Go by length, not weight
Two balls that weigh the same can hold very different lengths. Always compare the metres or yards printed on the label. If a pattern needs 5 balls of 200 m, it needs 1000 m in total, whatever yarn you use.
Swapping yarn
- Multiply the pattern’s balls by the length of one of its balls.
- Divide by the length of one ball of your yarn.
- Round up, then add one ball for safety.
Choose a yarn of the same weight (DK, worsted…) so the gauge stays close.
Buy from one dye lot
Balls from different dye lots can differ in shade. Buy everything you need at once and check the lot number on each label.
How much is left?
Weigh a part-used ball on a kitchen scale. Its weight divided by the full ball’s weight, times the full length, gives the metres left. The Yarn left tool does this for you.
