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!
I reviewed, fact checked and updated this post on May 17, 2023.
Table Of Contents
- How Much Yarn Do I Need To Knit A Sweater?
- How Many Yards Of Yarn Do I Need To Knit A Sweater?
- How Many Skeins Of Yarn Do I Need For A Sweater?
- How Many Balls Of Yarn For A Sweater?
- How Many Ounces Of Yarn For A Sweater?
- How Many Pounds Of Wool Do I Need To Knit A Sweater?
- How Much Wool Is Needed For A Sweater In Grams?
- How Much Yarn For A Sweater In Meters?
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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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.
