Centerpull

Centerpull refers to a method of winding yarn into a ball or cake that can be unwound from the center rather than from the outside. This arrangement is commonly used in knitting, crocheting, and other fiber crafts to provide a continuous, tangle-resistant supply of yarn and to keep the working end accessible.

A centerpull yarn package is typically created by winding a skein so there is a hollow core or central opening. The yarn end is threaded into and secured within the center, allowing the user to pull from the middle as it is consumed. Centerpull can be achieved by hand-winding a skein into a ball, by using a specialized centerpull ball winder, or by employing a cake-style winding method that preserves a central pull source.

Advantages of centerpull include reduced tendency for the yarn to roll away, easier access to the working end, and a steady release of yarn that can help prevent tangling during knitting or crocheting. Potential limitations include the need for careful winding to maintain a stable center, and the possibility of the ball flattening or shifting if not stored properly.

In practice, centerpull is a familiar concept in fiber arts communities, with various guidance and tools available for producing centerpull balls or cakes. While most yarns can be wound into a centerpull form, preferences vary among knitters and crocheters, and the choice between centerpull and traditional outside-pull balls often depends on workflow and storage considerations. See also: yarn winding, ball winder, center-pull towel (for related terminology in other contexts).