STITCH BY STITCH
🧶 How Much Yarn Do You Actually Need?
Crochet Yardage Cheat Sheet: How Much Yarn for Every Project
Ever stood frozen at a yarn sale (👀 looking at you, Joann & Ollie’s), wondering how much is enough? You’re not alone.
Estimating yarn needs is one of the trickiest parts of crochet—here’s your quick-reference guide to help avoid mid-project panic. With this guide you’ll be able to confidently answer the big question: How much yarn do I need?
🧵 Why Yarn Math Is So Tricky
Before you dive into the math, consider these key factors that influence how much yarn your project will need:
Pattern complexity: Intricate stitches (puff, bobble, cables, post stitches) are yarn hogs.
Yarn weight: Thicker yarns = fewer stitches = less yardage.
Hook size & tension: Larger hooks and looser stitches often use less yarn. Tighter stitches can eat up more.
Sizing: Are you making a baby blanket or a queen-size afghan? Yarn needs increase the larger the project.
Gauge swatching: Boring, but worth it. A swatch helps to confirm your stitch and row count before calculating final yardage.
📊 Quick Yardage Estimation Chart
Here’s a simple starting point for many common projects. These are ballpark ranges—but they’ll help you avoid yarn chicken.
Project Type | Yarn Weight | Yardage (yds) | Skein Estimate |
Baby Hat | #3 Light or #4 Medium | 80–120 | 1 skein |
Adult Scarf | #4 Medium | 250–350 | 1–2 skeins |
Adult Beanie | #4 Medium or #5 Bulky | 150–200 | 1 skein |
Baby Blanket | #3 Light or #4 Medium | 800-1200 | 3-6 skeins |
Granny Square Blanket | #4 Medium | 1,200–2,000 | 4–7 skeins |
Triangle Shawl | #3 Light or #2 Fine | 600–800 | 2–3 skeins |
Adult Sweater (M) | #4 Medium or #3 Light | 1,500–2,500 | 6–10 skeins |
Amigurumi Doll | #4 Medium or #2 Fine | 200–400 | 1–2 skeins |
Pro tip: Screenshot this chart or print it out to keep in your project bag!
🧮 Yarn Estimator Formulas
The Lazy Math Method:
Find the number of yards in your skein (check the label), then divide your project’s total yardage by that number. Round up.
👉 When in doubt:
Pattern Yardage x 1.15 = Safe Buy Amount
(That extra 15% saves your sanity if you run short!)
Pro Tip: Use a digital kitchen scale to weigh your swatch, then multiply to estimate how many grams you’ll need for your full project
🧵 Yarn Buying Tips You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
Buy in One Go – Matching dye lots = consistent color
Stick With One Line – Different lines can feel really different.
Check Patterns First – Yardage is often listed right in the materials.
Look at Yardage, Not Skeins – A “skein” can mean anything.
Use Digital Tools – Try YarnSub to find an equivalent yarn.
🛒 Best Tools for Estimating Yarn
Yarn Calculator App (iOS/Android) → Quick on-the-go estimates.
Digital Scale for Yarn → Know exactly how much is left mid-project.
Project Journal → Track how much yarn each project uses for future reference.
Estimating how much yarn you need might seem like a guessing game, but with a solid gauge swatch, smart math, and the tips above, you’ll save time, reduce waste, and boost your confidence.
A little planning goes a long way—your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.
👉 Got a favorite yarn-estimating trick I missed? Hit replay and share it with me – I might feature it an upcoming issue.
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