What Crochet Stitch Takes the Most Yarn

What Crochet Stitch Takes Up the Most Yarn

Have you ever wondered what crochet stitch takes the most yarn? I oftentimes see comments on my videos that state, “Oh that stitch looks like it takes a lot of yarn.” Or more often they’ll say, “that stitch is a yarn eater.”

As a designer, I have to calculate how much yarn I used for my designs. So over the years I got to know what stitches really are “yarn eaters” and which ones are not. The answer may surprise you.

Comparison of Stitches

To do this little experiment of what crochet stitch takes up the most yarn, I used a few tools and techniques. The most important tool is a kitchen scale that measures in grams. It doesn’t have to be an expensive one. Many times those who are on a special diet will use these scales to more accurately measure food portions. Mine measures yarn projects.

The second tool I used is algebra. I know, I know, you either love algebra or you hate it. There’s not a whole lot of in-between feelings with algebra. Since I know not everyone is a math person, I built a little online calculator for you below. If you ever want to know how much yarn you used in a project, this yardage (or meter) calculator will do the job.

What Crochet Stitch is a Yarn Eater?

I’m not going to give away the answer in this post. You will just have to watch the video! But I can tell you these are the crochet stitches I compared: single crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, moss stitch, granny stitch, corner to corner stitch (c2c), shell stitch, and the waffle stitch.

Methodology

My little yarn experiment does not exactly meet the requirements of the true scientific method. But there is a method to my madness.

To begin, I used the same type and brand of yarn for all squares. I used the same crochet hook (size F 3.75 mm). Then I made 8 squares, using the specific crochet stitch, all 6 inches by 6 inches. I weighed each square using the kitchen scale. I noted each weight in grams.

Then I took the label from the yarn skein. The yarn weighed 198 grams and contained 364 yards of yarn (333 meters). I measured it on my scale just to ensure it really was 198 grams. If I used half the skein, I’d end up with 99 grams of yarn. And I will have used 182 yards of yarn (or about 167 meters of yarn). If I know the total weight and yardage of the entire skein of yarn, along with the weight of my finished piece, I can calculate how much yardage that piece used.

And voila! I came up with what crochet stitch used the most yarn! I found my yarn eater! So check out the video and check out my online yarn eater, I mean yarn calculator below.

Be sure to pin the following image to your Pinterest board! Then continue reading below.

Pinterest

Here’s a nice image (or two) to pin on your Pinterest boards.

Please note I may receive compensation from the links below.

Nail polish used in this video includes: Finger Paints Opalescent Plum.