How to Calculate the Yarn Needed for a Needlepoint Project
Estimating how much yarn to buy for a needlepoint project can be tricky; and if you underestimate, you may end up with colors from dye lots that do not match. Take care to plan ahead to make sure you have enough yarn to complete your project. Careful planning should include assessing your own stitching and consulting professional estimates on a specific brand or type of yarn.
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Instructions
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Stitch a small, square sample of needlepoint with the same yarn, needle, mesh and stitch that you will be using for your project. Measure the yarn first so that you can determine how much was used without pulling out your sample stitches. Calculate the area of your sample compared to the area(s) for which a certain color is needed. Overestimate amounts for any irregular shapes.
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Pay particular attention to background areas and places in your design that require many stitches from one color. If you underestimate and have to buy more yarn, you may not be able to match the dye lot. Variations in color in big areas will be very noticeable.
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Consult clerks in needlepoint shops or look at yarn labels. Some brands of yarn estimate how much area a skein of their yarn will cover. This is not foolproof because yarn amounts will vary depending on stitches used and the individual stitcher. Compare the areas you need to cover in each color to the manufacturer's or shop's recommended coverage amount.
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Tips & Warnings
Plan your stitches ahead: a half cross-stitch will take almost half as much yarn as a basketweave tent stitch.
Do not underestimate yarn amounts. It is sometimes impossible to find the same dye lot weeks or months after your original purchase.
