Wool planning

How much yarn do I need?

Start with the project you want to make, then match its finished size and yarn weight. The guides below use published pattern quantities; our free calculators turn metres into whole balls and a shopping list. If your own pattern gives an amount, use that before a general estimate.

HazelLoop planning guide · Updated 16 October 2026 · Figures from cited sources

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Baby blankets, hats and tiny cardigans

Baby sizes are labels, not guarantees of fit. Check the finished measurements, choose the weight the pattern calls for and pass the ball-band care instructions on with your gift.

Blankets: size, squares, rows and colours

A pram blanket and a double-bed blanket are different shopping lists. Square counts tell you the layout; the wool estimate also needs your measured square, seams and border.

Jumpers, cardigans, ponchos and shawls

Use chest, sleeve and length measurements. Knitted and crocheted projects have separate figures; do not assume one craft always uses more wool.

Scarves, hats, bags, socks and small makes

Use the same weight and similar finished dimensions as the example. Two colours need separate rounded quantities, even for a very small project.

Home projects and finishing

Borders, seams and cushion backs still count. Add their own quantities to the main fabric rather than hiding them in a universal percentage.

Calculators and shopping checks

No email or calculation is needed to see the guides. When you have chosen your pattern and wool, these tools help compare complete orders and subtract your stash.

Check before you move on

Choose your project and finished measurements
Use the pattern’s yarn weight and tension
Read metres per ball, not just its weight
Round up every colour separately
Check pack contents and delivery before buying

Try it with your own numbers.

Calculate whole balls or packs for every colour. Subtract your stash and add UK delivery.

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Keep planning

These are planning estimates, not claims of projects we have made. Read our method and editorial approach.