Yarn Yardage Estimator

How to use

1. Pick the project you want to make from the list.
2. Choose the yarn weight you plan to use (thinner yarn needs more yardage for the same project).
3. Read the estimate — the second line shows a safe amount to buy, including a buffer.
4. Buy all your yarn at once from the same dye lot so the colour matches.

Good to know

• This is a rough estimate, not a pattern requirement. Actual yardage depends on your size, gauge, and stitch pattern — cables and colourwork use more, lace uses less.
• The estimate is based on typical yardage for each project at worsted weight, scaled by yarn weight. When you have a real pattern, always trust its stated yardage over this.
• It is almost always better to buy one skein too many than one too few — leftover yarn is easy to use, a missing skein in the wrong dye lot is not.

FAQ

How accurate is this estimate?

Treat it as a ballpark for shopping, not a precise figure. Two patterns for the same garment can differ by hundreds of yards depending on ease, stitch pattern and length. Use it to know roughly how many skeins to look at, then follow your actual pattern.

Why does thinner yarn need more yardage?

A thinner yarn covers less area per yard, so it takes more length to make the same-size fabric. That is why the same sweater needs far more fingering yarn than bulky yarn.

The estimate is in yards — my yarn is labelled in metres.

One yard is about 0.91 metres, so metres are roughly 10% more than the yard figure. Use the Yarn Unit Converter for an exact conversion.

Does this work for crochet?

Yes, as a rough guide — but crochet generally uses more yarn than knitting for the same area (often 20–30% more), so lean toward the higher end and buy extra.