How this calculator works
Match CYC categories on the yarn weight chart. The tool multiplies blanket area by a yarn-density factor for your Craft Yarn Council weight and craft method, adds a 10% waste allowance, then divides by skein length for whole skeins. Optional grams use your skein weight or category midpoints from typical CYC-linked yardage ranges.
Formula and method
Yards ≈ width_in × length_in × density(weight, method) × 1.10. Densities are planning averages calibrated to common pattern yardages for throws. Crochet multiplies knit density by about 1.28. Cables and dense textures use more yarn than stockinette averages.
Worked example
Throw 50×60", worsted (#4), knit, 200 yd/100 g skeins: area 3,000 in². With density 0.55 and 10% waste → about 1,815 yd → buy 10 skeins. Switching to crochet increases yardage by roughly a quarter.
Tips for accurate buys
Use the CYC number on the ball band. Weigh a washed gauge swatch and scale grams by area for lace or highly textured stitches. Calculate stripe colors by area share. Buy one extra skein from the same dye lot for large solids.
Common mistakes
Mixing cm inputs with inch presets; ignoring that crochet uses more yarn; skipping waste so you run short; mixing dye lots; trusting a website estimate over a pattern’s tested yardage when you follow that pattern.
Planning table and unit notes
Use inches or centimeters consistently. Approximate planning ranges for knit blankets in worsted (#4): lovey 12×12" ~80–120 yd; baby 30×36" ~500–700 yd; throw 50×60" ~1,100–1,800 yd; twin ~2,000–3,000 yd. Crochet: multiply by about 1.25–1.3. Convert yards to meters by multiplying by 0.9144; grams and ounces appear when you enter skein weight. These ranges support shopping—always verify with a swatch weight when stitch patterns are dense. For gradient cakes, compare total cake yardage to the calculator output before starting the border. If you change needle size after casting on, re-estimate because looser fabric consumes yarn differently per square inch.
Limits and how to use the results
Estimates run only in your browser. Prefer a published pattern’s tested yardage when it conflicts with this planner. Density factors and assumptions are documented on the methodology page; legal terms cover planning-use limits.
FAQ
How much yarn for a throw blanket?
This calculator’s default for a 50×60" worsted knit throw is about 1,815 yards (10 skeins at 200 yards with 10% waste). Without waste the same model is 1,650 yards (9 skeins). Dense stitches need more—run your skein length through the form.
Does crochet use more yarn than knitting?
Yes. This tool multiplies knit density by 1.28 for crochet (about 25–30% more). A 50×60" worsted crochet throw is about 2,323 yards with 10% waste.
Should I buy an extra skein?
Yes for large solids when dye lots matter. For the default throw estimate, 10 skeins of 200 yd already includes 10% waste; an 11th skein is insurance for borders or lot changes.
How many skeins for a baby blanket?
A 30×36" worsted knit baby blanket is about 653 yards with 10% waste—round up to 4 skeins at 200 yards.
How many skeins for a twin-size cover?
A 66×90" worsted knit cover is about 3,594 yards with 10% waste—about 18 skeins at 200 yards before borders.
Where do density factors come from?
They are FiberCalc planning heuristics (not a CYC publication). Worsted knit uses 0.55 yards per square inch; see Methodology for the full table and honesty notes.