Crafts
Yarn calculator: how much yarn do I need?
A worsted (4) afghan takes about 2,250–3,125 yards and a hat about 200–225 yards (Lion Brand). Divide by the yards on your skein label, round up, and buy from one dye lot.
How much yarn for hats, scarves, sweaters and blankets
Typical yardage for an average adult size, by Craft Yarn Council weight number. Use the weight number on your yarn’s label.
| Project | 1 Super fine | 2 Fine | 3 Light | 4 Medium | 5 Bulky | 6 Super bulky | 7 Jumbo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hat | 250–325 | 250–325 | 200–250 | 200–225 | 125–200 | 125–150 | 30–60 |
| Scarf | 525–825 | 450–625 | 375–500 | 375–500 | 250–375 | 250–375 | 125–200 |
| Socks (pair) | 350–500 | 300–450 | 275–400 | 275–375 | 250–350 | 200–250 | 175–200 |
| Shawl | 550–850 | 450–700 | 400–625 | 375–550 | 350–500 | 350–475 | 300–400 |
| Adult sweater | 3,375 | 1,750–2,625 | 1,500–2,250 | 1,125–1,625 | 950–1,125 | 825–1,125 | 825–1,125 |
| Baby blanket | 1,500–1,625 | 1,250–1,500 | 1,125–1,250 | 1,000–1,125 | 875–1,000 | 750–875 | 625–750 |
| Afghan (throw blanket) | 3,750–4,125 | 3,500–3,750 | 3,000–3,500 | 2,250–3,125 | 2,000–2,250 | 1,625–2,000 | 1,375–1,625 |
Citing this? Link to https://toolkitcove.com/crafts/yarn-calculator/. Yardage from Lion Brand Yarn. Free to reuse with a link (CC BY 4.0).
Yarn weights explained
The number on the label (0 to 7) is the Craft Yarn Council weight: higher numbers are thicker yarns, worked on bigger needles, so a project needs fewer yards.
| Weight | Name | Yarn types | Knit stitches per 4 in | Needle (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Lace | Fingering, 10-count crochet thread | 33–40 | 1.5–2.25 |
| 1 | Super fine | Sock, fingering, baby | 27–32 | 2.25–3.25 |
| 2 | Fine | Sport, baby | 23–26 | 3.25–3.75 |
| 3 | Light | DK, light worsted | 21–24 | 3.75–4.5 |
| 4 | Medium | Worsted, afghan, aran | 16–20 | 4.5–5.5 |
| 5 | Bulky | Chunky, craft, rug | 12–15 | 5.5–8 |
| 6 | Super bulky | Roving | 7–11 | 8–12.75 |
| 7 | Jumbo | Roving | 6 or fewer | 12.75 and up |
Substituting a yarn
Multiply the pattern’s skeins by its yards per skein for the total yardage, then divide by the yards on your new yarn’s label and round up. Switch the calculator to Swap a yarn to do this. Stay within the same weight and knit a gauge swatch.
Questions
How many skeins of yarn for a blanket?
A worsted (4) afghan takes about 2,250–3,125 yards: 12–16 skeins of 200 yards. A worsted baby blanket takes 1,000–1,125 yards, 5–6 skeins.
How much yarn for a hat?
About 200–225 yards of worsted (4) yarn: 1–2 skeins of 200 yards. Bulky (5) yarn takes 125–200 yards.
How much yarn for a sweater?
About 1,125–1,625 yards of worsted (4) yarn for an adult sweater, 6–9 skeins of 200 yards. Larger sizes and cables use more.
How much yarn for a scarf?
About 375–500 yards of worsted (4) yarn, or 2–3 skeins of 200 yards.
Should I buy extra yarn?
Buy the top of the range, all from the same dye lot: skeins from different lots can differ in color. A spare skein costs less than running out.
What does the number on a yarn label mean?
It’s the Craft Yarn Council weight, 0 (lace) to 7 (jumbo). Worsted is 4 (medium), knit at 16–20 stitches per 4 in on 4.5–5.5 mm needles.
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