If you knit or crochet, you have probably heard people use words such as ball, skein, hank, and cake almost interchangeably. But these names actually describe different ways yarn can be wound, packaged, stored, or prepared for use.
Some of the differences are practical, while others are simply traditional names used by yarn makers and crafters. And to make things even more confusing, the exact terminology can vary a little between brands and regions.
Here is a simple guide to 12 yarn ball types so you can tell a hank from a skein, recognize a yarn cake at a glance, and understand why some yarn needs to be wound before you start knitting.
1. Hank
A hank is yarn arranged in a large loop and usually secured in one or more places with small ties. It is one of the most common ways to store or sell hand-dyed and specialty yarns.
A hank is beautiful for display, but it normally needs to be wound into a ball or cake before knitting. If you try to knit directly from an opened hank, the yarn can quickly become tangled.
2. Folded Hank
A folded hank is essentially a hank that has been folded into a more compact shape. The yarn is still arranged in long loops, but folding makes the bundle easier to handle, store, or display.
Like a regular hank, it is usually best to wind it into a usable ball or cake before starting your project.
3. Twisted Hank
A twisted hank is the familiar braided-looking bundle often seen in hand-dyed yarn shops. It begins as a hank, then the loop is twisted and tucked into itself to create a neat, compact bundle.
Before using it, untwist the hank, open it into its full loop, place it around a yarn swift or another secure support, and wind the yarn into a ball or cake.
4. Skein
A skein is a general term for a length of yarn wound into an elongated bundle. Many commercial yarns are sold this way because a skein is compact, easy to label, and convenient to store.
Depending on how it is wound, you may be able to work from the outside end or pull the yarn from the center.
5. Pull Skein
A pull skein, often called a center-pull skein, is designed so the working end of the yarn can be pulled from the center of the bundle.
Center-pull yarn can be very convenient because the skein tends to stay in place while you work. However, some skeins are easier to pull from the outside, especially if the center end is difficult to locate.
6. Bullet Skein
A bullet skein is a compact skein with a short, rounded shape. It gets its informal name from its appearance.
This term is not used by every yarn company, so you may see a similar shape described simply as a skein or ball.
7. Ball
The classic yarn ball is probably the most recognizable form. The yarn is wound into a round shape and is usually worked from the outside.
A ball is easy to make by hand, but perfectly round balls have one small disadvantage: they can roll across the floor while you knit or crochet.
8. Cake
A yarn cake has a flat top and bottom, which makes it look a little like a cake. It is commonly created with a yarn winder and is one of the most practical shapes for working yarn.
Because it has a flat base, a cake usually stays in place better than a round ball. Many cakes are also center-pull, making them especially convenient for knitting and crochet.
9. Donut Ball
A donut ball is wound into a rounded ring shape with a visible opening through the center. As the name suggests, it resembles a donut.
The term is descriptive rather than universal, so different yarn brands may use other names for a similar winding style.
10. Hard Core Ball
A hard core ball is yarn wound around a firm center, such as a cardboard or plastic core. The core helps the yarn keep its shape and provides extra stability.
This construction is especially useful when yarn needs to unwind smoothly and consistently.
11. Cone
Yarn on a cone is wound around a rigid cone-shaped core. Cones can hold a large amount of yarn and are commonly associated with machine knitting, weaving, commercial production, and projects that require long continuous lengths of yarn.
For crafters who use large quantities of the same yarn, cones can be extremely practical because they reduce the number of joins needed in a project.
12. Hankenskein
And then there is the Hankenskein! This one is the joke in the illustration rather than an official yarn-industry term. The name playfully combines hank and skein into a tangled little yarn creature.
If your carefully organized yarn ever turns into a mysterious knot while you are not looking, you may feel that the Hankenskein is very real indeed.
Hank vs. Skein vs. Cake: What Is the Difference?
These three terms cause the most confusion:
- Hank: yarn arranged in a large loop. It usually needs to be wound before use.
- Skein: yarn wound into an elongated bundle and often ready to use directly.
- Cake: yarn wound into a flat-bottomed cylinder, often with a center-pull end.
The important thing to remember is that these words describe how the yarn is wound, not what the yarn is made from. Wool, cotton, acrylic, alpaca, and blended yarns can all be presented in several of these shapes.
Do You Need to Wind a Hank Before Knitting?
In most cases, yes. A hank should be opened into its full loop and supported so the strands cannot collapse into a tangle. You can then wind it into a ball or cake by hand, or use a yarn swift and ball winder.
Commercial skeins, balls, and cakes, on the other hand, are usually ready to work from immediately.
Which Yarn Shape Is Best?
There is no single best shape. It depends on how the yarn will be stored and used.
- Hanks are excellent for dyeing and displaying beautiful yarn.
- Cakes are stable, tidy, and convenient for crafting.
- Center-pull skeins can be easy to use straight from the label.
- Cones are ideal when you need a large continuous quantity of yarn.
- Balls are simple and easy to wind by hand.
Quick Yarn Challenge
How many of these yarn shapes could you identify before reading the answers? Were there any names that surprised you?
Share your score with another knitter or crocheter and see who can name the most. 12 out of 12 makes you a true yarn expert!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a skein the same as a ball of yarn?
Not exactly. A ball is typically round, while a skein is usually an elongated bundle. In everyday conversation, however, crafters sometimes use the terms loosely.
Why is yarn sold in hanks?
Hanks are useful for dyeing because the strands are exposed evenly, and they also show off the color and texture of specialty yarn beautifully.
Can I knit directly from a twisted hank?
It is not recommended. Untwist and open the hank first, then wind it into a ball or cake to prevent tangling.
What is the easiest yarn package to knit from?
Many knitters find cakes and center-pull skeins especially convenient because they can stay relatively stable while the yarn feeds out.
Are all of these yarn terms universal?
No. Yarn terminology can vary by manufacturer, country, and crafting community. Some names are widely established, while others are descriptive or informal.
Which yarn shape do you use most often: hank, skein, ball, or cake?