How much roving do I need for...?

    It depends on your pattern and how you spin your yarn.

    Here are some general guidelines and you can use the yarn chart below to estimate how many yards per pound (YPP)  you can spin in different weight yarns.

    Simple worsted weight hat - about 3 ounces - 125-175 yards

    Scarf 50-60 inches long and 8 inches wide - about 4-5 ounces

    Socks and Mittens - worsted to sport 5-6 ounces

    Baby Sweater - worsted about 8 ounces

    Medium sized vest - worsted to sport about 12 ounces

    Lace Shawl - fingering to lace about 12 ounces

    Child's Sweater - worsted to sport about 1 pound

    Large  Vest  - worsted to sport about 1 pound

    Adult Medium Sweater - worsted to sport 1 1/2 pounds

Here are some simple examples you can figure from the chart below:

    Child's large sweater calls for 900 yards of worsted weight yarn -

         Worsted weight is 800 to 1099 YPP - you need at least 1 pound of roving (1 pound 2 ounces should be enough including sampling)

    A pair of mittens in DK weight calls for 300 yards - DK averages about 1200 YPP - divide 1200 by 3 and you need about 4 ounces of roving.

    An Adult Large Sweater in DK/Light Worsted calls for 2000 yards - 2 pounds would be about 2200 yards

These guidelines are for patterns using stockinette and garter stitch to create a close but supple fabric. 

Lacey patterns and novelty items often use much larger needles to create a special effect, i.e. using size 6 needle with Fingering weight for a shawl.

Needle Conversion chart for US, Metric, UK/Canadian