Lion Brand's "How Much Yarn Do I Need" Chart

Click here to see Lion Brand's yarn requirements chart:

So, what do you think of this?  I just noticed it this morning, looking at one of the Lion Brand advertisements that hit my email, and I plan to check it over a bit, comparing it to some known yarn amounts on previous projects.  

This chart is denominated in yards, which is a really good thing.  The yards-per-pound of various yarns have tremendous variation, and it is yardage that matters most.

I expect that a chart put out by a yarn company will tend to overestimate yarn requirements, but I think this is a GOOD thing.  I try to overestimate yarn requirements at least a little when I write patterns.  What's more, I tend to buy an extra ball beyond when I'm following someone else's estimate.  

Here's why overestimating is good:

1.  If you don't buy enough yarn on your initial purchase, you will probably have difficulty finding it later.

2.  If you do find the yarn you need later, you may not be able to get the dye lot.  New knitters are often shocked at how different two different dye lots can be!

3.  If you buy too much yarn, you can return the extra if you do it reasonably soon.  

4.  This is a risk/reward calculation.  Suppose you buy 10% too much yarn, or even 25% too much yarn.  Suppose this increases the cost of your project from $60 to $75.  You are out $15, right?  Suppose you can't return it.  Suppose you can't find anything to make from it.  You still have the finished project.  If you don't buy enough yarn, you have wasted your money and your time knitting, and you are unable to finish your project.

5.  We can always find something to make with leftover yarn!