12-3-05
Double strands of yarn is used, just hold 2 strands of
yarn together as you knit. Treat the yarn as 1 strand as
you knit. I usually have 2 balls going at the same time
instead of dividing the ball in 2.
Hope this helps and good luck.

If you have to divide a ball in two, you can just eyeball it to see when you have two equal balls, then take to post office and put on their scale to even it up better. Then cut. Of course, you should be working on a one-ball project. Double strands will make your work thicker. What are you making?

Well here is what I am confused about. I was reading instructions for an afghan, and the directions say "three strands of yarn are used throughout. I don't know what this means. I tried to look it up but most info is in regards to using different colors. The afghan is one color.

How do you even cast on with "multiple strands? i guess I will make another goof proof scarf!!

"Three strands of yarn are used throughout" means that you work with 3 balls of yarn at one time for the whole afghan. You will have to use pretty thick needles for this. In my opinion, it is not a pattern for novices - it can be difficult and frustrating. I would suggest that you work with one-strand patterns until you get some additional experience - we want you to have fun with your craft! But don't limit yourself to scarves - lots of beginner's patterns out there for other things. Try a simple baby afghan - if no one in your family has/will have a baby, donate the afghan to a charity. Hats are always a good bet. Practice various stitches/patterns by making washcloths/dishcloths, using cotton yarn. If you like the pattern, make a bunch of them in different yarns and sew them together for an afghan. (Do not use cotton for an afghan - too heavy).
Use your favorite search engine to look for "free knitting patterns" - you will be amazed at the wealth of information out there! Good luck!