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!
I reviewed, fact checked and updated this post on May 17, 2023.
Table Of Contents
- How Much Aran Yarn Do I Need To Knit A Sweater?
- How Many Yards Of Aran Yarn Do I Need To Knit A Sweater?
- How Many Skeins Of Aran Yarn Do I Need For A Sweater?
- How Many Balls Of Aran Yarn For A Sweater?
- How Many Ounces Of Aran Yarn For A Sweater?
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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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.
About The Author
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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