Free tool
How much yarn do I need? Crochet yarn calculator
Two ways to know before you buy: estimate from the size and shape of the piece, or weigh one finished piece and let the ball label tell you how many balls the rest will take.
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How to use it
- From the size of the piece: pick the yarn weight (the number in the yarn ball symbol on the label), the stitch and the shape. For a plush, choose Ball and type its diameter.
- Say how many pieces like this you will make: four legs, two ears.
- From a ball label: type the ball's weight and length, weigh a finished piece on a kitchen scale, and say how many more you want. You get the whole balls to buy and what will be left over.
Why yarn estimates vary
How much yarn a piece takes depends on the yarn's thickness, the stitch and how tightly you crochet. Tight amigurumi stitches use the most yarn for their size; taller stitches like double crochet use less, because each loop covers more fabric.
The size estimate adds 10% for tails, sewing up and a test swatch. The label method is the most accurate: once you have made one ear, you know exactly what the second one takes.
Questions crocheters ask
How much yarn does an amigurumi take?
A ball-shaped piece 8 cm across takes about 30 m of worsted (medium, 4) yarn, spare included. Use the Ball shape with your piece's diameter for an estimate, then weigh your first finished piece to check.
How many balls of yarn do I need for a blanket?
Choose Flat piece, type the blanket's width and height, the yarn weight and your stitch. Divide the meters by the length on your ball's label and round up.
How do I work out yarn from a ball label?
Divide the ball's length by its weight to get the length per gram, weigh a finished piece and multiply. The From a ball label option does this and adds a spare percentage.
Should I buy extra yarn?
Yes, about 10% more, and buy it all from the same dye lot: two balls of the same color from different lots can look different side by side.
Learn to crochet, stitch by stitch
Yon video lessons film every stitch up close, round by round, for right and left hand. Every tool on this page is also in the Yon Crochet app, with your projects and a row counter that counts out loud.