Yarn Dye Lot Matching Calculator

Avoid an awkward color shift halfway through your sweater or blanket. Enter your total yarn requirement and skein details to see how many skeins you need and how to split across dye lots.

Skeins to buy
Total yardage with buffer
Skeins needed
Skeins short of current dye lot

About this calculator

Estimate how many skeins of each dye lot you need and whether you have enough matching yarn for a project without running short.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does dye lot matching matter?

Yarn dyed in different batches can vary subtly in color, which becomes visible in a finished piece, especially with hand-dyed or variegated yarns.

How much extra yarn should I buy for a project?

A 10-15% buffer is common to allow for swatching, gauge changes, and mistakes without running short.

What if my dye lot doesn't have enough skeins?

Consider using the leftover-lot yarn for less visible parts of the project like sleeves, ribbing, or the back panel.