How many balls for your pattern?
These examples assume one colour, no stash, no extra allowance and individually sold balls. They convert a length requirement into a purchase quantity; they do not estimate yarn from garment or blanket size.
| Pattern length | Whole balls | Purchased length | Surplus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 160m | 2 | 290m | 130m |
| 320m | 3 | 435m | 115m |
| 650m | 5 | 725m | 75m |
| 1000m | 7 | 1,015m | 15m |
| 1400m | 10 | 1,450m | 50m |
Planning more than one colour
Calculate each shade separately. For example, two colours requiring 600m each would need 5 balls per colour: 10 balls altogether. A pack can increase this further if you must buy complete packs of each shade.
Have some already?
For 30g of this same yarn, the label-based estimate is 30 ÷ 50 × 145 = 87m. Use the remaining-yarn converter with your own measured weight.
Other DK and light yarns in our library
Yarns of the same thickness family, ranked by how close their metres per 100g are to King Cole Big Value DK (290m). Cotton weighs more per metre than acrylic, so compare tension as well as length per gram, and swatch before you swap. Our yarn substitution guide explains the method.
| Yarn | Fibre | Metres per 100g | Ball | Balls for 1,000m |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| King Cole Big Value DK (this yarn) | 100% acrylic | 290m | 145m / 50g | 7 |
| Yarnsmiths Create DK | 100% acrylic | 290m | 290m / 100g | 4 |
| Stylecraft Special DK | 100% acrylic | 295m | 295m / 100g | 4 |
| Stylecraft Life DK | 75% acrylic, 25% wool | 298m | 298m / 100g | 4 |
| Hayfield Bonus DK | 100% acrylic | 280m | 280m / 100g | 4 |
| Scheepjes Colour Crafter | 100% acrylic | 300m | 300m / 100g | 4 |
| Paintbox Simply DK | 100% acrylic | 276m | 276m / 100g | 4 |
Guides that use King Cole Big Value DK
- UK yarn weights explained: 4 ply, DK, aran and chunky
- Substituting yarn: why two DK yarns need different ball counts
- What hook size for DK, aran and chunky? UK ball bands
- Yarn care symbols: what UK ball bands actually say
- Cheapest DK yarn in the UK: price per 100m compared
Check before ordering
Confirm the exact product, ball size, shade, pack contents and current delivery cost. A similar weight label does not guarantee the same crochet fabric or consumption. Use your pattern and a suitable swatch when considering a different yarn.
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