How do I estimate colour percentages?

Chart your pattern on graph paper and count the stitches of each colour. Divide each colour's stitch count by the total to get the percentage. For repeating patterns, you only need to count one repeat.

Should I buy extra yarn for colourwork?

Yes, add 15-20% extra for colourwork. Stranded techniques (Fair Isle) use more yarn due to floats on the back. Intarsia uses more due to tail ends at colour changes.

Does colourwork affect gauge?

Stranded colourwork (Fair Isle) typically produces a slightly tighter gauge than single-colour knitting because of the floats. Many knitters go up a needle size for the colourwork section. Always swatch in the colourwork pattern.

KnitCalcs

Intarsia Yarn Calculator — Calculate yarn for each intarsia colour block.

Calculate yarn for each intarsia colour block.

Total Yarn Needed

Total metres for project

Colour 1 %

Colour 2 %

Extra for Colourwork

How We Calculate This

This calculator divides your total yarn requirement by colour percentage to estimate how much of each colour you need.

The formula

Colour yarn = Total yarn x Colour percentage / 100

With extra = Colour yarn x (1 + Extra %)

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

Stripe Sequence Calculator

Calculate yarn needed per colour for striped patterns with custom sequences.

Fair Isle Yarn Calculator

Calculate yarn needed for each colour in a Fair Isle pattern based on percentage.

Colour Block Calculator

Calculate yarn for large colour block sections in garments.

Gradient Calculator

Calculate yarn quantities for gradient or ombre colour transitions.

Mosaic Knitting Calculator

Calculate yarn for mosaic (slip-stitch) colourwork patterns.

Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates based on standard yarn weights and gauge. Results may vary with individual tension, yarn brand, and needle size.