How do I estimate colour percentages for stripes?

Add up the rows worked in each colour across one full stripe repeat, then divide each colour's row count by the total rows. For example, a 4-row / 2-row stripe repeat is 67% of one colour and 33% of the other. Multiply each percentage by your total yarn to split it by colour.

Should I buy extra yarn for stripes?

For plain horizontal stripes a small allowance of about 5-10% is enough — there are no floats on the back (only one colour is worked per row), so the only overhead is carrying yarn up the side on narrow stripes and weaving in ends at each colour change. Stranded colourwork (Fair Isle), by contrast, needs 15-25% extra because the floats carried behind every row consume noticeably more yarn. Set the Extra field to suit your technique.

Should I carry the yarn up the side or cut it?

For stripes up to about 4 rows tall you can carry the unused colour loosely up the side of the work, twisting it with the working yarn every couple of rows to trap it — this wastes very little yarn. For stripes deeper than roughly 4-6 rows it is usually neater to cut the yarn and weave the ends in; allow a little extra (the Colour Change Wastage field) for those tails.

KnitCalcs

Stripe Sequence Calculator — Calculate yarn per colour for striped patterns.

Calculate yarn per colour for striped patterns.

Total Yarn Needed

Total metres the whole project needs

Colour 1 %

Share of rows worked in colour 1

Colour 2 %

Share of rows worked in colour 2 (should total 100%)

Extra for Colourwork

Plain stripes ~5-10%; stranded Fair Isle ~15-25%

How We Calculate This

This calculator splits your total yarn requirement between two colours by percentage, so you know how much of each shade to buy for a striped project. Work out each colour's share from the rows it occupies in one stripe repeat, then enter those percentages.

The formula

Colour yarn = Total yarn x Colour percentage / 100

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

The Extra % and the Advanced “Colour Change Wastage” % are added together on top of the base figure. With the defaults (Extra 15%, Wastage 3%) the multiplier is 1.18, so 720 m of base yarn becomes 720 x 1.18 = 850 m (rounded up).

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

Fair Isle Yarn Calculator

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Calculate yarn lengths for each colour block in intarsia colourwork.

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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.