Running out of thread mid-order means a color change on a half-finished run. Thread use scales with stitch count and pieces, so a stitches-per-yard figure from your own machine turns a design into yards and spools.
12 jackets at 45,000 stitches and 160 stitches per yard use 3,375 yards, 4 spools of 1,100 yards.
The example
Three orders. Spool counts round up because a partial spool still has to be loaded.
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Case | Stitches | Stitch/yd | Pieces | Spool yds | Yards | Spools |
| 2 | Left chest | 8,000 | 160 | 24 | 1,100 | 1,200.0 | 2 |
| 3 | Cap | 6,000 | 150 | 40 | 1,100 | 1,600.0 | 2 |
| 4 | Jacket back | 45,000 | 160 | 12 | 1,100 | 3,375.0 | 4 |
The formula
Total stitches in the run divided by stitches per yard, then divided again by spool length:
How it works
Here is the logic, one piece at a time:
B2*D2is total stitches in the run.- Dividing by
C2converts stitches to yards. - The second formula divides yards by spool length.
ROUNDUProunds up to whole spools.
Measure stitches per yard once by stitching a test block and weighing the thread used.
Try it: interactive demo
Enter stitches, stitches per yard, pieces and spool length.
Variations
Add waste
Add 10% for trims and thread breaks.
Per piece
Show yards per piece for pricing.
Pitfalls & errors
Stitches per yard changes with thread weight and density. Test each thread type.
Do not use spool yards where the label says meters; convert meters to yards by multiplying by 1.094.
Keep a bobbin buffer: top thread is not the only thread you use.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
Does this include bobbin thread?
Why round spools up?
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