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How to Find Both Ends of a Skein of Yarn

Learn how to find yarn skein ends with this step-by-step tutorial - an essential skill for any beginner knitter.

By: Rebekah Fox for allfreeknitting.com
Updated December 28, 2022
How to Find Both Ends of a Skein of Yarn

Learn how to start a fresh skein of yarn by watching this video tip that shows how to find not only the outer yarn end, but the center one as well.

When this video's author was starting out in knitting, she was always baffled by locating the yarn end in the middle (center pull), so she hopes this tip will help those just starting out in the needlecraft!

There's no need to be intimidated or feel panicked when you can't find the end of the yarn. Check out the tips outlined below and you'll be able to pull yarn from a skein and start any knitting pattern you desire with ease.

Instructions

  1. Starting with a fresh skein of yarn, we are going to find the outer yarn end first. It is typically found in one of two places: underneath the yarn label or tucked inside one of the skein openings. 
     
  2. For the yarn end in the middle of the skein (referred to as "center pull"), stick your thumbs and index fingers inside the cavity of the skein and try to feel for a clump of yarn, right in the middle. Take hold of it with one hand and pull it out of the skein. Looks messy, but don't worry.
     
  3. Keep pulling the clump away from the skein until you spot one strand connecting the two. 

Skein of Yarn

  1. Take hold of this strand and start wrapping it around one side of the skein.
     
  2. Now you have to wind the rest of that yarn clump you removed. Do this in sections by forming small yarn piles from the yarn clump and then winding each pile onto the skein. This will help you avoid tangles.
     
  3. Once winding is done, you'll find that the center-pull end easily comes off the skein, and once a few yards are used, you'll be pulling straight from the skein's center.

Now that makes easy-peasy knitting!

Tail of Yarn

Do you have any tips for finding the ends of a skein of yarn?

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Here is a good written and video tutorial on how to find that pesky center-pull end of yarn! I did not know, until recently, how to find this end of the yarn and I have been knitting and crocheting for years! I wish I had learned this many years ago. When did you learn how to pull out that center-pull end of yarn?

I can find the two ends without to pull out to many yarn.

something we take for granted and assume everyone knows another good tutorial

nice to know... thanks

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