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

By Jodie Morgan

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

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I reviewed, fact checked and updated this post on May 17, 2023.

Table Of Contents

I recommend using a pattern to knit a sweater. The designer gives the yarn weight and yardage and suitable yarn choices. The example pattern I’m using is the Keiko Sweater by Sari Nordlund. 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 worsted weight #4 yarn. This is thicker than yarn labeled sock.

How Much Yarn Do I Need For A Sweater?

Size Extra Small

To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 37 inches (93 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 1,006 yards (920 meters) of worsted weight #4 yarn. A total weight of 16.2 oz (450 g). Number of skeins is 9 skeins (each skein weighs 1.8 oz – 50 g).

Size XS Sweater Yarn Estimates
With Worsted Weight Yarn (#4)

Final Size (In)

37 inches

Final Size (Cm)

93 cm

Estimated Yardage

1,006 yards

Estimated Meterage

920 meters

Estimated Ounces

16.2 oz

Estimated Grams

450 g

Estimated Skeins

9 skeins

Size Small

To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 39 inches (100 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 1,095 yards (1,000 meters) of worsted weight #4 yarn. A total weight of 18 oz (500 g). Number of skeins is 10 skeins (each skein weighs 1.8 oz – 50 g).

Size S Sweater Yarn Estimates
With Worsted Weight Yarn (#4)

Final Size (In)

39 inches

Final Size (Cm)

100 cm

Estimated Yardage

1,095 yards

Estimated Meterage

1,000 meters

Estimated Ounces

18 oz

Estimated Grams

500 g

Estimated Skeins

10 skeins

Size Medium

To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 41 inches (105 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 1150 yards (1050 meters) of worsted weight #4 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 M Sweater Yarn Estimates
With Worsted Weight Yarn (#4)

Final Size (In)

41 inches

Final Size (Cm)

105 cm

Estimated Yardage

1150 yards

Estimated Meterage

1050 meters

Estimated Ounces

19.8 oz

Estimated Grams

550 g

Estimated Skeins

11 skeins

Size Large

To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 44 inches (112 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 1315 yards (1200 meters) of worsted weight #4 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 L Sweater Yarn Estimates
With Worsted Weight Yarn (#4)

Final Size (In)

44 inches

Final Size (Cm)

112 cm

Estimated Yardage

1315 yards

Estimated Meterage

1200 meters

Estimated Ounces

21.6 oz

Estimated Grams

600 g

Estimated Skeins

12 skeins

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 1480 yards (1350 meters) of worsted weight #4 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 XL Sweater Yarn Estimates
With Worsted Weight Yarn (#4)

Final Size (In)

48 inches

Final Size (Cm)

124 cm

Estimated Yardage

1480 yards

Estimated Meterage

1350 meters

Estimated Ounces

25.2 oz

Estimated Grams

700 g

Estimated Skeins

14 skeins

How Many Yards Of 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 1150 yards (1050 meters) of worsted weight #4 yarn.

How Many Skeins Of 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 11 skeins of worsted weight #4 yarn. (Each skein weighs 1.8 oz – 50 g).

How Many Balls Of 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 11 balls of worsted weight #4 yarn. (Each skein weighs 1.8 oz – 50 g).

How Many Ounces Of Yarn For A Sweater?

To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 41″ (105 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 19.8 oz (550 g) of worsted weight #4 yarn. 

How Many Pounds Of Wool 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 1.2375 lb of worsted weight #4 yarn. 

How Much Wool Is Needed For A Sweater In Grams?

To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 41″ (105 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 550 g of worsted weight #4 yarn. 

How Much Yarn For A Sweater In Meters?

To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 41″ (105 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 1050 meters of worsted weight #4 yarn.

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How Much Yarn For A Sweater Pin

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 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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