How Much Yarn for a King Size Blanket?

A king-size blanket (about 108″ × 108″) is the largest common handmade project: roughly 6,500 yards of worsted-weight yarn, or about 30 skeins of a standard 220-yard skein with buffer. Realistically, almost everyone makes bed-size blankets in bulky or super bulky — about 4,800 yards of bulky or 3,600 yards of super bulky.
Projects this size are almost always done with jumbo chenille or blanket-style yarns sold in large balls, which keeps the skein count (and the number of ends to weave in) manageable.
Yardage chart: king-size blanket by yarn weight
| Yarn weight | Estimated yardage | Skeins needed* |
|---|---|---|
| Light / DK (3) | 8,500 yds | 34 skeins |
| Medium / Worsted (4) | 6,500 yds | 33 skeins |
| Bulky (5) | 4,800 yds | 44 skeins |
| Super Bulky (6) | 3,600 yds | 57 skeins |
*Skein counts use typical skein sizes for each weight and include a 10% safety buffer, rounded up. Always check your yarn label — skein sizes vary by brand.
Get your exact numbers
Run king-size blanket through the free calculator with your yarn's label details.
Frequently asked questions
How many skeins for a king size blanket?
In super bulky yarn, about 3,600 yards — roughly 50+ skeins of standard 70-yard skeins, which is why jumbo balls (often 200+ yards each) are the practical choice. In worsted weight it would be about 30 skeins of 220-yard skeins, a very long project.
What size should a king blanket be?
A handmade king blanket is typically 108″ × 108″. Some makers go 108″ × 96″ to save yarn — the calculator's buffer covers minor size differences.
How much does the yarn cost for a king blanket?
Easily $150–$300+ depending on the yarn. Buying during sales and choosing budget-friendly blanket yarns in large balls brings the cost down significantly.
Can I arm-knit a king blanket?
Yes — arm knitting with jumbo chenille yarn is one of the fastest ways to make a king-size blanket, often finished in a matter of days rather than months.