It took me many years to navigate the world of yarn. Growing up, I thought all yarn came from the five-and-dime (yes, I’m that old—lol), because that’s where my grandmother always bought hers. I had no idea that things like local yarn shops or independent dyers even existed. Back then, every yarn I saw came pre-wound into skeins, and I’d knit directly from them without a second thought.

Much later, my eyes were opened to the delights of little yarn shops with endless rows of fiber in every imaginable color and texture. The gorgeous, hand-dyed wool in rich, saturated hues practically begged to be taken home. Although I still buy yarn from large retailers, I now love to splurge on luxurious yarns from local artisans.

The deeper you get into knitting or crocheting, the more tempting it is to explore new types of yarn—and new ways that yarn is packaged. It’s not just about color or fiber anymore; how your yarn is wound can make a big difference in your crafting experience. Here’s a quick guide to the most common yarn formats:

Skein

• What it is: A skein is a long length of yarn wound into an oblong, cylindrical bundle.
• Why it’s handy: You can often work straight from the skein without needing to rewind it.
• Where you’ll find it: Most yarn sold in big box stores comes in skeins.

Ball

• What it is: A classic round ball of yarn.
• Why it’s handy: Easy to hold and wind yourself at home.
• Things to note: Balls tend to roll around as you work unless contained.

Cake

• What it is: A flat, cylindrical bundle with a flat top and bottom—like a little yarn layer cake!
• Why it’s handy: Cakes are center-pull, so they sit still while you work.
• Where they come from: Usually wound at home using a yarn winder, or sometimes sold this way by indie dyers.

Hank

• What it is: A long loop of yarn twisted into a tidy bundle.
• Why it’s fancy: Hanks are often used for hand-dyed or luxury yarns.
• Important: You must wind a hank into a ball or cake before using, or you’ll end up with a mess of tangles.

Learning to recognize these yarn types—and how to handle them—can make your crafting life much easier. Whether you’re picking up a reliable skein from your local craft store or treating yourself to a vibrant hank of hand-dyed merino from a fiber festival, understanding the differences helps you choose the right yarn for your next project.