MotifSmithHow Much Yarn Do You Need for a Crochet Blanket?
A worsted-weight throw takes about 2,900 yards in single crochet. See yardage for baby, throw, twin and queen blankets, and how to estimate your own.
A 50 by 60 inch throw in worsted-weight single crochet takes roughly 2,900 yards, including a 15% margin. A baby blanket of 36 by 45 inches takes roughly 1,560 yards, and a queen takes around 8,700. Your yarn and tension can change these figures, so treat them as a starting point.
Blanket yardage by size and yarn weight
| Blanket | Size (in) | DK (3) | Worsted (4) | Bulky (5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby | 36 × 45 | 1,671 yd | 1,563 yd | 1,258 yd |
| Lap | 36 × 48 | 1,778 yd | 1,661 yd | 1,342 yd |
| Throw | 50 × 60 | 3,094 yd | 2,895 yd | 2,329 yd |
| Twin | 70 × 90 | 6,493 yd | 6,075 yd | 4,891 yd |
| Queen | 90 × 100 | 9,271 yd | 8,674 yd | 6,987 yd |
These are MotifSmith estimates for single crochet at a typical gauge, with 15% added. For your exact numbers, use the crochet yarn calculator.
Why blankets vary so much
- Stitch. Dense stitches use more yarn for the same area than open ones. Filet mesh and granny squares use noticeably less.
- Hook size. A larger hook makes looser fabric that covers more area per yard.
- Tension. Two people with the same yarn and hook can differ a lot.
- Colorwork. Tapestry crochet carries unused yarn inside the stitches, so it uses much more.
The most accurate way: weigh a swatch
- Crochet a swatch at least 6 inches square in your yarn, stitch and hook
- Weigh it, then divide by its area in square inches
- Multiply by the blanket's area for the total weight
- Divide by the skein weight, then add 10 to 15% for safety
Buy all your yarn from the same dye lot if you can, since shades can differ between lots.
Planning a colorwork blanket
In a chart, each color uses a different amount. MotifSmith's generator lists stitches and estimated yardage per color, so you can buy the right amount of each.