Formula
Area times a yards-per-square-inch factor. Knit uses the factor in the table. Crochet multiplies that factor by 1.30. Skeins are the yards divided by the skein, rounded up.
yards = width × length × factor
crochet factor = knit factor × 1.30
skeins = ceil(yards ÷ yards per skein)
The factors are this site’s planning numbers for a plain stitch at a typical gauge for that weight. A cable, a lace stitch, or a different needle changes the real yardage.
Worked examples
Throw, 50 × 60, weight 4, knit, 220 yard skeins. 3,000 square inches × 0.48 = 1,440 yards, which is 7 skeins.
The same throw, crochet. 1,440 × 1.30 = 1,872 yards, which is 9 skeins at 220 yards.
Baby blanket, 30 × 36, weight 3, knit. 1,080 × 0.60 = 648 yards. At 220 yards a skein that is 3 skeins.
Reference
Knit planning factors. Crochet is the same row times 1.30. These are not Craft Yarn Council figures.
| Weight | Name | Knit, yd / sq in | Crochet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Lace | 1.1 | 1.43 |
| 1 | Super fine | 0.9 | 1.17 |
| 2 | Fine | 0.75 | 0.98 |
| 3 | Light | 0.6 | 0.78 |
| 4 | Medium | 0.48 | 0.62 |
| 5 | Bulky | 0.35 | 0.45 |
| 6 | Super bulky | 0.25 | 0.33 |
| 7 | Jumbo | 0.15 | 0.2 |
Questions
Does the Craft Yarn Council publish yards per square inch?
No. The Council’s standard is the weight number and the name: 0 lace through 7 jumbo, plus a gauge range on a recommended needle. The yards per square inch on this page are planning factors so a blank project has a number. Buy an extra skein if the gauge is loose or the stitch is textured.
Why does crochet use more?
The crochet line is the knit factor times 1.30. That 30% is a planning allowance for the denser fabric a typical crochet stitch makes at the same weight. It is not a Council figure.
How are the blanket sizes chosen?
Lovey 18×18, baby 30×36, throw 50×60, twin 66×90, queen 90×90, king 108×90, all in inches. They are starting sizes for the presets, not a bedding standard. Type your own width and length when the blanket is a different size.
Sources
- Craft Yarn Council Standard Yarn Weight System: names and numbers 0 Lace through 7 Jumbo. The Council does not publish yards per square inch.
- Planning factors used here, knit yards per square inch: 0: 1.10, 1: 0.90, 2: 0.75, 3: 0.60, 4: 0.48, 5: 0.35, 6: 0.25, 7: 0.15. Crochet is 1.30 times the knit factor. Blanket preset sizes are starting points, not a bedding standard.