How to Make a Mini Skein

A tool called a niddy-noddy is used to make tightly-wound skeins.

Skeins, or hanks, are twisted lengths of yarn. Many crafters and supply stores prefer to store their yarn in skeins, instead of balls, because this form prevents the material from becoming tangled; skeins also reveal a longer length of yarn, making it easier to examine and feel the fiber before purchase. You can make a skein in any size. Use miniature skeins for giving out samples or ornamental elements for key-chains and pins.

Things You'll Need

• Book
• Yarn
• Scissors
• Key chain
• Jump ring chain

Instructions

1. Hold or tape the end of the yarn to the book.

2. Wrap the yarn around the middle of the book, three to seven times, as if you're winding it on a spool. Wrap horizontally across the width of the book for a short skein, or vertically from top to bottom for a long skein.

3. Cut the yarn off from the rest of the ball so that the end overlaps and crosses over the original taped piece.

4. Cut a 3-inch length of yarn; you can use scrap yarn or a remnant distinct from the skein.

5. Tuck the piece of yarn under the wrapped yarn. Pull the end of the piece out of the other side so that it runs perpendicular to the wrapped yarn.

6. Slide the single strand under the original, taped piece and the end. Remove any tape that you used.

7. Tie two overhand knots to secure the strand and prevent the skein from unraveling; wrap the right end over the left, under and around.

8. Slide the loop of yarn off of the book, maintaining the ring-like shape.

9. Hook a finger in opposite ends of the loop.

10. Twist one end of the yarn until it begins to contract and firmly pull towards the other hand, 20 to 40 times depending on the size of the loop and thickness of the yarn.

11. Bring the ends of the yarn together; the yarn will twist and wrap around itself. Control the twist as it occurs so that it is neat and long.

12. Twist the loop more if the skein is loose or falls apart.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to make model mini skeins out of thread, embroidery floss or separated yarn fibers.

References

• "Fiber Gathering: Knit, Crochet, Spin, and Dye More Than 20 Projects Inspired by America's Festivals"; Joanne Seiff; 2009