Working with a gradient yarn cake

Hi,
I’ve been knitting and crocheting since I was in preschool, so I’m definitely advanced. However, I’ve never worked with a color-gradient yarn cake before. I’d like to start crocheting a tunic now. Do you have any tips for me on how to work with this yarn so the individual strands don’t get tangled?  

Hi Carola,
I don’t think there’s really a specific tip for this. I’ve never had anything get tangled. If the yarn cake is wound properly, you shouldn’t have any problems. It does take a little getting used to, though. Working with 3 or 4 individual strands is a bit different from working with a twisted strand. But once you get the hang of it, you won’t want to use anything else....It’s addictive^^.
To avoid knots or loops, don’t carry the yarn cake back and forth or squeeze it. It’s best to place it in a bowl and work from the center out. You can also (before you start) thread a bead onto the yarn—that way, it won’t form loops and will feed smoothly from the yarn cake.

Have fun working with it—Best wishes,
Claudia

Hi Carola,
I have to agree with Claudia—there’s no one ultimate tip.
I’ve never had any problems with yarn cakes either. At the beginning, it’s probably easier if you start from the outside; that way, nothing can collapse inward, and the yarn cake stays pretty stable while you’re working with it.

Hi Carola,

I can only agree with that. I just used a yarn cake from the inside out again. It’s best to check the reviews before you buy. They often mention whether it’s wound well or poorly.