Working with multiple strands of yarn is much easier than it looks. Here are several simple methods you can use, depending on your project and the yarn you have on hand.
1. Three Strands From One Skein (Navajo)
This is my all‑time favorite way to work with 3 strands at once. You create a long “chain” of giant loops as you crochet, also known as the Navajo plying method, commonly used in hand-spinning.
- You work from a single skein
- No tangling
- No extra balls to manage
When you reach the end of a ball, simply tie the two ends together (not six ends!) as shown in this video.
2. Two or Three Strands From Two or Three Skeins
You can also pull one strand from each skein to create a bundle of 2, 3, or more strands.
- Works best with center‑pull skeins
- Helps prevent tangling
- Great for larger projects
3. Winding Identical Balls
If you prefer working from separate balls, you can wind identical yarn balls by hand or with a yarn winder. Use a small electronic scale to divide the yarn evenly.
A few tips:
- Balls pulled from the outside will tangle if stored together
- To avoid this, keep them separate or wind them into cakes and pull from the center
4. Two Strands From One Skein
For smaller projects, you can simply pull one strand from the center, and one strand from the outside. Hold both strands together as you crochet.
This method is quick, but the two ends may get close together inside the skein, making it harder to work as you near the middle.
5. Four Strands From Two Skeins
Using two skeins, pull one strand from the inside of each skein and one strand from the outside of each skein. This gives you four strands at once.
Best for small projects to avoid tangling and frustration.
