How Much Yarn Do I Need for a Blanket? Complete Guide

The most common question crafters ask: "How much yarn do I need?" Running out of yarn mid-project is frustrating, especially if the dye lot is no longer available. Buying too much wastes money. This guide gives you exact yardage estimates for every blanket size.

Need a quick answer? Use our blanket size calculator for instant results based on your specific dimensions and yarn weight.

Quick Reference: Yarn Yardage by Blanket Size

These estimates assume worsted weight yarn (#4) and a standard stitch pattern. Adjust up for crochet and lacy patterns, down for bulky yarn and dense stitches.

Factors That Affect Yarn Requirements

1. Yarn Weight

Heavier yarn covers more area per yard. Here's how yarn weight affects your needs:

2. Crochet vs. Knitting

Crochet uses approximately 25-30% more yarn than knitting for the same finished size. This is because crochet stitches are taller and create a denser fabric.

• Knitting: Use the base estimates above
• Crochet: Add 25-30% to the base estimates

3. Stitch Pattern

Your stitch pattern significantly impacts yarn usage:

• Dense stitches (seed stitch, moss stitch): -10-15%
• Stockinette/basic stitches: Base estimate
• Textured patterns (cables, bobbles): +15-25%
• Lacy/open patterns: -10-20% (more holes = less yarn)

4. Your Gauge

Everyone knits and crochets differently. Tight stitchers use more yarn per inch; loose stitchers use less. If you know you knit tight, add 10%. If you're loose, subtract 10%.

How to Calculate Yarn for Any Project

Here's the formula professional designers use:

1. Make a gauge swatch (at least 6" x 6")
2. Measure the swatch precisely
3. Unravel and measure the yarn used
4. Calculate: (Blanket area ÷ Swatch area) × Yarn used in swatch
5. Add 10-15% buffer for good measure

Example Calculation

Making a 50" x 60" throw blanket:

• Swatch: 6" x 6" = 36 square inches
• Swatch used: 15 yards of yarn
• Blanket: 50" x 60" = 3,000 square inches
• Calculation: (3,000 ÷ 36) × 15 = 1,250 yards
• With 15% buffer: 1,250 × 1.15 = 1,437 yards

Tips for Buying Yarn

Buy Extra

Always buy 10-15% more than your calculation suggests. It's much easier to return unused skeins than to find matching dye lots later.

Check the Dye Lot

All skeins for a project should have the same dye lot number. Different dye lots can have subtle color variations that become obvious in a finished piece.

Consider the Return Policy

Buy from stores with good return policies. Many craft stores allow returns of unused skeins with receipt.

Yarn Weight Substitution

If substituting yarn, match the gauge, not just the weight category. Two "worsted weight" yarns can knit at very different gauges.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many yards of yarn do I need for a throw blanket?

A standard throw blanket (50" x 60") typically requires 1,500-2,500 yards of yarn depending on yarn weight. Bulky yarn needs about 1,500 yards, worsted weight needs about 2,000 yards, and fingering weight can require 2,500+ yards.

How much yarn do I need for a baby blanket?

A baby blanket (30" x 36") typically requires 800-1,200 yards of yarn. Using worsted weight yarn, plan for about 900-1,000 yards. Bulky yarn requires less (around 700-800 yards).

Does crochet or knitting use more yarn?

Crochet typically uses about 25-30% more yarn than knitting for the same project size. This is because crochet stitches are taller and create a thicker fabric. Plan accordingly when substituting techniques.

Calculate Your Exact Yarn Needs

Ready to plan your blanket project? Our blanket size calculator takes into account your specific dimensions, yarn weight, and whether you're knitting or crocheting to give you a precise yardage estimate.

Already have yarn and wondering what you can make? Try our yarn stash calculator to see what projects your current stash can support.