How to Split a Skein of Yarn in Half

Divide a skein of yarn into equal amounts.

There are several reasons to split a skein of yarn into two equal amounts. If you are knitting any project that has two items, such as socks, mittens or gloves, splitting the skein insures that you have enough yarn to complete both pieces. Also, if you are making a scarf in two pieces, you will need to divide the yarn before starting so both pieces are the same length. If you are crocheting a striped baby blanket in several colors, splitting each skein makes it easier to make strips the same width.

Instructions

1. Remove any labels or tags from the skein of yarn.

2. Weigh the skein.

3. Free one end of yarn from the skein and start winding it into a ball. You can wind by hand or with a ball winder.

4. Keep weighing the skein until it weighs half the amount you started with.

5. Stop winding and cut the yarn. You now have two equal amounts of yarn.

Tips & Warnings

• If the yarn is in a hank -- a loose ring of yarn, wind it into one ball before dividing into two.

References

• "Knitting Rules"; Stephanie Pearl-McPhee; 2006
• Knitter's Review: EatSmart Precision Pro Multifunction Digital Kitchen Scale