How Much Yarn Do I Need?

Jill Bartlett Author

Jan 29, 2024 |

The right amount of yarn can make all the difference between a perfect dog sweater and a frustrating last-minute run to the yarn store.

Ever Run Out of Yarn Mid-Project?

The other day I was at a friend’s checking out the yarn stash she was selling. She had numerous skeins in varying colours but very few matching sets. I wasn’t sure I’d have enough yarn to make a dog coat. There’s nothing worse than running out before the project is finished!

This is a common problem. Digging into a yarn stash often sparks the question: how much yarn do I need?  The great thing about knitting dog wear is that it doesn’t use much yarn, but you still need to be sure you have enough.

So, it got me thinking, it would be great to have a cheat sheet I could pull up on my phone to figure out yarn amounts on the fly. So, I made one! 

As passionate creators, we understand that the right amount of yarn is the magic ingredient that can turn a knitting venture from frantic to fabulous. Let’s face it, last-minute yarn store dashes trying to match colours and dye lots can ruin the zen of knitting momentum. So, let's ensure you have just what you need to create that delightfully meditative knitting experience.

Determining the right amount of yarn involves considering several essential factors. Whether your furry companion is a petite pooch or a larger-than-life canine giant, the intricacies of your chosen pattern, and the characteristics of your yarn, all play a crucial role in determining the yarn quantity you'll need.

So, first let's delve into the knitty-gritty of knitting techniques and how they can impact the amount of yarn required for your project. Understanding these nuances will not only enhance your knitting skills but also ensure you have just the right amount of yarn to bring your knitted dog project to life.

For those who like to keep it chill and easy, the stockinette stitch is like your laid-back buddy. After a bit of practice, you can rock it without even peeking at your hands. It's the perfect sidekick for winding down at the end of the day – maybe with your favourite Netflix show. Plus, it's the yarn-saving superhero of stitches. 

But, did you know that different techniques can alter the yarn requirements significantly?

Take crochet, for example. A beautiful craft in its own right, crochet stitches generally consume more yarn than their knitted counterparts. On average, crochet uses approximately 25% more yarn than knitting. Keep in mind that this percentage can vary based on the specific stitches used, so it's essential to be mindful of your chosen crochet pattern when estimating yarn needs.

Now, let's dive into the Garter Stitch—perfect for those days when your brain is on vacation. Seriously, no purl rows needed, just a simple knit, knit, knit rhythm. It's like the laid-back cousin of knitting, adding some cool texture and a thicker feel to your creation. But, fair warning, this easygoing stitch is a bit of a yarn muncher. On average, it gobbles up about 1/3 more yarn than the stockinette.

But if you're leaning towards the textured elegance of cable knitting, those intricate twists and turns create a visually stunning effect. However, be ready for a bit more yarn usage to achieve that unique texture. The result is undoubtedly worth it, especially if the rhythmic knitting lulls you into relaxation. Brace yourself for an uptick in yarn consumption, though. Cable knitting can use 1.5 to 2 times more yarn than the straightforward stockinette stitch. Depending on how wide your cable twists are, you might find yourself reaching for even more yarn.

A general rule of thumb: if you ever find yourself unsure about the yarn requirements, it's always a good idea to round up. Running out of yarn mid-project can lead to frustration and delays, and worst of all a visual shift in colours because you couldn’t match the dye lot. 

I’ve created a Cheat Sheet that will help make estimating yarn amounts for dog sweaters a breeze. The chart covers six sizes, ranging from the adorable XXS to the extra-large XL, in two yarn weights to accommodate the diversity of sizes of our beloved fur balls.

This chart provides estimates for #3 Light, Worsted, DK Weight Yarn, and #4 Worsted, Medium Weight Yarn using Stockinette stitch. I believe in making your knitting journey as stress-free as possible, and this chart is here to guide you every step of the way.

Keep in mind that individual dogs vary greatly in size – from long bellies to short, and wide chests to slender. Dogs, like their human counterparts, come in an array of shapes and sizes, making accurate measurements a key factor in ensuring a well-fitting garment. Before casting on stitches, take a moment to measure your furry friend, considering their unique shape and size.

Click here to download your Cheat Sheet.

Categories: : Knitting