How much yarn do I need?
Two ways to estimate: from a typical project chart, or from a swatch of your own stitch pattern.
By project
From a swatch
Project chart source: Lion Brand – how much yarn do I need.
Frequently asked questions
Where do these yardage numbers come from?
The project table is Lion Brand’s published “how much yarn” chart. It gives typical ranges for an average size. Larger sizes, textured stitches and crochet use more yarn.
Does crochet use more yarn than knitting?
Usually yes, often 25 to 30 percent more for the same size, because crochet stitches are denser. Pick the top of the range or add a bigger safety margin.
What is the swatch method?
Knit or crochet a swatch, unravel it and measure the yarn it used. Yarn use grows with the area of the fabric, so the swatch tells you how much a blanket or scarf of any size will need in your stitch and your gauge.
What do the yarn weight numbers mean?
They are the Craft Yarn Council standard weights printed on most labels: 1 super fine (fingering), 2 fine (sport), 3 light (DK), 4 medium (worsted, aran), 5 bulky (chunky), 6 super bulky and 7 jumbo.
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