Yarn Yardage Explained – How Much Yarn Do You Really Need?

06/06/2025

You've fallen in love with a new yarn – but now the big question hits:
How much do I actually need for my project?

Spoiler: It's not just about the weight! The secret is in the yardage (or meterage).

📏 What Does "Yardage" Mean?

Yardage refers to the length of yarn per skein, usually measured in meters per 50g or 100g.

Example: 100g = 250m means one meter of yarn weighs about 0.4g.
This helps you compare yarns across fiber types, weights, and brands.

🔁 Why Is Yardage More Important Than Weight?

Because 100g of chunky wool and 100g of fine mohair are very different in how far they go.

Yardage tells you:

how much surface your yarn can cover
how dense or airy your fabric will be
how much you need for specific patterns

🔄 Quick Yardage Guide: How Much Yarn for What?

Here are average amounts based on medium yarn:

Scarf (20×150 cm)

Knitting (in meters) 300 – 400 m
Crochet (in meters) 400 – 500 m

Beanie

Knitting (in meters) 80 – 120 m
Crochet (in meters) 100 – 150 m

Sweater (Size M)

Knitting (in meters) 1000 – 1300 m
Crochet (in meters) 1200 – 1500 m

Triangle Shawl (med.)

Knitting (in meters) 600 – 800 m
Crochet (in meters) 800 – 1000 m

Baby Blanket (80×80)

Knitting (in meters) 600 – 800 m
Crochet (in meters) 800 – 1000 m

🧶 Note: Crochet usually uses 30% more yarn than knitting due to tighter stitch structures.

🎨 Yarn Usage by Stitch Type

Open or lacy patterns = less yarn. Dense textures = more yarn.

Stockinette: Yarn Use: Medium
Ribbing: Yarn Use: High
Lace Patterns: Yarn Use: Low
Post/Relief Stitches: Yarn Use: High
Granny Squares: Yarn Use: High-ish

A lacy shawl might need only 400 m, while a brioche sweater could eat up over 1500 m!

✂️ Extra Tips to Plan Your Yarn Usage

Make a swatch to calculate real consumption
Doubling yarn? Double the yardage needed
Don't skip the extra skein – better safe than sorry!
Keep leftover yarn for swatches, stripes, or emergency patches

💡 Final Thoughts: Yarn Confidence Starts with Meterage

Understanding yarn yardage gives you more control over your projects – fewer surprises, smoother shopping, and more sustainable use of your stash.

Ever run out of yarn right before the final row? Or ended up with three skeins too many? Share your yarn-planning stories with #strickenimtrend!

#strickenimtrend #yarncalculator #howmuchyarn #knittingplanning #crochetplanning #yardageguide #materialtips

Yours,
Kathrin ☀️🧶