How Much Chunky Yarn Do I Need To Knit A Sweater? [Answers for 7 Sizes]

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!

I reviewed, fact checked and updated this post on Sept 26, 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 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 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 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 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 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 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).

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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