Yarn Yardage Calculator (Swatch Method)
Knit or crochet a swatch in your pattern stitch, weigh it, and enter your project size. The calculator scales the swatch up to tell you how many skeins to buy.
The formula
Worked example. a 10 × 10 cm swatch weighs 5 g; a 50 × 150 cm wrap is 75 swatches, so with 10% extra it needs 412.5 g, or 825 m of a 100 g / 200 m yarn: 5 skeins.
How to use it
- Make a swatch at least 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in) in the stitch pattern, yarn and needles or hook you will use. Block it the way you will block the project, then measure and weigh it.
- Enter the skein weight and length from the yarn label.
- Enter the finished size of the project. For a garment, measure each piece as a rectangle (front, back, sleeves) and enter the number of identical pieces, or run the calculator once per piece and add the results.
- Add an allowance for seams, edging and mistakes. 10–15% is typical; use more for fringe, tassels or colourwork.
Questions
Why weigh a swatch instead of using a yardage chart?
Charts assume an average gauge and plain stockinette. Textured stitches like cables, bobbles and brioche can use 20–50% more yarn at the same size. A weighed swatch measures your actual stitch, yarn and tension.
Does this work for crochet?
Yes. The method only depends on the area of fabric and the weight of yarn in it, so it works for knitting, crochet, Tunisian crochet and weaving alike.
Should I buy all skeins from the same dye lot?
Yes. Buy everything you need, including the extra, from one dye lot. Skeins from a different lot can differ in colour enough to show as a stripe.