How much yarn for a lapghan (lap blanket)
A lapghan (lap blanket) (36 × 48 in / 91 × 122 cm) takes about 1,630 yd of worsted (weight 4) yarn in single crochet, likely between 1,390 yd and 1,960 yd. In double crochet it is about 1,310 yd, and knit in stockinette about 1,270 yd.
With 200-yard skeins, buy 10 skeins for single crochet in worsted (enough for the high end). Thicker yarn needs fewer yards; thinner yarn more.
Yarn for a lapghan (lap blanket) by yarn weight (yards)
Yarn for a lapghan (lap blanket) by yarn weight (yards)| Weight | Single crochet | Double crochet | Knit |
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| 1 Super Fine | 3,420 yd | 2,740 yd | 2,660 yd |
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| 2 Fine | 2,330 yd | 1,870 yd | 1,810 yd |
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| 3 Light | 2,020 yd | 1,620 yd | 1,570 yd |
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| 4 Medium | 1,630 yd | 1,310 yd | 1,270 yd |
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| 5 Bulky | 1,170 yd | 930 yd | 910 yd |
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| 6 Super Bulky | 860 yd | 680 yd | 670 yd |
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| 7 Jumbo | 390 yd | 310 yd | 300 yd |
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Yarn for a lapghan (lap blanket) by yarn weight (meters)
Yarn for a lapghan (lap blanket) by yarn weight (meters)| Weight | Single crochet | Double crochet | Knit |
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| 1 Super Fine | 3,130 m | 2,500 m | 2,430 m |
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| 2 Fine | 2,130 m | 1,710 m | 1,660 m |
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| 3 Light | 1,850 m | 1,480 m | 1,440 m |
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| 4 Medium | 1,490 m | 1,190 m | 1,160 m |
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| 5 Bulky | 1,070 m | 850 m | 830 m |
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| 6 Super Bulky | 780 m | 630 m | 610 m |
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| 7 Jumbo | 360 m | 280 m | 280 m |
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Getting an exact number
Work a swatch in your yarn and stitch, weigh it, and scale up: project area ÷ swatch area × swatch weight gives the grams, and the skein label turns grams into yards. The yarn calculator does this for you.
Buy all the skeins at once from the same dye lot, and plan about 10 % extra for edging, seams and joining.
Estimates from the StitchTick yarn calculator: fabric area × typical yards per square inch for each yarn weight and stitch (Craft Yarn Council wraps per inch). Stitch pattern, hook and tension can change them by 15–20 % either way.
How much yarn for other projects
Frequently asked questions
How many skeins for a lapghan (lap blanket)?
In worsted single crochet, plan for up to 1,960 yd: 10 skeins of 200 yards.
Does crochet use more yarn than knitting?
Usually yes: single crochet uses about 29 % more yarn than stockinette for the same area. Taller stitches like double crochet use less than single crochet.
How do I work out yarn from a swatch?
Weigh your swatch, divide the project area by the swatch area, and multiply by the swatch weight. Then turn grams into yards with the skein label (for example 100 g = 200 yd).