How much yarn do I need for a scarf?
A 7 × 60 in adult scarf in worsted takes about 380–430 yards, depending on the stitch. Set your size and yarn below, or enter your own dimensions.
Updated
Knitted scarf yardage chart
Stockinette, with no fringe and no extra added. Garter stitch and ribbing, the most common scarf stitches, use about 15% more.
| Size | DK | Worsted | Bulky | Super bulky |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child scarf 5 × 42 in | 220 yd 200 m | 190 yd 175 m | 125 yd 115 m | 85 yd 75 m |
| Adult scarf 7 × 60 in | 440 yd 400 m | 380 yd 350 m | 250 yd 230 m | 170 yd 155 m |
| Long scarf 8 × 72 in | 600 yd 550 m | 520 yd 470 m | 350 yd 320 m | 230 yd 210 m |
| Cowl (circumference × height) 26 × 10 in | 270 yd 250 m | 230 yd 210 m | 155 yd 145 m | 105 yd 95 m |
| Wrap / stole 20 × 70 in | 1,450 yd 1,350 m | 1,250 yd 1,150 m | 840 yd 770 m | 560 yd 510 m |
Crochet scarf yardage chart
Half double or double crochet.
| Size | DK | Worsted | Bulky | Super bulky |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child scarf 5 × 42 in | 280 yd 250 m | 240 yd 220 m | 160 yd 145 m | 105 yd 95 m |
| Adult scarf 7 × 60 in | 550 yd 500 m | 470 yd 430 m | 320 yd 290 m | 210 yd 190 m |
| Long scarf 8 × 72 in | 760 yd 690 m | 650 yd 590 m | 430 yd 400 m | 290 yd 260 m |
| Cowl (circumference × height) 26 × 10 in | 340 yd 310 m | 290 yd 270 m | 195 yd 180 m | 130 yd 120 m |
| Wrap / stole 20 × 70 in | 1,850 yd 1,700 m | 1,600 yd 1,450 m | 1,050 yd 960 m | 700 yd 640 m |
Scarf, cowl or wrap: which size?
A scarf is usually 6–8 in (15–20 cm) wide. A wrap or stole is much wider, around 20 in (50 cm), and uses as much yarn as a small baby blanket. A cowl is a short tube: 24–28 in (60–70 cm) around fits over the head once. Around 50–60 in (125–150 cm) makes an infinity scarf that loops twice.
Common questions
How many skeins do I need for a scarf?
A 7 × 60 in adult scarf in worsted needs about 380 yards in stockinette, or 430 in garter stitch or ribbing. That's 2–3 skeins of 200 yd. Most beginner scarves are garter, so plan on 3.
How much yarn for a cowl?
A 26 in around, 10 in tall cowl in bulky yarn takes about 155 yards, so a single skein is often enough.
How much yarn for fringe?
Fringe is easy to underestimate. Each tassel of 4 strands × 10 in uses a little over 1 yard, and a scarf with 12 tassels per end uses 25–30 yards. Add 15% extra to your total if you plan fringe.
How long should a scarf be?
About 60 in (150 cm) wraps once around an adult neck with ends hanging. 72 in (180 cm) or more is long enough to wrap twice. Children’s scarves are usually 40–48 in (100–120 cm).