How to Calculate Yardage When Substituting Yarn

How to Calculate Yardage When Substituting Yarn

Picture this: you’ve fallen in love with a knitting or crochet pattern, but the yarn it calls for is either unavailable, out of your budget, or—let’s be honest—just not your style. Don’t worry! Substituting yarn is common, and with a little bit of math (yes, math, but the fun kind!), you can confidently make the swap and start your project without a hitch.

Why Yardage Matters

When substituting yarn, it’s crucial to match the amount of yarn the pattern calls for in terms of length, not weight. Why? Because not all skeins are created equal. A 100g skein of bulky yarn is much shorter in length than a 100g skein of fingering weight. Yardage ensures you’ll have enough yarn to complete your project without running out halfway through a sleeve or border. Let’s get into how to calculate what you’ll need.

Step 1: Check the Pattern’s Yarn Requirements

Start by looking at the pattern’s recommended yarn. It will usually list the following:

• Yarn weight (e.g., DK, worsted, bulky)

• Skein weight (e.g., 50g, 100g)

• Yardage per skein (e.g., 220 yards)

• Total yardage required for the project

Write down the total yardage needed. This is your magic number.

Step 2: Compare with Your Chosen Yarn

Next, take a close look at the label of the yarn you want to use. You’ll need:

• The yarn’s weight (e.g. DK, Fingering, worsted)

• The skein’s weight (in grams or ounces)

• The yardage per skein

If your chosen yarn matches the pattern’s weight category (e.g., both are DK), you’re off to a good start. If it doesn’t match, proceed with caution and test your gauge (more on that later).

Step 3: Calculate the Number of Skeins Needed

Now for the fun part: math! Here’s the formula to determine how many skeins of your chosen yarn you’ll need:

For example, let’s say the pattern calls for 1,000 yards of yarn, and your chosen yarn has 220 yards per skein:

Total yards divided by yards per skein equals the number of skeins you need.

1,000 (total yards) / 220 (yards per skein) = 4.54 skeins

Since you can’t buy half a skein, always round up. In this case, you’d need 5 skeins.

Step 4: Factor in Extra Yarn

Always buy an extra skein or two. Why? Because:

1. Dye lots can vary, so it’s better to have extra from the same batch.

2. Mistakes happen. (We’ve all frogged rows and needed more yarn than expected.)

3. Some patterns underestimate yardage slightly, especially if you’re making modifications.

Trust me—you’ll be grateful for the buffer.

Step 5: Gauge, Gauge, Gauge

Even if your substituted yarn is the same weight as the pattern’s recommended yarn, differences in fibre content, ply, or twist can affect how it behaves. Always knit or crochet a gauge swatch to ensure your stitches match the pattern’s requirements. If your gauge is off, your project might end up too small, too large, or use a wildly different amount of yarn.

Pro tip: If your gauge is close but not exact, adjust your hook or needle size and swatch again. Gauge is your ticket to a well-fitting and beautiful project.

Bonus Tips for Yarn Substitution

• Check Fibre Content: Wool stretches and bounces back, while cotton doesn’t. Acrylic holds its shape, but alpaca drapes beautifully. Fibre affects how your project will look and feel, so choose accordingly.

• Look for Similar Texture: If the original yarn is smooth, avoid switching to something super textured or fuzzy unless you’re prepared for the pattern to look different.

• Consult Online Tools: Websites like Ravelry and yarnsub.com can help you find substitutes with similar properties.  You can also ask me!  I'm always happy to help with your yarn choices.

Final Thoughts

Substituting yarn is like swapping ingredients in a recipe—a little tweaking can lead to a fantastic result. With these steps, you’ll be ready to calculate yardage like a pro and pick a yarn that’s perfect for your project. So grab your calculator, your dream yarn, and start creating something amazing. And remember: a little extra yarn never hurt anyone!