How to Estimate Yardage
For made to measure patterns, one of the questions I am asked most is “How much yarn do I need?”
This question is challenging to answer because sizes are so variable when patterns are made to measure.
There are 2 methods I use. Each involving making a swatch of the potential yarn. I suggest digging in your stash for a similar yarn or buying one before buying what’s necessary.
Method One:
The first thing we need is our measurements.
Imagine we are working on a sweater with square panels and 4 pieces, the front, back and 2 sleeves.
You are also required to know the gauge of the yarn you will be using.
Gauge (G) = 1” = 6sts
Measurements
- Length of sweater (A)= 20”
- Width of sweater (B) = 16”
- Length of sleeve (C) =20”
- Width of sleeve (D)= 15”
FRONT/ BACK SECTION
(A x B X G) / 6 = (20 x 16 x 6) / 6
= 1 920 / 6
= 320 yards
Since the front and back measurements are the same, multiply the result by 2.
320 x 2 = 640 yards
SLEEVE SECTION
(C x D x G) / 6 = (15 x 20 x 6) / 6
= 1 800 / 6
= 300 yards
2 sleeve = 300 x 2 = 600 yards
Add all the sections together
Total Estimate = 640 + 600 = 1240 yards
I always suggest adding an extra skein because it’s an estimate and if you are working ribbing, maybe an additional 1 or 2.
Method Two:
Work the swatch as recommended by the pattern and determine the weight.
Let’s say it’s a 4” x 4” swatch with a weight of 2grams.
That’s an area of 16” weighing 2g.
Imagine that the measurements of a sweater is as follows:
- Length of sweater (A)= 20”
- Width of sweater (B) = 16”
- Length of sleeve (C) =20”
- Width of sleeve (D)= 15”
Body of sweater (front) = 20” x 16” = 320 square inches
Body of sweater (back) = 20” x 16” = 320 square inches
Sleeve 1 = 20” x 15” = 300 square inches
Sleeve 2 = 20” x 15” = 300 square inches
Add all results together.
320 + 320 + 300 + 300 = 1240 square inches.
Now divide this by the area of the swatch and multiply the result by the number of grams in the swatch.
1240/16 = 77.5
77.5 x 2 =155 grams needed.