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How to Roll a Center Pull Ball

Keep On Rolling!
When To Roll A Ball
Often yarn comes in a hank rather than a skein or rolled ball. Before working with it, you'll want it rolled into a ball. You can often ask your local yarn shop (LYS) to roll it for you when you buy it. Eventually, you may consider purchasing a ball winder and swift so you can do this at home. 

Knowing how to hand roll your yarn comes in handy, however, after you have worked through much of your ball of yarn. The ball structure flattens and it becomes loose and flappy. This is a great time to employ the roll your own center pull ball technique so your yarn doesn't become tangled.



Why Center Pull
The center pull ball is great because the ball of yarn won't roll around (and therefore away!). I love being able to roll my own balls for multi-colored projects as well as it keeps the yarn more organized. Just tuck the outside end of the yarn securely into the ball and then it won't unravel either!

To roll a center pull ball: Hold an end of your yarn (the end you'll want to work from, that will become the center) securely in your left hand with the tail hanging down to the floor. Make an L with your left thumb and pointer finger. Begin wrapping the yarn in a figure 8 shape around these two fingers. Be sure not to drop the center tail! Wrap yarn until it goes about halfway or more up your thumb. Then fold your fingers together. Keeping this center mass somewhat loose, continue wrapping yarn into a ball shape. You'll want to leave that center part loose or else it will be hard to pull the yarn from as you start using it. Secure the end of the yarn in the outside of the formed ball.

How to measure yarn for long tail cast on
measureLongTail
How to Measure yarn for a long tail cast on
When you are ready to cast on, the long tail method is quick and easy. Here's a trick for measuring the length of the yarn tail.
Next Step >
Alternate Step: How to Add Yarn or Change Colors while knitting
addYarnChangeColors
How to Add Yarn (or change colors)
Not all projects are less than one skein! You frequently have to add more yarn. Check out this video to see how.
Alternate Step >

How to measure gauge on a Stockinette stitch swatch
measureGaugeHow to measure gauge on a St st swatch
Measuring gauge is one of the most important but most often misunderstood steps in knitting. Learn how to properly measure your gauge or tension.

< Previous Step

Advanced Step: How to Cable Cast On
cableCastOnHow to Cable Cast On
The Cable Cast On produces a cable like edge to your work. It is very similar to the knitted cast on. It actually has nothing to do with cabling.

Advanced Step >

More videos you might like...

knittedCastOnHow to Knitted Cast On
How to Knitted Cast On
The knitted cast on produces a sturdy edge. If you know how to knit this cast on will be easy. It's great for casting on stitches in the middle of the row.

Knitted Cast On
backwardsLoopCastOnHow to Backwards Loop Cast On
How to Backwards Loop Cast On
The backwards loop cast on is less sturdy than other cast on methods. But it is very fast and easy and can be used for button holes.

Backwards Loop Cast On

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