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 | 250m | 90m |
| 320m | 3 | 375m | 55m |
| 650m | 6 | 750m | 100m |
| 1000m | 8 | 1,000m | 0m |
| 1400m | 12 | 1,500m | 100m |
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 × 125 = 75m. 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 Paintbox Cotton DK (250m). 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paintbox Cotton DK (this yarn) | 100% cotton | 250m | 125m / 50g | 8 |
| West Yorkshire Spinners ColourLab DK | 100% British wool | 225m | 225m / 100g | 5 |
| Paintbox Simply DK | 100% acrylic | 276m | 276m / 100g | 4 |
| Hayfield Bonus DK | 100% acrylic | 280m | 280m / 100g | 4 |
| Sirdar Happy Cotton | 100% cotton | 215m | 43m / 20g | 24 |
| King Cole Big Value DK | 100% acrylic | 290m | 145m / 50g | 7 |
| Yarnsmiths Create DK | 100% acrylic | 290m | 290m / 100g | 4 |
Guides that use Paintbox Cotton DK
- Substituting yarn: why two DK yarns need different ball counts
- How much yarn for a crochet cushion cover? By pad size
- How much yarn for a crochet tote or market bag?
- How much yarn for amigurumi? Grams by finished size
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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