Presented by...
Calculate the Yardage Required for Your Projects!
The purpose of this site is to help ease the frustration that some of us have when it comes to designing, altering, or just plain trying to figure out how much yarn a project will require. Math can addle the mind, make us feel stupid, but it's not something that should frustrate you to the point where your hair is coming out in clumps. The math is fairly ease when it's broken down in a way that's easy to understand, but this site isn't about that. This site is about turning that frown upside down!
It's simple! All you need to do is enter the required measurements, and the form below will calculate the yardage you'll need for your project before you even begin!
Before you can get started, however, there are some steps you need to take:
Step One
With the exact yarn you want to use, or with a yarn of a similar weight, crochet a swatch in the stitch pattern of your design or purchased/free pattern. Make certain that it's a decent size (at least 5" x 5" so you can check your gauge if necessary), and take note of the exact measurements, both height and width.
Step Two
Write down all pertinent information from the swatch that you might need (gauge, height, width, stitch pattern, what you think of the drape, stretch and so on).
Snip a short tail, close to the last stitch, and unravel your swatch.
I know this seems daunting, even scary--oh no, I've cut the yarn. Perhaps you feel it's sacrilegious, but you'll reward your bravery after this all works for you.
Close your eyes and rip it out, brave one.
Step Three
Once you've got yourself a nice pile o' yarn, retrieve that dusty ruler or yard stick. Measure your yarn against your tool of choice.
Remember! There are 3 feet to a yard. If you use a ruler or a measuring tape, divide by 3 to get the yardage.
Also, DO NOT STRETCH YOU YARN when you measure. If you stretch the yarn, you'll come up short. Just let it glide through your fingers as you measure.
Step Four
Sketch out your design, or the piece you're going to alter, if you haven't already. You'll want to know the measurements of the final piece.
If it's a square or rectangle project, then you'll need to know the intended height and width.
If it's a garment, where the top is narrower than the bottom, then you'll need to know the height, and the width of both the top and the bottom.
You will need measurements for two sides if you're going to work a project that has a front and back. Squares and rectangles are straight forward, often being the same numbers. Garments, however, aren't always the same measurements, so make certain to keep those measurements in mind.
When it comes to circular projects, or hats, it becomes a bit trickier. This will not be covered in the below information, but will be covered soon.
Step Five
Take a deep breath! The scary part is over, and the hard work is about to be done for you. The form is below.
The Fun Begins, Starting With Your Measurements!
Is your project a rectangle/square or a garment?
Let's start with your intended project's measurements if it were a rectangle/square:
This calculation isn't working correctly; I'll be fixing it soon.
Let's start with your intended project's measurements if it were a garment:
