How these numbers work
The amount of yarn depends on the area of fabric and on how dense the stitches are. Finer yarn makes smaller stitches, so you need more length to cover the same area. The tables below are for plain knitting (stockinette or garter) and match the yarn calculator.
Accessories and blankets
| Project | Fingering (yd) | DK (yd) | Worsted (yd) | Bulky (yd) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult hat | 250 | 190 | 150 | 110 |
| Adult mittens (pair) | 210 | 160 | 130 | 100 |
| Cowl (24×10 in) | 310 | 240 | 190 | 140 |
| Scarf (7×60 in) | 550 | 420 | 340 | 250 |
| Baby blanket (30×36 in) | 1,420 | 1,080 | 860 | 650 |
| Throw (50×60 in) | 3,930 | 3,000 | 2,400 | 1,800 |
| Twin blanket (66×90 in) | 7,790 | 5,940 | 4,750 | 3,560 |
Adult socks in fingering weight need about 450 yards for a pair.
Sweaters (pullover, plain stitches)
| Size | Fingering (yd) | DK (yd) | Worsted (yd) | Bulky (yd) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS (32 in chest) | 1,410 | 1,070 | 860 | 640 |
| S (36 in chest) | 1,620 | 1,230 | 990 | 740 |
| M (40 in chest) | 1,890 | 1,450 | 1,160 | 870 |
| L (44 in chest) | 2,130 | 1,630 | 1,300 | 980 |
| XL (48 in chest) | 2,400 | 1,830 | 1,460 | 1,100 |
| 2X (52 in chest) | 2,620 | 2,000 | 1,600 | 1,200 |
| 3X (56 in chest) | 2,870 | 2,190 | 1,750 | 1,310 |
A cardigan with button bands needs about 10% more. Oversized or long styles need more again; the chest size listed is the finished garment size.
Adjusting for your project
- Crochet: add about 25–35%. Crochet stitches are thicker and use more yarn for the same area.
- Ribbing and texture: add about 15%.
- Cables and bobbles: add 25–30%.
- Lace and open stitches: you may need around 15% less.
- Always buy 10% extra from the same dye lot, for swatching, seaming and the unexpected.
From yards to skeins
Look at the label: it gives the length per ball or skein. Divide the yardage you need by that length and round up. For example, 1,200 yards of a yarn with 220 yards per skein is 5.5, so buy 6 skeins (7 with the 10% margin).
Questions
How much yarn do I need for a blanket?
For a 50×60 in throw in worsted, plan on about 2,400 yards in plain knitting. A baby blanket (30×36 in) needs about 860 yards.
How many skeins for a sweater?
Divide the yardage by the length on the label and round up. A medium worsted pullover needs about 1,150 yards, or 6 skeins of 200 yards.
Is the pattern yardage more accurate?
Yes. Pattern yardage comes from the actual design, so use it when you have it. These estimates are for planning, stash checks and designing your own pieces.