The number of skeins of yarn needed for a blanket depends on the blanket size, yarn weight, and stitch pattern. Here are general estimates for medium-weight yarn:
- Baby Blanket: Usually requires about 500 to 1,000 yards, which translates to roughly 3 to 5 skeins
- Throw Blanket (around 50" x 60"): Typically needs about 2,000 to 3,200 yards, or approximately 10 to 16 skeins of medium-weight yarn
- Twin Size Blanket: Around 1,500 to 2,500 yards, equating to about 15 to 25 skeins
- Full-Size Blanket: Usually requires 1,750 to 2,250 yards, or about 17 to 23 skeins
- Queen Size Blanket: Needs about 13 to 18 skeins of medium-weight yarn, depending on stitch and width
- King Size Blanket: May require 2,000 to 3,000 yards, roughly 20 to 30 skeins
For bulky or super bulky yarns, the number of skeins needed decreases because each skein contains more yardage weight-wise, but the yardage per skein is less. For example, a bulky throw blanket might need 8 to 12 skeins, while a super bulky one might need 12 to 15 skeins for a similar size
. The best way to calculate precisely is to:
- Determine the finished blanket size.
- Check the yardage per skein on your chosen yarn label.
- Consider the stitch pattern, as some stitches use more yarn.
- Calculate total yardage needed based on similar projects or yarn calculators.
- Divide total yardage by yardage per skein to get the number of skeins.
Making a small swatch and measuring yarn usage can improve accuracy
. In summary, for a typical medium-weight yarn blanket, expect anywhere from 3 skeins for a small baby blanket up to 30 skeins for a large king-size blanket, adjusting for yarn weight and pattern complexity.
