How Much Yarn Do I Need To Knit Mittens? (Answers for 5 Sizes)

By Jodie Morgan

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

How Much Yarn Do I Need To Knit Mittens? - yarns of different colors on wall shelving

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Table Of Contents

I reviewed, fact checked and updated this post on May 28, 2023.

I highly recommend using a pattern for knitting mittens. The designer gives details of the yarn weight and the yardage. Here are some great options for yarn in my guide.

The example pattern I’m using is The World’s Simplest Mittens pattern by Tin Can Knits using stockinette stitch. It’s a great option for beginners. There’s a range of size inclusions and options for different yarn weights.

How Much Yarn Do I Need For A Pair Of Mittens?

Mittens In Fingering Weight Yarn 

Toddler

To knit mittens measuring 5″ (12.7 cm) for the hand circumference, 7.25″ (18.4 cm) for the mitten length, and 2.5″ (6.35 cm) for the cuff length.

You need a min. of 140 yards (128 meters) of finger weight (Superfine #1) yarn. Total weight of 3.5 oz (100 g). Number of skeins is 1 skein (each skein weighs 3.5 oz/ (100 g).

Toodler Size Mitten Yarn Estimates
With Finger Weight (Superfine #1)

Hand Circ (In)

5 inches

Hand Circ (Cms)

12.7 cms

Mitten Length (In)

7.25 nches

Mitten Length (Cms)

18.4 cms

Cuff Length (In)

2.5 inches

Cuff Length (Cms)

6.35 cms

Estimated Yardage

140 yards

Estimated Meterage

128 meters

Estimated Ounces

3.5 oz

Estimated Grams

100 gms

Estimated Skeins

1 skein

Child

To knit mittens measuring hand circumference 6 inches (15.2 cm), Mitten Length 8.5 inches (21.6 cm), Cuff Length 2.5 inches (6.4 cm).

You need a min. of 160 yards (146 meters) of Finger Weight (Superfine #1) yarn, total weight of 3.5 oz (100 g) – Number of skeins is 1 skein (each skein weighs 3.5 oz/ (100 g).

Child Size Mittens Yarn Estimates
With Finger Weight (Superfine #1)

Hand Circ (In)

6 inches

Hand Circ (Cms)

15.2 cms

Mitten Length (In)

8.5 inches

Mitten Length (Cms)

21.6 cms

Cuff Length (In)

2.5 inches

Cuff Length (Cms)

6.4 cms

Estimated Yardage

160 yards

Estimated Meterage

146 meters

Estimated Ounces

3.5 oz

Estimated Grams

100 gms

Estimated Skeins

1 skein

Adult Small

To knit mittens measuring hand circumference 7 inches (17.8 cm), Mitten Length 10.5 inches (26.7 cm), Cuff Length 3 inches (7.6 cm).

You need a min. of 210 yards (192 meters) of Finger Weight (Superfine #1) yarn, total weight of 3.5 oz (100 g) – Number of skeins is 1 skein (each skein weighs 3.5 oz/ (100 g).

Adult Small Mittens Yarn Estimates
With Finger Weight (Superfine #1) yarn

Hand Circ (In)

7 inches

Hand Circ (Cms)

17.8 cms

Mitten Length (In)

10.5 inches

Mitten Length (Cms)

26.7 cms

Cuff Length (In)

3 inches

Cuff Length (Cms)

7.6 cms

Estimated Yardage

210 yards

Estimated Meterage

192 meters

Estimated Ounces

3.5 oz

Estimated Grams

100 gms

Estimated Skeins

1 skein

Adult Medium

To knit mittens measuring hand circumference 7.75 inches (19.7 cm), Mitten Length 12 inches (30.5cm), Cuff Length 4 inches (10.2 cm).

You need a min. of 260 yards ( 238 meters) of Finger Weight (Superfine #1) yarn, total weight of 3.5 oz (100 g) – Number of skeins is 1 skein (each skein weighs 3.5 oz/ (100 g).

Adult Medium Mittens Yarn Estimates
With Finger Weight (Superfine #1) yarn

Hand Circ (In)

7.75 inches

Hand Circ (Cms)

19.7 cms

Mitten Length (In)

12 inches

Mitten Length (Cms)

30.5 cms

Cuff Length (In)

4 inches

Cuff Length (Cms)

10.2 cms

Estimated Yardage

260 yards

Estimated Meterage

238 meters

Estimated Ounces

3.5 oz

Estimated Grams

100 gms

Estimated Skeins

1 skein

Adult Large

To knit mittens measuring hand circumference 8.5 inches (21.6 cm), Mitten Length 13 inches (33 cm), Cuff Length 4 inches (10.2 cm).

You need a min. of 300 yards ( 274 meters) of Finger Weight (Superfine #1) yarn, total weight of 3.5 oz (100 g) – Number of skeins is 1 skein (each skein weighs 3.5 oz/ (100 g).

Adult Large Mittens Yarn Estimates
With Finger Weight (Superfine #1) yarn

Hand Circ (In)

8.5 inches

Hand Circ (Cms)

21.6 cms

Mitten Length (In)

13 inches

Mitten Length (Cms)

33 cms

Cuff Length (In)

4 inches

Cuff Length (Cms)

10.2 cms

Estimated Yardage

300 yards

Estimated Meterage

274 meters

Estimated Ounces

3.5 oz

Estimated Grams

100 gms

Estimated Skeins

1 skein

Mittens In DK Weight Yarn

Toddler

To knit mittens measuring hand circumference 5 inches (12.7 cm), Mitten Length 7.25 inches (18.4 cm), Cuff Length 2.5 inches (6.35 cm).

You need a min. of 100 yards (91.4 meters) of DK Weight (Light #3) yarn, total weight of 4 oz (115 g) – Number of skeins is 1 skein (each skein weighs 4 oz (115 g)

Toddler Size Mittens Yarn Estimates
With DK Weight (Light #3) yarn

Hand Circ (In)

5 inches

Hand Circ (Cms)

12.7 cms

Mitten Length (In)

7.25 inches

Mitten Length (Cms)

18.4 cms

Cuff Length (In)

2.5 inches

Cuff Length (Cms)

6.35 cms

Estimated Yardage

100 yards

Estimated Meterage

91.4 meters

Estimated Ounces

4 oz

Estimated Grams

115 gms

Estimated Skeins

1 skein

Child

To knit mittens measuring hand circumference 6 inches (15.2 cm), Mitten Length 8.5 inches (21.6 cm), Cuff Length 2.5 inches (6.4 cm).

You need a min. of 120 yards (110 meters) of DK Weight (Light #3) yarn, total weight of 4 oz (115 g) – Number of skeins is 1 skein (each skein weighs 4 oz (115 g)

Child Size Mittens Yarn Estimates
With DK Weight (Light #3) yarn

Hand Circ (In)

6 inches

Hand Circ (Cms)

15.2 cms

Mitten Length (In)

8.5 inches

Mitten Length (Cms)

21.6 cms

Cuff Length (In)

2.5 inches

Cuff Length (Cms)

6.4 cms

Estimated Yardage

120 yards

Estimated Meterage

110 meters

Estimated Ounces

4 oz

Estimated Grams

115 gms

Estimated Skeins

1 skein

Adult Small

To knit mittens measuring hand circumference 7 inches (17.8 cm), Mitten Length 10.5 inches (26.7 cm), Cuff Length 3 inches (7.6 cm).

You need a min. of 160 yards (146 meters) of DK Weight (Light #3) yarn, total weight of 4 oz (115 g) – Number of skeins is 1 skein (each skein weighs 4 oz (115 g)

Adult Small Mittens Yarn Estimates
With DK Weight (Light #3) yarn

Hand Circ (In)

7 inches

Hand Circ (Cms)

17.8 cms

Mitten Length (In)

10.5 inches

Mitten Length (Cms)

26.7 cms

Cuff Length (In)

3 inches

Cuff Length (Cms)

7.6 cms

Estimated Yardage

160 yards

Estimated Meterage

146 meters

Estimated Ounces

4 oz

Estimated Grams

115 gms

Estimated Skeins

1 skeins

Adult Medium

To knit mittens measuring hand circumference 7.75 inches (19.7 cm), Mitten Length 12 inches (30.5cm), Cuff Length 4 inches (10.2 cm).

You need a min. of 190 yards (174 meters) of DK Weight (Light #3) yarn, total weight of 4 oz (115 g) – Number of skeins is 1 skein (each skein weighs 4 oz (115 g)

Adult Medium Mittens Yarn Estimates
With DK Weight (Light #3) yarn

Hand Circ (In)

7.75 inches

Hand Circ (Cms)

19.7 cms

Mitten Length (In)

12 inches

Mitten Length (Cms)

30.5 cms

Cuff Length (In)

4 inches

Cuff Length (Cms)

10.2 cms

Estimated Yardage

190 yards

Estimated Meterage

174 meters

Estimated Ounces

4 oz

Estimated Grams

115 gms

Estimated Skeins

1 skein

Adult Large

To knit mittens measuring hand circumference 8.5 inches (21.6 cm), Mitten Length 13 inches (33 cm), Cuff Length 4 inches (10.2 cm).

You need a min. of 220 yards (201 meters) of DK Weight (Light #3) yarn, total weight of 8 oz (230 g) – Number of skeins is 2 skeins (each skein weighs 4 oz (115 g)

Adult Large Mittens Yarn Estimates
With DK Weight (Light #3) yarn

Hand Circ (In)

8.5 inches

Hand Circ (Cms)

21.6 cms

Mitten Length (In)

13 inches

Mitten Length (Cms)

33 cms

Cuff Length (In)

4 inches

Cuff Length (Cms)

10.2 cms

Estimated Yardage

220 yards

Estimated Meterage

201 meters

Estimated Ounces

8 oz

Estimated Grams

230 gms

Estimated Skeins

2 skeins

Mittens in Worsted Weight Yarn

Toddler

To knit mittens measuring hand circumference 5 inches (12.7 cm), Mitten Length 7.25 inches (18.4 cm), Cuff Length 2.5 inches (6.35 cm).

You need a min. of 90 yards (82 meters) of Worsted Weight (Medium #4) yarn, total weight of 4 oz (115 g) – Number of skeins is 1 skein (each skein weighs 4 oz (115 g)

Toddler Size Mittens Yarn Estimates
Worsted Weight (Medium #4) yarn

Hand Circ (In)

5 inches

Hand Circ (Cms)

12.7 cms

Mitten Length (In)

7.25 inches

Mitten Length (Cms)

18.4 cms

Cuff Length (In)

2.5 inches

Cuff Length (Cms)

6.35 cms

Estimated Yardage

90 yards

Estimated Meterage

82 meters

Estimated Ounces

4 oz

Estimated Grams

115 gms

Estimated Skeins

1 skein

Child

To knit mittens measuring hand circumference 6 inches (15.2 cm), Mitten Length 8.5 inches (21.6 cm), Cuff Length 2.5 inches (6.4 cm).

You need a min. of 100 yards (91 meters) of Worsted Weight (Medium #4) yarn, total weight of 4 oz (115 g) – Number of skeins is 1 skein (each skein weighs 4 oz (115 g)

Child Size Mittens Yarn Estimates
With Worsted Weight (Medium #4) yarn

Hand Circ (In)

6 inches

Hand Circ (Cms)

15.2 cms

Mitten Length (In)

8.5 inches

Mitten Length (Cms)

21.6 cms

Cuff Length (In)

2.5 inches

Cuff Length (Cms)

6.4 cms

Estimated Yardage

100 yards

Estimated Meterage

91 meters

Estimated Ounces

4 oz

Estimated Grams

115 gms

Estimated Skeins

1 skein

Adult Small

To knit mittens measuring hand circumference 7 inches (17.8 cm), Mitten Length 10.5 inches (26.7 cm), Cuff Length 3 inches (7.6 cm).

You need a min. of 130 yards (119 meters) of Worsted Weight (Medium #4) yarn, total weight of 4 oz (115 g) – Number of skeins is 1 skein (each skein weighs 4 oz (115 g)

Adult Small Yarn Estimates
With Worsted Weight (Medium #4) yarn

Hand Circ (In)

7 inches

Hand Circ (Cms)

17.8 cms

Mitten Length (In)

10.5 inches

Mitten Length (Cms)

26.7 cms

Cuff Length (In)

3 inches

Cuff Length (Cms)

7.6 cms

Estimated Yardage

130 yards

Estimated Meterage

119 meters

Estimated Ounces

4 oz

Estimated Grams

115 gms

Estimated Skeins

1 skein

Adult Medium

To knit mittens measuring hand circumference 7.75 inches (19.7 cm), Mitten Length 12 inches (30.5cm), Cuff Length 4 inches (10.2 cm).

You need a min. of 160 yards (146 meters) of Worsted Weight (Medium #4) yarn, total weight of 4 oz (115 g) – Number of skeins is 1 skein (each skein weighs 4 oz (115 g)

Adult Medium Mittens Yarn Estimates
With Worsted Weight (Medium #4) yarn

Hand Circ (In)

7.75 inches

Hand Circ (Cms)

19.7 cms

Mitten Length (In)

12 inches

Mitten Length (Cms)

30.5 cms

Cuff Length (In)

4 inches

Cuff Length (Cms)

10.2 cms

Estimated Yardage

160 yards

Estimated Meterage

146 meters

Estimated Ounces

4 oz

Estimated Grams

115 gms

Estimated Skeins

1 skein

Adult Large

To knit mittens measuring hand circumference 8.5 inches (21.6 cm), Mitten Length 13 inches (33 cm), Cuff Length 4 inches (10.2 cm).

You need a min. of 200 yards (183 meters) of Worsted Weight (Medium #4) yarn, total weight of 4 oz (115 g) – Number of skeins is 1 skein (each skein weighs 4 oz (115 g)

Adult Large Mittens Yarn Estimates
With Worsted Weight (Medium #4) yarn

Hand Circ (In)

8.5 inches

Hand Circ (Cms)

21.6 cms

Mitten Length (In)

13 inches

Mitten Length (Cms)

33 cms

Cuff Length (In)

4 inches

Cuff Length (Cms)

10.2 cms

Estimated Yardage

200 yards

Estimated Meterage

183 meters

Estimated Ounces

4 oz

Estimated Grams

115 gms

Estimated Skeins

1 skein

Mittens In Chunky Weight Yarn

Toddler

To knit mittens measuring hand circumference 5 inches (12.7 cm), Mitten Length 7.25 inches (18.4 cm), Cuff Length 2.5 inches (6.35 cm).

You need a min. of 70 yards (64 meters) of Chunky Weight (Bulky #5) yarn, total weight of 3.5 oz (100 g) – Number of skeins is 1 skein (each skein weighs 3.5 oz/ (100 g)

Toddler Size Mittens Yarn Estimates
With Chunky Weight (Bulky #5) yarn

Hand Circ (In)

5 inches

Hand Circ (Cms)

12.7 cms

Mitten Length (In)

7.25 inches

Mitten Length (Cms)

18.4 cms

Cuff Length (In)

2.5 inches

Cuff Length (Cms)

6.35 cms

Estimated Yardage

70 yards

Estimated Meterage

64 meters

Estimated Ounces

3.5 oz

Estimated Grams

100 gms

Estimated Skeins

1 skein

Child

To knit mittens measuring hand circumference 6 inches (15.2 cm), Mitten Length 8.5 inches (21.6 cm), Cuff Length 2.5 inches (6.4 cm).

You need a min. of 80 yards (73 meters) of Chunky Weight (Bulky #5) yarn, total weight of 3.5 oz (100 g) – Number of skeins is 1 skein (each skein weighs 3.5 oz/ (100 g)

Child Size Mittens Yarn Estimates
With Chunky Weight (Bulky #5) yarn

Hand Circ (In)

6 inches

Hand Circ (Cms)

15.2 cms

Mitten Length (In)

8.5 inches

Mitten Length (Cms)

21.6 cms

Cuff Length (In)

2.5 inches

Cuff Length (Cms)

6.4 cms

Estimated Yardage

80 yards

Estimated Meterage

73 meters

Estimated Ounces

3.5 oz

Estimated Grams

100 gms

Estimated Skeins

1 skein

Adult Small

To knit mittens measuring hand circumference 7 inches (17.8 cm), Mitten Length 10.5 inches (26.7 cm), Cuff Length 3 inches (7.6 cm).

You need a min. of 120 yards (110 meters) of Chunky Weight (Bulky #5) yarn, total weight of 7 oz (200 g) – Number of skeins is 2 skeins (each skein weighs 3.5 oz/ (100 g).

Adult Small Mittens Yarn Estimates
With Chunky Weight (Bulky #5) yarn

Hand Circ (In)

7 inches

Hand Circ (Cms)

17.8 cms

Mitten Length (In)

10.5 inches

Mitten Length (Cms)

26.7 cms

Cuff Length (In)

3 inches

Cuff Length (Cms)

7.6 cms

Estimated Yardage

120 yards

Estimated Meterage

110 meters

Estimated Ounces

7 oz

Estimated Grams

200 gms

Estimated Skeins

2 skeins

Adult Medium

To knit mittens measuring hand circumference 7.75 inches (19.7 cm), Mitten Length 12 inches (30.5cm), Cuff Length 4 inches (10.2 cm).

You need a min. of 150 yards (137 meters) of Chunky Weight (Bulky #5) yarn, total weight of 7 oz (200 g) – Number of skeins is 2 skeins (each skein weighs 3.5 oz/ (100 g).

Adult Medium Mittens Yarn Estimates
With Chunky Weight (Bulky #5) yarn

Hand Circ (In)

7,75 inches

Hand Circ (Cms)

19.7 cms

Mitten Length (In)

12 inches

Mitten Length (Cms)

30.5 cms

Cuff Length (In)

4 inches

Cuff Length (Cms)

10.2 cms

Estimated Yardage

150 yards

Estimated Meterage

137 meters

Estimated Ounces

7 oz

Estimated Grams

200 gms

Estimated Skeins

2 skeins

Adult Large

To knit mittens measuring hand circumference 8.5 inches (21.6 cm), Mitten Length 13 inches (33 cm), Cuff Length 4 inches (10.2 cm).

You need a min. of 190 yards (174 meters) of Chunky Weight (Bulky #5) yarn, total weight of 7 oz (200 g) – Number of skeins is 2 skeins (each skein weighs 3.5 oz/ (100 g)

Adult Large Mittens Yarn Estimates
With Chunky Weight (Bulky #5) yarn

Hand Circ (In)

8.5 inches

Hand Circ (Cms)

21.6 cms

Mitten Length (In)

13 inches

Mitten Length (Cms)

33 cms

Cuff Length (In)

4 inches

Cuff Length (Cms)

10.2 cms

Estimated Yardage

190 yards

Estimated Meterage

174 meters

Estimated Ounces

7 oz

Estimated Grams

200 gms

Estimated Skeins

2 skeins

How Many Yards Of Wool Yarn To Knit Mittens?

To knit mittens measuring hand circumference 7 inches (17.8 cm), Mitten Length 10.5 inches (26.7 cm), Cuff Length 3 inches ( 7.6 cm) – (using the example pattern) you need a minimum of 130 yards (119 meters) of wool Worsted Weight #4) yarn.

How Many Skeins Of Yarn Do I Need For A Pair Of mittens?

To knit mittens measuring hand circumference 7 inches (17.8 cm), Mitten Length 10.5 inches (26.7 cm), Cuff Length 3 inches ( 7.6 cm) – (using the example pattern) you need a minimum of 1 skein (each skein weighs 4 oz/ (115 g) of Worsted Weight #4 Yarn.

How Many Balls Of Yarn Do I Need For Knit mittens?

To knit mittens measuring hand circumference 7 inches (17.8 cm), Mitten Length 10.5 inches (26.7 cm), Cuff Length 3 inches ( 7.6 cm) – (using the example pattern) you need a minimum of 1 ball of Worsted Weight #4 Yarn, (each ball weighs 4 oz/ (115 g).

How Many Ounces Of Yarn For Knit Mittens?

To knit mittens measuring hand circumference 7 inches (17.8 cm), Mitten Length 10.5 inches (26.7 cm), Cuff Length 3 inches ( 7.6 cm)– (using the example pattern) you need a minimum of 4 ounces (115 g) of Worsted Weight #4 yarn.

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Conclusion

Now you know how much yarn you’ll need to knit mittens, 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 that are only for subscribers.
Here’s another idea for a small knitting project – knit bikinis and read my next post on projects with scrap yarn.

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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