How to Calculate How Much Needlepoint Yarn is Needed
Needlepoint and cross stitch are very precise forms of embroidery, so calculating the amount of thread needed to complete a project is fairly easy. But since embroidery yarn varies greatly from one manufacturer to another, it's not possible to calculate every project using the same formula. You'll need to test the particular yarn you're using, especially if you're using different types of yarn.
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Instructions
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Sew one square inch for each type of yarn you wish to use. Hopefully you'll already have a skein of it on hand, otherwise you'll need to make two trips to the craft store. Pull the thread from the fabric and measure it.
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Estimate how many square inches of each type/manufacture there will be in your project. A printed or pre-drawn pattern is helpful.
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Multiply the length of your test thread by the number of square inches you want of that thread for your project. Add 10 percent to the total, to account for waste, knots, etc. That will give you the amount of that type of embroidery thread you will need for your project.
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Tips & Warnings
Overestimate your needs rather than underestimate. Embroidery thread isn't expensive, and having odds and ends of it can be helpful in future projects, when you happen to have a color you didn't realize you needed.
Remember to do separate test squares for each different type of thread you will use.
Remember to calculate the scale of your pre-drawn pattern relative to the actual size of your finished project before using it to figure your thread usage.
There are a variety of different stitches in needlepoint: straight, diagonal, cross, eyelet, looped, and many more. When sewing your test sample, use the same stitches you'll be using in your project because the type of stitching affects the amount of yarn used.
