Pattern doesn't list how much yarn to use

[butterflymama]

I have a pattern that does not say how much yarn you need. Is there some way to figure out how much you need? I am so new I cannot tell by just looking at it. It is a simple apron top knit in cotton for a toddler in about 2T - 3T.

*edit - mod squad was here*

[Ingrid]

I have a chart that tells yardage, but it's by gauge. What is the weight of the cotton and the needle size? There's no apron top listed, of course, but would it be about equal to, say, half of a vest?

[butterflymama]

It calls for worsted weight cotton on size 8's. Although I was thinking about using Shine which is sport weight...is that a no no?

Thank you.

[Ingrid]

You could use Shine if you double it.

Worsted weight yarn on 8's will give you a gauge of about 4 st per inch, so for a vest, according to the chart I have, you'd need about 300 yards. I imagine an apron top could be about half that. Personally, I'd get about 200 to be safe, since the gauge is a guestimate.

[butterflymama]

Thanks! I will get 200 yards and see how far that gets me. Sounds like it should be good!

I don't think I will try doubling the lighter weight just yet...that sounds like a recipe for disaster for my beginning self.

[Ingrid]

But if the yarn is half as thick as the one called for, and you use the same pattern, your finished product is going to be half as big.

[butterflymama]

Yes, I meant that I would be sticking with the worsted weight.