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

Our included yarn calculation table gives you quick answers to the question – How much sport weight 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 Sport Weight Yarn Do I Need To Knit A Sweater?
• How Many Yards Of Sport Weight Yarn Do I Need To Knit A Sweater?
• How Many Skeins Of Sport Weight Yarn Do I Need For A Sweater?
• How Many Balls Of Sport Weight Yarn For A Sweater?
• How Many Ounces Of Sport Weight Yarn For A Sweater?

I recommend using a pattern to knit a sweater. The designer gives the yarn weight and yardage of the yarn they used and often yarn alternatives. The example pattern I’m using is the Keiko Sweater by Sari Nordlund. It’s a great option for beginners.

Note: In this pattern, the sport weight yarn is held double. This creates a thicker fabric. Sock yarn fibers held double creates a sport weight thickness.

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 sport weight #3 yarn.

How Much Sport Weight Yarn Do I Need For A Sweater?

Size Extra Small

To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 36 inches (93 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 2012 yards (1840 meters) of sport weight #3 yarn. A total weight of 19.8 oz (550 g). Number of skeins is 11 skeins (each skein weighs 1.8 oz – 50 g).

Size Small

To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 39 inches (100 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 2190 yards (2100 meters) of sport weight #3 yarn. A total weight of 21.6 oz (600 g). Number of skeins is 12 skeins (each skein weighs 1.8 oz – 50 g).

Size Medium

To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 41 inches (105 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 2300 yards (2100 meters) of sport weight #3 yarn. A total weight of 21.6 oz (600 g). Number of skeins is 12 skeins (each skein weighs 1.8 oz – 50 g).

Size Large

To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 44 inches (112 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 2360 yards (2400 meters) of sport weight #3 yarn. A total weight of 25.2 oz (700 g). Number of skeins is 14 skeins (each skein weighs 1.8 oz – 50 g).

Size Extra Large

To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 48 inches (124 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 2960 yards (2700 meters) of sport weight #3 yarn. A total weight of 28.8 oz (800 g). Number of skeins is 16 skeins (each skein weighs 1.8 oz – 50 g).

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

To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 41″ (105 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 2300 yards (2100 meters) of sport weight #3 yarn.

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

To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 41″ (105 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 12 skeins of sport weight #3 yarn. (Each skein weighs 1.8 oz – 50 g).

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

To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 41″ (105 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 12 balls of sport weight #3 yarn. (Each skein weighs 1.8 oz – 50 g).

How Many Ounces Of Sport Weight Yarn For A Sweater?

To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 41″ (105cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 21.6 oz (600 g) of sport weight #3 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! You might even consider a thicker weight option for more information on an aran yarn sweater see here.

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