take the loose ends and wrap them around the skein a couple times, and tuck them underneath to keep it secure.

Like it says, count the number of rotations; (eg 75 rotations), then take a tape measure and measure the distance around the chair (or whatever you are winding it around), eg- 50 inches. Take these 2 numbers and multiply, then divide by 36, and you'll have your yardage.

75 rotations x 50 inches = 3750

3750/36 = 104 (approx) yards

*note- yes I am Canadian, but as many of us know, our parents were imperial taught, therefore, this is the way I learned, and I find it kind of hard to relearn in metric! Its easy enough to convert yards into meters using an online converter.

Now, if you were dyeing your yarn, this would be where you stop. The next steps are for when you are done dying (oops I keep doing that, I mean dyeing!), and explain how the skein creates its own little secure "package".

Next, take the skein and stretch it between your 2 thumbs... Start rotating your right thumb counterclockwise to the skein begins to twist on itself...

When the twisted loops are fairly tight around your thumbs, let the skein fold onto itself (preferably in half). Once its in half, pull one end through the other:

The skein will find its own equilibrium in this "twisted state", and the secured loop will keep it from coming undone. Also, remember not to twist it too much or you'll compress your yarn. Here's a dyed sample of a twisted skein:
By the way, this was my first skein-dyeing project. I did it with Kool-aid & 100% wool yarn. This project will be featured as my next how-to skillshare.