Our included yarn calculation table gives you quick answers to the question – How much chunky yarn do I need to knit a sweater? No running out of yarn!
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Frustrated Teacher Quits In Disgust, Sells The Farm, Moves The Family Halfway Across The World And… Starts Knitting
I reviewed, fact checked and updated this post on Feb 29, 2024.
Table Of Contents
- How Much Chunky Yarn Do I Need To Knit A Sweater?
- How Many Yards Of Chunky Yarn Do I Need To Knit A Sweater?
- How Many Skeins Of Chunky Yarn Do I Need For A Sweater?
- How Many Balls Of Chunky Yarn For A Sweater?
- How Many Ounces Of Chunky Yarn For A Sweater?
I recommend using a pattern to knit a sweater. The designer gives the yarn weight and yardage of acceptable yarns. The example pattern I’m using is the Autumn Breeze Sweater by Paintbox Yarns. It’s a great option for beginners. It suggests an affordable acrylic yarn but you could definitely knit this jumper in wool.
Here’s my handy guide to how much yarn for knitting a sweater in 7 sizes and yards of yarn required when using the example pattern in chunky weight #5 yarn. This is thicker than yarns labled aran.
How Much Chunky Yarn Do I Need For A Sweater?
Size Small
To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 32-34 inches (81-86 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 745 yards (680 meters) of chunky weight #5 yarn. A total weight of 17.5 oz (500 g). Number of skeins is 5 skeins (each skein weighs 3.5 oz – 100 g).
Size S Sweater Yarn Estimates
With Chunky Weight Yarn (#5)
Final Size (In)
32-24 inches
Final Size (Cm)
81-86 cm
Estimated Yardage
745 yards
Estimated Meterage
680 meters
Estimated Ounces
17.5 oz
Estimated Grams
500 g
Estimated Skeins
5 skeins
Size Medium
To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 36-38 inches (91-97 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 894 yards (816 meters) of chunky weight #5 yarn. A total weight of 21 oz (600 g). Number of skeins is 6 skeins (each skein weighs 3.5 oz – 100 g).
Size M Sweater Yarn Estimates
With Chunky Weight Yarn (#5)
Final Size (In)
36-38 inches
Final Size (Cm)
91-97 cm
Estimated Yardage
894 yards
Estimated Meterage
816 meters
Estimated Ounces
21 oz
Estimated Grams
600 g
Estimated Skeins
6 skeins
Size Large
To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 40-42 inches (102-107 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 1,043 yards (952 meters) of chunky weight #5 yarn. A total weight of 24.5 oz (700 g). Number of skeins is 7 skeins (each skein weighs 3.5 oz – 100 g).
Size L Sweater Yarn Estimates
With Chunky Weight Yarn (#5)
Final Size (In)
40-42 inches
Final Size (Cm)
102-107 cm
Estimated Yardage
1,043 yards
Estimated Meterage
952 meters
Estimated Ounces
24.5 oz
Estimated Grams
700 g
Estimated Skeins
7 skeins
Size Extra Large
To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 44-46 inches (112-117 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 1,043 yards (952 meters) of chunky weight #5 yarn. A total weight of 24.5 oz (700 g). Number of skeins is 7 skeins (each skein weighs 3.5 oz – 100 g).
Size XL Sweater Yarn Estimates
With Chunky Weight Yarn (#5)
Final Size (In)
44-46 inches
Final Size (Cm)
112-117 cm
Estimated Yardage
1,043 yards
Estimated Meterage
952 meters
Estimated Ounces
24.5 oz
Estimated Grams
700 g
Estimated Skeins
7 skeins
Size 2 Extra Large
To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 48-50 inches (122-127 cm), – (using the example pattern) you need a minimum of 1,192 yards (1,088 meters) of chunky weight #5 yarn. A total weight of 28 oz (800 g). Number of skeins is 8 skeins (each skein weighs 3.5 oz – 100 g).
Size 2XL Sweater Yarn Estimates
With Chunky Weight Yarn (#5)
Final Size (In)
48-50 inches
Final Size (Cm)
122-127 cm
Estimated Yardage
1,192 yards
Estimated Meterage
1,088 meters
Estimated Ounces
28 oz
Estimated Grams
800 g
Estimated Skeins
8 skeins
Size 3 Extra Large
To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 52-54 inches (132-137 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 1,341 yards (1,224 meters) of chunky weight #5 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 3XL Sweater Yarn Estimates
With Chunky Weight Yarn (#5)
Final Size (In)
52-54 inches
Final Size (Cm)
132-137 cm
Estimated Yardage
1,341 yards
Estimated Meterage
1,224 meters
Estimated Ounces
31.5 oz
Estimated Grams
900 g
Estimated Skeins
9 skeins
Size 4 Extra Large
To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 56-58 inches (142-147 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 1,341 yards (1,224 meters) of chunky weight #5 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 4XL Sweater Yarn Estimates
With Chunky Weight Yarn (#5)
Final Size (In)
56-58 inches
Final Size (Cm)
142-147 cm
Estimated Yardage
1,341 yards
Estimated Meterage
1,224 meters
Estimated Ounces
31.5 oz
Estimated Grams
900 g
Estimated Skeins
9 skeins
How Many Yards Of Chunky Yarn Do I Need to Knit A Sweater?
To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 40-42″ (102-107cm) using the example pattern, a minimum of 1,043 yards needed (952 meters) of chunky weight #5 yarn.
How Many Skeins Of Chunky Yarn Do I Need For A Sweater?
To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 40-42″ (102-107 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 7 skeins of chunky weight #5 yarn. (Each skein weighs 3.5 oz – 100 g).
How Many Balls Of Chunky Yarn Do I Need For A Sweater?
To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 40-42″ (102-107 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 7 balls of chunky weight #5 yarn. (Each skein weighs 3.5 oz – 100 g).
How Many Ounces Of Chunky Yarn For A Sweater?
To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 40-42″ (102-107 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 24.5 oz (700 g) of chunky weight #5 yarn.
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Conclusion
Now you know how much yarn you need to knit a chunky sweater, it’s time to start your next project!
If you are looking for a super soft and luxurious yarn sweater like cashmere, read my article here.
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