HOW MUCH YARN TO CROCHET A BLANKET? (+SIZE CHART)

Mary Maxim Kits specify the type and amount of yarn needed for the desired size of crochet blanket and include all the yarn needed to complete the project plus 10-20%overage. Mary Maxim afghan and blanket kits in general measure about40x60 inches and are wonderfully sized for most home decor. If you'd like to make adjustments and make a larger sized throw just give us a call we are always available to help calculate your yardage.

If you are deviating from a pattern or haven't achieved gauge you'll find that you use either more or less yarn on your project and it won't look exactly as pictured. If you choose to use a different pattern or up your own design, you can use some simple calculations to determine how much yarn you will need.

Take a look at the chart below for common blanket sizes. Keep in mind these sizes are estimates and finished afghan sizes will vary slightly from project to project.  

When it comes to crochet baby blankets, size matters. A blanket that is too large will be hard for a small baby to use and wrap up in, while a blanket that is too small won’t keep them warm enough.

Generally speaking, the most popular sizes for crochet baby blankets range from 36 inches by 36 inches to41 inches by 52 inches. These sizes should provide adequate coverage while still being easy to manage for a newborn or infant.

When making a crochet baby blanket, it’s important to consider the stitch pattern you are using as well. Some stitches use more yarn than others and may require a larger size blanket to accommodate them.

For example, if you decide to use an intricate stitch pattern such as a granny square or chevron, you may need to go up in size to make sure the design can fit on the blanket.Additionally, take into consideration any extra embellishments like buttons or tassels that could affect the finished measurements.

Crochet blankets come in a range of sizes and shapes, but there are some common sizes that you will find among the most popular crochet blanket patterns. Here is a chart for your reference:  

Different stitches require different amounts of yarn for the same size of blanket, so it’s important to think about which type of stitch you are using. We call stitch combinations like the Alpine Stitch “yarn eaters” because they use a lot of yarn to cover the same space, in contrast a stitch combinations with a lot of open work like the “granny stitch”will use less yarn. These should be considered when choosing blanket patterns to make. Additionally, you will likely want to use a closed stitch on blankets for comfort and will likely use more yarn because of it.

If your blanket uses more than one stitch type make a gauge swatch of each stitch combination and calculate that against the total size of that section in your blanket, then add the sections together when estimating yardage.

If you are looking to make a unique blanket with specialty or novelty yarns, the amount of yarn needed can vary significantly. Make sure to use the same type of yarn you are planning on using in your project to make the gauge swatch. You can always frog the swatch and use it for the blanket.  

To calculate the yardage for the blanket find out how many square feet your total blanket will equal.Then, work up a gauge swatch. You'll want this gauge swatch to measure approximately 12 inches by 12 inches so it might take a few tries to get the right amount of stitches. This is also a great time to figure out how many stitches you'll need in the beginning row of your afghan.

Next measure how many yards were in that swatch. You can use a yard wrap, measure with a measuring stick, or some crafters calculate yardage by weight. Now multiply that number by the estimated square footage in your blanket. Lastly, multiply that number by 1.20 to allow for 20% overage. That is about the amount of yarn you'll need to make your blanket, not including a border.

By considering these factors, you can get an accurate estimate of the amount of yarn needed for your crochet blanket. When in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and purchase a little more yarn than your calculations suggest. This will ensure you have enough to complete your project without running out.

To estimate the approximate amount of yarn needed for the whole project, next make a gauge swatch using the stitch combination you would like to use for your blanket. If you choose to use a few different stitches you'll need to duplicate the same process for each section and instead of measuring the total sizeof the blanket you'll need to measure each coordinating section.

Now that you have determined the size and yardage you'll need to crochet a basic baby blanket, let's talk about adjusting an already existing pattern.

You may also need to adjust the number of rows depending on the size of your blanket. This can be done by dividing the height of your blanket by the row gauge of the pattern, which is usually given in stitches per inch.

For example, if want to make a blanket 60-inches in height and the row gauge for your pattern is 8 rows per 4-inches, then you would need to work 120 rows. Take a look at the math below:

8 rows per 4 inches

60 inches ÷ 4 inches = 15 repeats

8 rows x 15 repeats = 120 total rows

When adjusting a crochet blanket pattern, keep in mind that the size of your finished project may differ from what is specified in the pattern due to variations intension. To get the most accurate size, refer to the gauge in the pattern and measure gauge periodically while working your project.  

Blanket borders add an extra layer of protection against wear and tear, as well as provide decorative framing around your finished piece.

When deciding how wide you want your border to be, there are several factors to take into consideration.One is the thickness of your yarn, as thicker yarns will require a wider border to prevent curling or bunching at the edges.

Additionally, if your blanket pattern has any intricate stitch work, such as shells or popcorn stitches, you may want to create a wide enough border to ensure that the texture can be easily seen and enjoyed.

In addition to the size of your border, you will also want to consider what type of stitch or technique you want to use for it. Popular options include single crochet, half-double crochet, double crochet, and triple crochet. You can also try other stitches such as extended single and double crochets, bobbles, popcorn stitches, shells, and even reverse single crochet.

Now that you knowhow to calculate the amount of yarn you need to finish a crochet blanket, you’re ready to endeavor your very own project. Here are some blanket patterns to help you get started: