You’ve probably heard the phrase “skein of geese” before if you’re a knitter, crocheter, weaver, or other fiber artist. What does it mean, though, exactly? A skein of geese is really just another name for a hank or bundle of yarn that has been coiled into a certain shape. A skein of geese is typically structured like a big oval or loop, with layers of yarn wrapped around it.
What makes it a “skein of geese,” then? The name is most likely derived from the manner that a flock of geese will fly across the sky in a V-formation, which is how the skein is shaped. The word “skein” itself is derived from the Old Norse verb “skeina,” which meaning “to separate, to divide, or to wind into coils.” Skeins are a frequent manner of packing and selling yarn in the world of yarn and fiber arts because they make it possible for the yarn to be readily transported and kept without becoming tangled or knotted.
Before beginning to use a skein of geese, you will normally need to wind it into a ball at the time of purchase. The yarn may be wound into a tidy, compact ball with little effort using a ball winder, which can also be done by hand. Some people find it simpler to keep track of how much yarn they have left by pulling from the center of the skein as opposed to the outside, which can assist prevent tangling.
It is technically possible to begin working with a skein of geese without first wrapping it into a ball, although this is usually not advised. This is due to the ease with which the layers of yarn can tangle or knot together, which can be annoying to manage and potentially result in yarn waste. The yarn will stay tidy and ordered throughout your project if it is initially wound into a ball.
Find the end of the yarn and place it between your thumb and forefinger to begin rolling the skein into a ball. Then, lay the skein over your extended arms or a swift (a device made specifically for handling skeins of yarn), and start wrapping the yarn in a figure-eight pattern around your fingers or the swift. Once all of the yarn has been rolled up into a ball, you can fasten the end by knotting it or tucking it inside the ball. You’re prepared to begin your subsequent project with the freshly coiled ball of yarn!