The yarn a project needs depends on its size, the yarn weight, and the stitch pattern. These typical yardages get you in the right range before you check the pattern.
Estimate from a swatch
For an off-pattern project, knit a swatch, unravel it, and measure the yarn used. Scale that up by the finished area to estimate total yardage.
Buy one extra skein
Dye lots vary, so buy all your yarn at once and grab an extra skein of the same lot. Returning later for a matching one is often impossible.
| Project | Typical yarn |
|---|---|
| Hat | 100 to 250 yd |
| Scarf | 200 to 400 yd |
| Socks (pair) | 350 to 450 yd |
| Baby blanket | 800 to 1,500 yd |
| Adult sweater | 1,000 to 2,000 yd |
| Throw blanket | 1,000 to 2,000 yd |
Yardage, not skein count. Skeins differ in length, so always compare yardage, not the number of balls. A pattern calling for 1,000 yards needs that much regardless of skein size.
See the Yarn Yardage Calculator and the Yarn Weight Chart.