How much DK yarn do I need?
DK (double knitting, Light 3) yarn needs: yards and skeins for blankets, baby blankets, sweaters, hats, scarves and amigurumi, plus gauge and hook sizes.
Make a swatch of at least 6 × 6 in in your stitch, wash and block it, then measure and weigh it.
Pattern yarn — from the materials list.
Your new yarn — from its label.
You need about
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About light yarn (CYC 3)
DK — double knitting, CYC 3, "light" — is one of the most versatile weights, around 230–270 yards per 100 g. It is thin enough for drapey garments and baby items, thick enough to work up quickly.
| Also called | DK, light worsted, 8-ply |
|---|---|
| Knit gauge | 21–24 stitches per 4 in (10 cm), stockinette |
| Needles | 3.75–4.5 mm (US 5–7) |
| Crochet hook | 4.5–5.5 mm (7 to I-9) |
| Typical ball | 250 yd / 229 m per 100 g (≈ 250 yd / 100 g) |
| Yarn rate | ≈ 0.82 yd per sq in in stockinette at average tension |
How much dk yarn do I need?
| Project | Knit stockinette | Knit garter | Crochet single | Crochet double |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby blanket 30 × 36 in | 1,010920 m · 5 sk | 1,2101,110 m · 5 sk | 1,6201,480 m · 7 sk | 1,2801,170 m · 6 sk |
| Throw 50 × 60 in | 2,8002,550 m · 12 sk | 3,3503,100 m · 14 sk | 4,5004,100 m · 18 sk | 3,5503,250 m · 15 sk |
| Queen blanket 90 × 100 in | 8,4007,700 m · 34 sk | 10,1009,250 m · 41 sk | 13,45012,300 m · 54 sk | 10,7009,750 m · 43 sk |
| Adult scarf 8 × 64 in | 460420 m · 2 sk | 560510 m · 3 sk | 740680 m · 3 sk | 590540 m · 3 sk |
| Adult beanie | 175160 m · 1 sk | 210195 m · 1 sk | 280260 m · 2 sk | 230210 m · 1 sk |
| Adult sweater, M | 1,5101,380 m · 7 sk | 1,8101,650 m · 8 sk | 2,4002,200 m · 10 sk | 1,9101,750 m · 8 sk |
| Women's socks (pair) | 300280 m · 2 sk | 360330 m · 2 sk | 490440 m · 2 sk | 390350 m · 2 sk |
| Triangle shawl 64 × 30 in | 870800 m · 4 sk | 1,050960 m · 5 sk | 1,3901,270 m · 6 sk | 1,1101,010 m · 5 sk |
| Amigurumi, 8 in | 160150 m · 1 sk | 195175 m · 1 sk | 260240 m · 2 sk | 210190 m · 1 sk |
Values are yards with 10% extra; small figures are meters and skeins of a typical ball: light 250 yd / 100 g. Use the calculator with your own label for exact skein counts.
About these numbers: estimates assume typical gauge for each yarn weight. Your tension, hook or needle size and stitch pattern can move them by ±15% or more — weigh a swatch in the swatch calculator for a figure based on your own work.
Compare other weights: lace, super fine, fine, medium, bulky, super bulky, jumbo. See the full yarn weight chart or read yarn weights explained.
FAQ
How much dk yarn for a throw blanket?
About 3,550 yards (3,250 m) for a 50 × 60 in throw in double crochet with 10% extra — 15 balls of 250 yd / 100 g.
What needle and hook size for light yarn?
The Craft Yarn Council suggests needles 3.75–4.5 mm (US 5–7) and hooks 4.5–5.5 mm (7 to I-9), for a knit gauge of 21–24 stitches per 4 inches.
What does the number on a yarn label mean?
It is the Craft Yarn Council weight category, from 0 (lace) to 7 (jumbo). 3 is DK, 4 is worsted or aran, 5 is bulky or chunky and 6 is super bulky.
How accurate is a yarn calculator?
Estimates from typical gauge are usually within ±15%, because tension, hook or needle size and stitch pattern vary. The swatch mode — weighing or measuring a real swatch — is accurate to a few percent.