Yarn Yardage Calculator
Estimate yarn requirements for knitting and crochet projects based on standard weight systems. Includes stash buster mode.
About
Running out of yarn mid-project is a textile artist's nightmare. Dye lots change, and discontinued colorways make sourcing matching skeins impossible. Accurate estimation prevents this risk. This tool aggregates standard industry requirements for garments ranging from socks to afghans. It accounts for the interplay between pattern surface area and yarn weight density. The Stash Buster mode reverses the calculation, determining if existing inventory suffices for a desired pattern. Estimates assume standard stockinette stitch gauge. Cables or textured stitch patterns increase consumption by 10% to 25%.
Formulas
The core estimation logic relies on surface area correlation. While specific patterns vary, the base requirement is derived from:
When converting between units:
Reference Data
| Yarn Weight Class | Ply (Approx) | WPI (Wraps Per Inch) | Rec. Needle (mm) | Usage Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - Lace | 1-2 ply | 30-40+ | 1.5 - 2.25 | Doilies, Shawls |
| 1 - Super Fine | 3-4 ply (Fingering) | 14-30 | 2.25 - 3.25 | Socks, Baby items |
| 2 - Fine | 5 ply (Sport) | 12-18 | 3.25 - 3.75 | Light sweaters |
| 3 - Light | 8 ply (DK) | 11-15 | 3.75 - 4.5 | Scarves, Sweaters |
| 4 - Medium | 10 ply (Worsted) | 9-12 | 4.5 - 5.5 | Afghans, Hats |
| 5 - Bulky | 12 ply (Chunky) | 6-9 | 5.5 - 8.0 | Rug, heavy coats |
| 6 - Super Bulky | Roving | 5-6 | 8.0 - 12.0 | Fast cowls |