What is a Skein of wool??

[Wantobetaller]

I have bought & downloaded a pattern for a knitted poncho. Pattern is written in American English and calls for 11 Skeins of wool.

What is a Skein of wool? Is it just a ball, and if so what size if ball will I buy? No more info given other than 11 Skeins

Off to search ravelry for other poncho patterns but hope someone can help me here too
Thanks xx

This is a skein.
Most wool used to come like this & you had to get someone to sit with their arms outstretched wool looped round each hand, while you wound it into a ball or struggle using a chair back
Some makes still do them, Debbie Bliss, Noro a few others. They're basically a ball that needs work

Does the pattern mention a specific yarn?

Attic 24 has a lovely poncho design which s worth a look.

You need to check how many yards/metres of yarn you need rather than how many skeins/balls if you are using a different yarn as they will probably have different amounts in. afaik a skein is when the yarn is wound into a twisty shape rather than a ball

forgot to mention if you look on ravelry, it has the amount of yarn you need in yards/metres on the pattern page!

Thanks I gave up and bought a pattern at my local wool shop that's nicer. Just to find a nice colour of wool them I'm off x