Considering purchasing yarn? Let's figure out what you need to weave a blanket

Considering purchasing yarn? Let's figure out what you need to weave a blanket

First of all, if you have just discovered our website and you are a weaver, welcome!

The website showcases our beautiful blankets, but, as a weaver, I know there are weavers out there that would love to be able to weave a blanket of their own. I want that for you too, so let’s get our pencil and paper and plan how much yarn you need.

  • About Parkland Wool - 

    • It is very forgiving. It has some give, so even if the tension is a little off when you are beaming, it will be ok. Hooray! Please note that this is mule spun 2 ply, so there will be hand tied knots to create a continuous thread. Care must be given when beaming, but we feel it is worth it since the end product, once wet finished, is so luscious.

    • Avoid calculations that go right to the last dent in your reed. Even ½ inch from the edge of the reed will make a big difference in managing winding onto your back beam ( no waterfalls ). Having an 8 dent reed really helps.

    • When we wet finish, we anticipate shrink and take up being 25% in width and at least that, or even more in the length.

    • If you are planning a double width blanket, understand that this is a sticky warp with some knots. It will be slow going when weaving. Lean into it or, better yet, ask a friend to use their wider loom. ( In other words, double width is a challenge).

Wooden warping mill with white yarn in a workshop setting

  • The fun part - math for warp

    • First of all, let’s pin down the critical information: for a blanket, the ideal sett for this yarn is 8 ends per inch ( we are assuming that we will be using twill as our weave structure). 

    • If we max our reeds out:

      • 36 inch reed  - (35.5 inches) = 284 ends

      • 45 inch reed - (44.5 inches) = 356 ends

      • 60 inch reed - (59.5 inches) = 476 ends

    • Assuming a 25% shrink, you have little control on width (your reed already limits you). However, you have control over the length. Assuming that you are on the couch, watching t.v. or scrolling, you would likely want to make your finished blanket (not including tassels or twisted fringe) 72”.  That means you are weaving at least 90-95 “ (measure off tension on the loom). For your twisted fringe or tassels, give yourself 12” on either end. After you wash, trim and twist, you will have room to cut the ends so that they are neat and tidy.

    • Waste on the front and back? Give yourself plenty to work with. Make sure you weave a header of the same thickness as the weft. That way your draw-in is established and you don’t have a weird flare at the end..

    • This is more expensive wool (we pay everyone fairly). Consider using a dummy warp. If you need more information, let us know.

    • In a one pound cone, there are 880 yards.

      •  The warp for 35.5 inch (in reed)  blanket, each end being 4 yards ( 3.6 meters)  will be 284 end x 4 yards = 1136 yards (1022 meters) for warp ( 1.3 cones)

      • The warp for a 44.5 inch (in reed) blanket, each end being 4 yards (3.6 meters) will be 356 ends x 4 yards = 1,424 yards (1282 meters) for warp (1.6 cones)

      • The warp for a 59.5 inch (in reed) blanket, each end being 4 yards (3.6 meters) will be 476 ends x 4 yards = 1904 yards (1714 meters) for warp  (2. 2 cones)



  • What about the weft?

    • Assuming a 10% take up for each weft pick  

      • For 35.5 inches =38 inches x 8 epi = 304 inches used to weave 1” of weaving. 304 inches x 90 inches weaving length =27360 inches or 760 yards (almost one cone)

      • For 44.5 inches = 49 inches x 8 epi = 392 inches used to weave 1 “ of weaving. 392 inches x 90 inches weaving length = 35280 inches or 980 yards (just over one cone)

      • For 59.5 inches = 66 inches x 8 epi = 528 inches used to weave 1” of weaving. 528 inches x 90 inches weaving length = 47520 inches or 1320 yards (1.5 cones of yarn)


  • Let’s Summarize

    • A 36 inch reed/loom requires about 2.3 cones (pounds) to weave a blanket

    • A 45 inch reed/loom requires about 2.7 cones (pounds) to weave a blanket

    • A 60 inch reed/loom requires about 3.7 cones (pounds) to weave a blanket

    • If you are interested in using naturally dyed yarn, keep in mind that there is about 100 yards in each skein (about 25 ends if using in the warp)

      • About 12 inches if just using in the weft for 36” reed

      • About 9 inches if using in the weft for a 45 “ reed

      • About 7 inches if using in the weft for a 60” reed

I realize this is a very technical blog. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us. We will do our best to help. 

P.S. We will break down cones into ½ pounds if needed.