How Much Aran Yarn Do I Need To Knit A Sweater? [Answers for 5 Sizes]

By Jodie Morgan

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Our included yarn calculation table gives you quick answers to the question – How much aran yarn do I need to knit a sweater? No running out of yarn!

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I reviewed, fact checked and updated this post on May 17, 2023.

Table Of Contents

I recommend using a pattern to knit a sweater. The designer gives the recommended yarn, yarn weight and yardage. The example pattern I’m using is the Bricksy Joy Sweater by Griselda Zárate. It’s a great option for beginners.

Here’s my handy guide to how much yarn for knitting a sweater in 5 sizes and yards of yarn required when using the example pattern in aran weight #4 yarn. This is thicker than sport weight and thinner than chunky yarn.

How Much Aran Yarn Do I Need For A Sweater? 

Size Small

To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 32 inches (82 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 1,148 yards (1,050 meters) of aran weight #4 yarn. A total weight of oz (700 g). Number of skeins is 7 skeins (each skein weighs 3.5 oz – 100 g).

Size S Sweater Yarn Estimates
With Aran Weight Yarn (#4)

Final Size (In)

32 inches

Final Size (Cm)

82 cm

Estimated Yardage

1,148 yards

Estimated Meterage

1,050 meters

Estimated Ounces

24.5 oz

Estimated Grams

700 g

Estimated Skeins

7 skeins

Size Medium

To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 36 inches (92 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 1,312 yards (1,192 meters) of aran weight #4 yarn. A total weight of 28 oz (800 g). Number of skeins is 8 skeins (each skein weighs 3.5 oz – 100 g).

Size M Sweater Yarn Estimates
With Aran Weight Yarn (#4)

Final Size (In)

36 inches

Final Size (Cm)

92 cm

Estimated Yardage

1,312 yards

Estimated Meterage

1,192 meters

Estimated Ounces

28 oz

Estimated Grams

800 g

Estimated Skeins

8 skeins

Size Large

To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 40 inches (102 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 1,476 yards (1,350 meters) of aran weight #4 yarn. A total weight of 31.5 oz (900 g). Number of skeins is 9 skeins (each skein weighs 3.5 oz – 100 g).

Size L Sweater Yarn Estimates
With Aran Weight Yarn (#4)

Final Size (In)

40 inches

Final Size (Cm)

102 cm

Estimated Yardage

1,476 yards

Estimated Meterage

1,350 meters

Estimated Ounces

31.5 oz

Estimated Grams

900 g

Estimated Skeins

9 skeins

Size Extra Large

To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 44 inches (112 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 1,476 yards (1,350 meters) of aran weight #4 yarn. A total weight of oz (g). Number of skeins is 9 skeins (each skein weighs 3.5 oz – 100 g).

Size XL Sweater Yarn Estimates
With Aran Weight Yarn (#4)

Final Size (In)

44 inches

Final Size (Cm)

112 cm

Estimated Yardage

1,476 yards

Estimated Meterage

1,350 meters

Estimated Ounces

31.5 oz

Estimated Grams

900 g

Estimated Skeins

9 skeins

Size 2 Extra Large

To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 48 inches (122 cm),  – (using the example pattern) you need a minimum of 1,640 yards (1,500 meters) of aran weight #4 yarn. A total weight of 35 oz (1000 g). Number of skeins is 10 skeins (each skein weighs 3.5 oz – 100 g).

Size 2XL Sweater Yarn Estimates
With Aran Weight Yarn (#4)

Final Size (In)

48 inches

Final Size (Cm)

122 cm

Estimated Yardage

1,640 yards

Estimated Meterage

1,500 meters

Estimated Ounces

35 oz

Estimated Grams

1000 g

Estimated Skeins

10 skeins

How Many Yards Of Aran Yarn Do I Need to Knit A Sweater?

To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 40″ (102 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 1,476 yards (1,350 meters) of aran weight #4 yarn.

How Many Skeins Of Aran Yarn Do I Need For A Sweater?

To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 40″ (102 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 9 skeins of aran weight #4 yarn. (Each skein weighs 3.5 oz – 100 g).

How Many Balls Of Aran Yarn Do I Need For A Sweater?

To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 40″ (102 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 9 balls of aran weight #4 yarn. (Each skein weighs 3.5 oz – 100 g).

How Many Ounces Of Aran Yarn For A Sweater?

To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 40″ (102 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 31.5 oz (900 g) of aran weight #4 yarn. 

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How Much Aran Yarn For Sweater Pin

Conclusion

Now you know how much yarn you need to knit a sweater, it’s time to start your next project! Want more fun knitting content, resources and inspiration? Sign up to our email list below for exclusive goodies only for subscribers.

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About The Author

Jodie Morgan From Knit Like Granny

Jodie Morgan (Author & Founder)

jodie@knitlikegranny.com | Lives In: Regional Australia

Author: Jodie Morgan is a passionate knitter and blogger with 40+ years of experience currently living in regional Australia. Taught by her mother and wonderful grandmother “Mama”, she fell in love with crafting from a young age. When she’s not knitting, you’ll find her enjoying a cup of coffee with cream, or sharing helpful resources and tips with the online knitting community. Get to know Jodie and the team on our meet the team page.

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