How Much Yarn for a Baby Blanket?
A standard 30″ × 36″ baby blanket takes roughly 1,050 yards of worsted-weight yarn — about 5 skeins of a typical 220-yard skein, plus a buffer. Finer yarns need more yardage (around 1,400 yards of fingering), while bulky yarns need less (about 900 yards).
The exact amount depends on your stitch pattern: lacy, openwork stitches use noticeably less yarn than dense or textured stitches like cables and bobbles. Use the calculator below for your exact project, or read the yardage chart for quick planning.
Yardage chart: baby blanket by yarn weight
| Yarn weight | Estimated yardage | Skeins needed* |
|---|---|---|
| Lace (0) | 1,550 yds | 3 skeins |
| Super Fine / Fingering (1) | 1,400 yds | 4 skeins |
| Fine / Sport (2) | 1,200 yds | 4 skeins |
| Light / DK (3) | 1,150 yds | 5 skeins |
| Medium / Worsted (4) | 1,050 yds | 6 skeins |
| Bulky (5) | 900 yds | 9 skeins |
| Super Bulky (6) | 800 yds | 13 skeins |
*Skein counts use typical skein sizes for each weight and include a 10% safety buffer, rounded up. Always check your yarn label — skein sizes vary by brand.
Get your exact numbers
Run baby blanket through the free calculator with your yarn's label details.
Frequently asked questions
How many skeins of yarn for a baby blanket?
In worsted weight, plan on 5 to 6 skeins of a standard 220-yard skein (with a 10% buffer). In bulky weight, 2 to 4 skeins of a typical 120-yard skein is usually enough. Always check the yardage on your specific yarn label — skein sizes vary by brand.
What is the best yarn weight for a baby blanket?
DK (3) and worsted (4) are the most popular choices: soft, washable, and quick to work up. Fingering weight makes a lighter, drapier blanket but takes longer; bulky and super bulky make fast, cozy blankets.
Does crochet or knitting use more yarn?
Crochet generally uses about 25–30% more yarn than knitting for the same finished size, because crochet stitches are taller and denser. If you are adapting a knit estimate for crochet, add roughly a quarter more yardage.
Should I buy extra yarn?
Yes — buy at least one extra skein beyond your estimate. Running out mid-project is risky because dye lots vary between batches, and the same color can look slightly different.