A skein of yarn formed into a large, loosely coiled loop is known as a hank. This presentation method for yarn involves winding the material into a ring, which is then often twisted upon itself to create a more manageable shape for storage and transport. Before use, the yarn must be unwound and often wound into a ball or cake to prevent tangling during the knitting or crocheting process. As an example, a craftsperson purchasing natural fiber yarn might commonly find it presented in this looped format.
This format offers certain advantages. It allows for easier visual inspection of the yarn’s color and texture before purchase. Furthermore, this method is often preferred for hand-dyed yarns as it allows the dye to penetrate the fibers more evenly during the dyeing process. Historically, this presentation method was common before the advent of automated winding machinery and remains popular, particularly among smaller yarn producers and independent dyers.
