Will someone knit a jumper for me if I supply the wool?
If you're a non-knitter, you may not fully appreciate what goes into making a handknitted garment. For most people who can confidently knit a jumper, they've invested hundreds — sometimes thousands — of hours developing the skills and confidence to create something that actually fits and looks beautiful.
How much does the yarn cost?
For an average adult male (roughly 80kg, 185cm), you can expect to use around 600–900 grams of yarn in a DK / 8ply weight, depending on the design. Many factors affect the total — stitch pattern, sleeve length, body length, ease — which is why the range is wide. For a quality natural fibre yarn, expect to pay $25–$45 per 100g. A sensible estimate for yarn alone is $175–$380 AUD.
How much does the knitting cost?
When asking someone to knit you a garment, it's worth understanding that paying someone what their time is truly worth is rarely practical. Experienced knitters have logged tens of thousands of hours developing their craft. If you paid an experienced knitter minimum wage ($26.44/hr in Australia, 2026) and assumed 30–40 hours of knitting for an adult male cardigan in DK/8ply:
$26.44 × 40 hrs = $1,057
Total estimated cost: $1,057 (labour) + $380 (yarn) = $1,437 AUD
Figures are estimates based on Australian dollars in 2026.
It is simply not practical to ask someone to knit you a garment while offering anything close to fair compensation for their time. So if you find a knitter willing to make you a cardigan for $300 — and you've supplied $300 worth of yarn — you are getting an extraordinary bargain.
Why handknitted garments are special
It's nearly impossible to buy a 100% natural fibre commercial knitted garment from a physical store these days. And when you do find one, your style and fit options are limited — and the fibre content rarely includes the premium blends that make a garment truly luxurious: alpaca, cashmere, silk, or superfine merino.
The ability to select the exact yarn blend, colourway, and pattern is a luxury usually only afforded to people who have spent years learning to knit or crochet to a level where they can confidently invest in quality fibre — knowing it will produce exactly what they envision.
We hope this gives you a clearer picture of what to expect when asking someone to knit you a garment — and a deeper appreciation for the craft.
How much yarn do I need? Size & Yardage Guide
The tables below give rough estimates for a standard long-sleeve pullover (no cables, no colourwork) in DK / 8ply weight. Actual requirements will vary depending on your pattern, stitch pattern, gauge, and design details. Always check your pattern's stated yardage first — these figures are a helpful starting point.
Pricing is based on our McLaren yarn base — a beautiful 100% Merino 8ply at 230m per 115g skein, $33.00 AUD per skein (at the time of writing this article, prices may vary). Skeins are rounded up since you can't buy a partial skein (and having a little extra is always wise).
Women's Pullover — Yarn Estimate by Size
| Size | Approx. Meterage | Approx. Weight (g) | McLaren Skeins | Approx. Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 950m | 475g | 5 | $165 |
| S | 1,050m | 525g | 5 | $165 |
| M | 1,150m | 575g | 6 | $198 |
| L | 1,300m | 650g | 6 | $198 |
| XL | 1,450m | 725g | 7 | $231 |
| XXL | 1,600m | 800g | 7 | $231 |
| XXXL | 1,800m | 900g | 8 | $264 |
Men's Pullover — Yarn Estimate by Size
| Size | Approx. Meterage | Approx. Weight (g) | McLaren Skeins | Approx. Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 1,100m | 550g | 5 | $165 |
| S | 1,250m | 625g | 6 | $198 |
| M | 1,400m | 700g | 7 | $231 |
| L | 1,550m | 775g | 7 | $231 |
| XL | 1,700m | 850g | 8 | $264 |
| XXL | 1,900m | 950g | 9 | $297 |
| XXXL | 2,100m | 1,050g | 10 | $330 |
Estimates are for a standard long-sleeve pullover in DK/8ply. Add 10–15% for cables, colourwork, or a longer body/sleeves. It's a good idea to buy an extra skein if in doubt — the colour may not be available again when you need it later on. Prices based on July 2026, prices may vary in the future.
Popular McLaren Colours to Inspire You
Not sure where to start with colour? Here are our best-selling McLaren shades — loved by our community for good reason:
- Deepness — our #1 bestseller, a rich deep tone that works beautifully for classic garments
- Partial Eclipse — a moody, sophisticated shade perfect for statement pieces
- Forget Me Not — a soft, dreamy blue that's endlessly wearable
- ITS Purple — a bold, vibrant purple for those who love colour
- Wolf — a versatile neutral grey, ideal for everyday wear
- Men are from Venus — a cool-toned favourite with broad appeal
- Scarab — a deep jewel tone with incredible depth
- Dive In — a fresh, confident blue-green
- Swamp Monster — an earthy, complex green that's surprisingly versatile
- Ivory — a clean, classic neutral for timeless projects
Browse the full McLaren range →
Need a custom colour or quantity for your next project? We'd love to help — contact us and we'll sort you out.
