Yarn Substitution Calculator
The pattern calls for a yarn you can't get. Enter both yarns and we'll tell you how much of yours to buy — and whether it's a safe swap.
Pattern yarn
My yarn
Pattern requires≈ 900 m
You'll need9 balls
Buy safely10 balls (incl. 1 spare)
Gauge compatibility★★☆☆☆
Thicknessslightly thinner
Suggested needle4–4.5 mm (DK)
Match meters per 100 g, not the label name
Yarn weight names are inconsistent between countries — a Scandinavian “aran” is often a US “worsted”. The meters-per-100-grams figure is the only reliable comparison, which is what this calculator uses.
Fibre changes the drape
Even at identical meterage, alpaca grows, cotton has no memory and superwash wool relaxes after blocking. Always swatch and block before committing to a substitute.
More tools
- Knitting Gauge Calculator
- Pattern Gauge Converter
- Yarn Quantity Calculator
- Increase / Decrease Calculator
- Needle & Hook Converter
Working from a foreign pattern? Translate it into English first.