Skein

Skein

A skein is a length of yarn or thread that is loosely coiled and knotted. In the context of textiles, a skein is a specific measure of yarn, typically used for hand-knitting and crochet. The term can also refer to a flock of geese or other birds in flight, arranged in a V-shaped formation.

Textile Skein

In the textile industry, a skein is a unit of yarn that is prepared for sale or use. It is typically wound into a loose, oblong shape, which makes it easy to unwind and use. Skeins are often measured by weight, with common sizes being 50 grams or 100 grams. The length of yarn in a skein can vary depending on the thickness of the yarn.

Uses

Skeins are commonly used in knitting and crochet. They are preferred by many crafters because they are easy to handle and can be unwound without tangling. Skeins can be made from various materials, including wool, cotton, silk, and synthetic fibers.

Preparation

Before using a skein, it is often necessary to wind it into a ball to prevent tangling. This can be done by hand or with the help of a yarn swift and ball winder. Some skeins are sold pre-wound into balls or cakes, which are ready to use immediately.

Bird Skein

In ornithology, a skein refers to a group of birds, particularly geese, flying in a V-shaped formation. This formation is energy-efficient and allows the birds to communicate and navigate more effectively during long migrations.

Formation

The V-formation reduces air resistance for the birds flying behind the leader, allowing them to conserve energy. The lead bird works the hardest, and the position is rotated among the flock to share the workload.

Behavior

Birds in a skein communicate through vocalizations and visual signals to maintain the formation and coordinate their movements. This behavior is observed in many species of migratory birds.

Related Pages

• Yarn
• Knitting
• Crochet
• Wool
• Cotton
• Silk
• Synthetic fibers
• Yarn swift
• Ball winder
• Geese
• Bird migration