Do I have enough yarn?
As knitters we know that we can never have enough yarn, but maybe you’ve wondered whether you have enough yarn to finish a certain project.
Maybe you’ve just unearthed a gorgeous skein of yarn from your stash, or perhaps you’re repurposing leftovers from a previous project. You’re brimming with excitement to start a new creation. But wait—do you have enough yarn to see it through?
This is a common question, especially if you’re substituting a different yarn than the pattern specifies or using scraps from previous projects. The good news is that you don’t have to guess. There’s a tried-and-true method to calculate if you’ve got enough yarn, but it does require making a swatch (yes, one of those dreaded swatches) and a little bit of math. Don’t worry—I’ll guide you through each step.
Why swatching matters
Swatching is often overlooked, but it’s a crucial step in ensuring your project turns out just as you envision it. In this case, swatching serves a dual purpose:
- It helps you confirm your gauge—how many stitches and rows per centimetre you’re getting with your chosen yarn and needles.
- It gives you the data you need to calculate your yarn requirements.
If you’re someone who skips swatching, this might be the time to rethink.
Think of your swatch as a miniature preview of your project. It’s not just a tool; it’s a chance to test your yarn, stitch pattern, and needles while saving you potential headaches later.
What you’ll need
- Your chosen yarn
- The knitting needles specified in your pattern or the ones you want to use
- A digital scale (preferably one that measures in grams)
- A ruler or measuring tape
Step-by-step yarn calculation
Here’s how you can determine if your yarn stash will go the distance:
1. Knit a swatch
Using your chosen yarn and needles, knit a swatch in the pattern stitch specified (e.g., stockinette, garter, lace). Aim for a good sized swatch on which it is easy to measure 10×10 cm. I suggest at least a 12×12 cm swatch or larger.
2. Block your swatch (if required)
If the pattern advises blocking the finished piece, block your swatch as well. This ensures your measurements accurately reflect the final fabric.
3. Measure your swatch
Once your swatch is ready, measure its length and width using a ruler or gauge square. Use an inflexible tool to measure as it will be more accurate. Jot down these dimensions.
4. Refer to the pattern dimensions
Look at the pattern and find the finished measurements of the item you’re making. For this calculation, write down on the largest length and width. These will represent the total area you need to cover. For items made up of multiple pieces, like sweaters, note the largest length and width for each section (e.g., front, back, sleeves) and sum them to get the total area.
5. Weigh your swatch
Use your digital scale to weigh the swatch. Record the weight in grams.
6. Calculate the areas
Now for the math! Multiply the length and width of your swatch to find its area. Do the same for the finished item’s dimensions. For example:
Swatch: 18 cm (width) x 15.5 cm (length) = 279 square centimetres
Finished Item: 30 cm (width) x 80 cm (length) = 2400 square centimetres
7. Determine the number of swatches needed
Divide the area of the finished item by the area of your swatch to figure out how many swatches you’d need to complete the project:
Number of swatches = Area of finished item / Area of swatch
Using our example:
Number of swatches = 2400 / 279 = 8.6 swatches
Note: It you do want to round your figures, it is always better to round up than to round down.
8. Estimate yarn requirements
Finally, multiply the number of swatches by the weight of your swatch to estimate the total yarn required:
Total yarn weight = Number of swatches × Swatch weight
For instance, if your swatch weighs 18 grams:
Total yarn weight = 22.5 × 18 = 405 grams
Now compare this total to the weight of your yarn stash. If you have enough, you’re good to go. If not, consider getting more yarn or adjusting your project accordingly.
Bonus tips
- Keep swatches handy: Save swatches from previous projects with notes on yarn type, needle size, and gauge. They can serve as valuable references for future projects.
- Add 10%: Always buy 10% more yarn than your calculated requirement. This small buffer can save you from running out of yarn at a critical moment.
- Double-check your math: It’s always better to recheck calculations, especially for larger projects.
The payoff
Taking a little extra time to swatch and calculate can make all the difference in your knitting journey. Whether you’re working on a cozy sweater or a delicate shawl, knowing your yarn requirements upfront means you can knit with confidence—and avoid that dreaded game of yarn chicken. So next time you wonder, Do I have enough yarn?, you’ll already have the answer.
Happy knitting!