Yarn Needed
248 yards
Skeins
2
Est. Cost
$16
Project area: 144 sq in
Total Yarn Needed
248
yards (incl. 15% waste)
Skeins
2
Project Area
144 sq in
2 skein(s) at $8/each
Includes 3" border on each side for hoop/frame
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Inputs
Result
Area = 12 × 12 = 144 sq in. Yarn/sq in = 1.5 × 1.0 = 1.5. Base yarn = 144 × 1.5 = 216 yards. With 15% waste = 216 × 1.15 = 248 yards. Skeins = ceil(248/200) = 2. Cost = 2 × $8 = $16. Fabric = 18" × 18".
Inputs
Result
Area = 24 × 36 = 864 sq in. Yarn/sq in = 2.5 × 1.3 = 3.25. Base yarn = 864 × 3.25 = 2,808 yards. With 15% waste = 2,808 × 1.15 = 3,229 yards. Skeins = ceil(3,229/200) = 17. Cost = 17 × $6 = $102.
Inputs
Result
Area = 8 × 8 = 64 sq in. Yarn/sq in = 0.9 × 0.7 = 0.63. Base yarn = 64 × 0.63 = 40 yards. With 15% waste = 40 × 1.15 = 46 yards. Skeins = ceil(46/150) = 1. Cost = 1 × $10 = $10.
Yarn needs depend on project area, needle size, and loop height. A 12×12 inch project with a medium needle and medium loops uses about 248 yards of worsted yarn. Fine needles with embroidery floss use roughly 2.5 yards per square inch, while coarse needles use only 0.9 yards per square inch.
| Needle Size | Yarn Type | yd/sq in (Medium Loop) | yd/sq in (Tall Loop) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine (#3) | Embroidery floss | 2.5 | 3.25 |
| Medium (#5–7) | Worsted yarn | 1.5 | 1.95 |
| Coarse (#9–10) | Bulky/rug yarn | 0.9 | 1.17 |
Monks cloth is the most popular punch needle fabric. You need your project dimensions plus 3 inches on each side for the hoop or frame. A 12×12 inch project requires an 18×18 inch piece of fabric.
| Fabric Type | Cost/Yard | Best For | Needle Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monks Cloth | $8–$15 | All projects | Medium & coarse |
| Primitive Linen | $12–$20 | Fine detail work | Fine & medium |
| Weaver’s Cloth | $6–$12 | Beginners | Fine & medium |
| Burlap | $3–$6 | Practice only | Coarse only |
Taller loops require more yarn per stitch because more yarn gets pulled through the fabric. Short loops (1/4") use about 30% less yarn than medium loops, while extra tall loops (1"+) use 60% more. Always match your loop height to your needle size setting.
| Loop Height | Multiplier | Yarn (12×12" Medium Needle) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short (1/4") | 0.7× | ~151 yards | Fine details, flat designs |
| Medium (1/2") | 1.0× | ~216 yards | Standard projects |
| Tall (3/4") | 1.3× | ~281 yards | Plush rugs, pillows |
| Extra Tall (1"+) | 1.6× | ~346 yards | Shag rugs, wall art |
Needle size determines the yarn weight you can use and the texture of your finished piece. Fine needles (#1–3) work with embroidery floss for detailed designs. Medium needles (#5–7) use worsted yarn for most projects. Coarse needles (#9–10) handle bulky and rug yarn.
Total cost equals skeins needed multiplied by price per skein, plus fabric cost. A 12×12 inch project with medium needle and medium loops needs about 2 skeins at $8 each ($16 yarn) plus $5–$10 for monks cloth, totaling $21–$26.
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Last Updated: Mar 26, 2026
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