How Many Yards of Yarn for a Blanket?
Last updated June 2026 · 5 min read
Quick answer
A worsted-weight throw (50×60 in): 1,400–1,600 yards · Baby blanket: 700–800 yards · Bulky throw: 800–950 yards · Super bulky throw: 500–600 yards
Blanket yardage varies more than any other project because size and stitch pattern interact heavily. The tables below use stockinette/single crochet as the baseline density — add 10–15% for cable or moss stitch patterns, and subtract 10–15% for lace or mesh.
Use the calculator below for a gauge-adjusted estimate. The tables are reliable starting points for most standard patterns.
Yardage by blanket size and yarn weight
| Blanket size |
DK |
Worsted |
Bulky |
Super Bulky |
| Baby (30″×36″) | 900–1,050 | 700–800 | 400–480 | 250–300 |
| Lap (40″×50″) | 1,200–1,400 | 950–1,100 | 550–640 | 350–415 |
| Throw (50″×60″) | 1,800–2,050 | 1,400–1,600 | 800–950 | 500–600 |
| Full / Queen (60″×80″) | 2,500–2,900 | 2,000–2,300 | 1,200–1,400 | 750–875 |
Skeins needed by popular brand
| Brand |
Yards / skein |
Baby blanket |
Throw |
Full / Queen |
| Bernat Blanket (bulky) | 220 yds / 300g | 2 skeins | 4–5 skeins | 7 skeins |
| Caron Chunky Cakes (bulky) | 341 yds / 300g | 2 skeins | 3 skeins | 5 skeins |
| Lion Brand Pound of Love (worsted) | 1,020 yds / 454g | 1 skein | 2 skeins | 3 skeins |
| Caron Simply Soft (worsted) | 315 yds / 170g | 3 skeins | 5–6 skeins | 8 skeins |
| Red Heart Super Saver (worsted) | 364 yds / 198g | 3 skeins | 5 skeins | 7 skeins |
| Bernat Blanket Extra Thick (super bulky) | 97 yds / 300g | 4 skeins | 6–7 skeins | 10 skeins |
Tips for buying blanket yarn
🎨
Buy all skeins from the same dye lot
Dye lots vary enough to see the difference in a finished blanket. Check the lot number on the label and buy enough at once.
➕
Always add a buffer skein
Buy one more skein than the estimate. Dense stitches, wide borders, and loose gauge all add yardage you won't predict upfront.
📏
Measure your gauge swatch
Even if the pattern says "gauge doesn't matter," it does for yardage. A swatch 10–20 rows square gives you accurate WPI data.
🏋️
Bulky isn't always faster
Super bulky blankets use fewer yards but cost more per skein. Worsted-weight blankets are more economical for large throws.
Frequently asked questions
How many yards of yarn do I need for a throw blanket?
A standard throw blanket (50×60 inches) needs approximately 1,400–1,600 yards in worsted weight, 800–950 yards in bulky weight, or 500–600 yards in super bulky weight. In DK weight, expect around 1,800–2,000 yards.
How many yards of yarn do I need for a baby blanket?
A baby blanket (approximately 30×36 inches) typically requires 700–800 yards in worsted weight, 400–500 yards in bulky weight, or 250–300 yards in super bulky weight. For a fingering-weight heirloom blanket, plan for 1,500–1,700 yards.
How many skeins of Bernat Blanket yarn do I need for a throw?
Bernat Blanket yarn has 220 yards per 10.5 oz skein. For a throw blanket (50×60 inches), you'll need approximately 4 skeins. Always buy 5 to be safe and ensure matching dye lots.
How many skeins of Lion Brand Pound of Love do I need?
Lion Brand Pound of Love has 1,020 yards per 16 oz skein. For a throw blanket, 2 skeins is usually enough. For a full/queen-size afghan, you'll need 2–3 skeins. The large skein size makes it very economical for blankets.
Does stitch choice affect how much yarn I need?
Yes, significantly. Dense stitches like cables, moss stitch, or seed stitch use 15–25% more yarn than stockinette. Open stitches like lace or mesh use 15–20% less. Our estimates use stockinette/basic crochet as the baseline.
How do I calculate yardage for a custom blanket size?
Use the calculator above and select the closest size. Then scale proportionally: if your blanket is 25% larger in area than the reference size, add 25% to the yardage estimate. Area = length × width, so a 54×70 throw is about 15% larger than a standard 50×60 throw.
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