Calculate yarn requirements, stitches, rows, and project time for your knitting projects
From your gauge swatch
Yards per skein/ball
Accurate gauge measurement is the foundation of successful knitting projects. Before starting any project, knit a gauge swatch using your chosen yarn and needles, typically 4×4 inches in your pattern stitch. Wash and block the swatch as you would the finished project, then measure the number of stitches per inch. This gauge determines how many stitches to cast on and how many rows to knit for your desired dimensions.
Different yarn weights and needle sizes produce different gauges. Worsted weight yarn typically knits at 4-5 stitches per inch on US 7-9 needles, while fingering weight yarn knits at 6-8 stitches per inch on US 1-3 needles. Always match your gauge to the pattern requirements, or adjust your calculations accordingly for custom projects.
| Yarn Weight | Gauge (sts/inch) | Needle Size | Typical Yardage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lace | 8+ sts/inch | US 000-1 | 400-800 yds/skein |
| Fingering | 7-8 sts/inch | US 1-3 | 400-450 yds/skein |
| Sport | 6-7 sts/inch | US 3-5 | 250-350 yds/skein |
| DK | 5-6 sts/inch | US 5-7 | 220-280 yds/skein |
| Worsted | 4-5 sts/inch | US 7-9 | 180-220 yds/skein |
| Bulky | 3-4 sts/inch | US 9-11 | 100-150 yds/skein |
Choose yarn based on your project's purpose. Natural fibers like wool and cotton are breathable and durable, perfect for garments. Acrylic is budget-friendly and easy-care, ideal for blankets and practice projects. Blends combine the best properties of multiple fibers. Always buy enough yarn from the same dye lot to ensure color consistency throughout your project.
Purchase 10-20% more yarn than calculated to account for gauge swatching, tension variations, and potential mistakes. Complex stitch patterns and colorwork require more yarn than stockinette. Keep leftover yarn for future repairs or matching accessories. Many yarn shops accept returns of unused skeins with tags attached.
Knitting speed varies by experience and pattern complexity. Beginners typically knit 20-30 stitches per minute, while experienced knitters reach 40-60 stitches per minute. Intricate patterns, cables, and colorwork slow progress. Break large projects into manageable sections and set realistic completion goals to maintain motivation.
Project: Winter scarf, 8 inches wide × 60 inches long
Gauge: 4.5 stitches per inch (worsted weight yarn on US 8 needles)
Yarn: 220 yards per skein
Cast On: 8 × 4.5 = 36 stitches
Rows Needed: 60 × 4.5 × 1.4 = 378 rows
Total Stitches: 36 × 378 = 13,608 stitches
Yarn Needed: 13,608 × 0.5 = 6,804 yards ≈ 340 yards
Skeins: 340 ÷ 220 = 2 skeins (buy 3 for safety)
Time: 13,608 ÷ 30 = 453 minutes ≈ 7.5 hours