How to Make a Center-Pull Ball of Yarn by Hand

How to Make a Center-Pull Ball of Yarn by Hand

how to make a center pull ball of yarn by hand

We’ll show you how to make a center pull ball of yarn by hand…no tools or special gadgets required. This simple technique will keep your yarn stash neat and your yarn tangle free.

yarn wound in various forms

A center pull means that the yarn can be pulled from the center of the ball or skein. The ball stays stationary and does not flop around like it does when yarn is pulled from the outside of the skein.

Yarn comes packaged in several different ways.

Ball – Yarn wound in a round shape that has a center pull (purple ball top left in photo above).
Hank – A loose coil of yarn wound in a large circle with no center pull (red hank bottom in photo above).
Skein – An oblong ball of yarn with a center pull (yellow skein top right in photo above).

yarn in various states

There are several reasons for making a ball of yarn:

  • The skein is 3/4 used up and its shape is floppy and starting to turn into a tangled mess.
  • The hank is easier to work with as a ball of yarn.
  • A project has been frogged (ripped out) and needs to be turned into a ball.
  • A previous ball of yarn is starting to unravel.

How to Make a Center Pull Ball of Yarn by Hand

thumbs up for making a ball of yarn

1. Lay a yarn tail across your fingers with your thumb pointed up and the tail of the yarn dangling below your little finger. Close your fingers around the yarn. You’ve now got a thumbs up to go ahead with the yarn ball.

first wrap

2. Wrap yarn around your thumb at and angle…I usually wrap it on an \ angle. Wrap the yarn around approximately 10 times.

3. Twist that group of yarn about 1/4 turn to the left (clockwise).

2nd wrap

4. Wrap yarn around your thumb at the same angle \ as you did in step 2, again wrapping the yarn around your thumb about 10 times.

almost done wrapping yarn

5. Repeat steps 3 and 2 alternately until your ball of yarn is made.

how to make a center pull ball of yarn by hand

6. Remove your thumb from the center of the ball and that is where your center pull is.

Note: There are a lot of alternatives for this method of making a center pull ball of yarn.

  • You can wrap around two or three fingers instead of your thumb.
  • You can wrap around a knitting needle or crochet hook instead of your fingers or thumb.
  • You can twist your hand/thumb instead of twisting the yarn.
  • You can wrap the yarn around a piece of cardboard or plastic bobbin.

We use this center pull ball of yarn method ALL the time. We often find that after the center pull ball of yarn has been used a while, we will need to remake it. The partially used center pull ball tends to collapse and tangle (as seen in the black ball in the photo above).

 

Crochet Christmas Ornaments

Crochet Christmas Ornaments

Crochet Christmas OrnamentsCrochet Christmas ornaments are a fun and festive way to decorate for the holidays.  From the classical to the whimsical, these crocheted ornaments are designed to please everyone in the house this Christmas.

They are quick and easy to make and most ornaments can be crocheted with just remnants of yarn. Decorate the tree; accessorize a present; hang them from doorknobs. These little ornaments can bring cheer wherever they’re needed.

Skill Level: Easy

Dazzle your friends and family with these ornaments. Show them that crochet can be traditional yet untraditional all at the same time.

Need a gift for a dog lover? Sneak a squeaker into one of these ornaments and turn it into a hand crocheted dog toy!

Crochet Christmas Ornaments – The Details

This crochet Christmas ornaments pattern set includes the directions for six fun and unique ornaments.

Most of the ornaments use a basic medium weight yarn for the base ornament with fine or super fine yarn for the details. Each ornament is crocheted in the round and the pattern includes instructions using US abbreviations, a materials list, gauge information, check boxes to keep track of your progress, photos, and more.

Christmas Ball Ornaments Set

Let’s take a closer look at each ornament:

  • Snowman Crochet Christmas Ornament – This 2 3/4 inch tall winter classic comes with a removable chullo (ear flap hat) and a quirky smile sure to warm everyone’s heart. Hang without the hat and the snowman looks like a golf ball – perfect for the golfers in your life.
  • Toy Soldier Crochet Christmas Ornament – This 4 1/2 inch tall Nutcracker character brings a solemn demeanor to the festivities, guarding the hopes and dreams of all those present.
  • Santa’s Belly Crochet Christmas Ornament – Like a bowlful of jelly, this 3 1/2 inch tall merry belly comes with a belt that can be tightened, loosened, and with a metal buckle, removed altogether. Directions include how to make a crocheted buckle or how to use a metal buckle.
  • Sock Monkey Crochet Christmas Ornament – A childhood favorite, this 2 1/2 inch tall ornament is for the young at heart. Fun for the little ones and for those that remember their sock monkey friend.
  • Ball of Yarn Crochet Christmas Ornament – Yarnivores of every kind will enjoy this 3 3/4 inch tall yarn ball. Whether a knitter, a crocheter, or a yarn crafter in general, this is a fun way to bring one’s love of the fiber arts into the festivities.
  • Snowflake Crochet Christmas Ornament – Bringing two classic decorations together, this 3 inch tall ornament combines the ball ornament with the snowflake ornament. Separate they decorate all kinds of spaces, together they spice up  the place.

Crochet Christmas Ornaments – In the Store

These crochet Christmas Ornaments are available now in the store. When you purchase through our website, you’ll immediately receive a receipt which includes a link to download the PDF pattern.

Christmas Ornaments pattern on Etsy.

Order today and start crocheting right away!

Available in the Store