A skein is a quantity of yarn, thread, or other material wound into a loose coil. It is typically used in knitting, crocheting, or embroidery. The word “skein” is derived from the Middle English word “skayn,” which is itself derived from the Old Norse word “skei,” meaning “a coil of thread.”
Skeins are typically made by winding the yarn or thread around a niddy noddy, which is a tool that helps to create a uniform coil. The skein is then tied at the end to keep it from unraveling. Skeins can be any size, but they are typically around 100-200 yards in length.
