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Where do YOU buy yarn?

by

Stock Photo of Historic Yarn Shop

Where do you buy yarn? With all the rumors flying about Wal-Mart closing its Fabric/Crafts/Yarn Departments, many people are complaining that they will have no local source of yarn and other craft supplies.

I live in a large metropolitan area where we have quite a number of stores for buying yarn. In addition to the aforementioned Wal-Mart,


we have Hobby Lobby,

Michael’s,

Joann’s,

Hancock Fabrics (which carries some yarn),


and approximately ten other outlets that sell yarn suitable for crochet and knitting.

There are other stores that sell other kinds of yarns – those more suitable to needlepoint, embroidery, plastic canvas, etc. We have six shops that I think are quite good LYS (Local Yarn Shops). Everyone in the area has her (or his) favorite, but my favorites are Hearthstone Knits and The Weaving Department. Hearthstone actually caters to crocheters. The Weaving Dept and Chris’ Yarn shop are very crochet-friendly also. The remainder of the LYS really seem to prefer knitters as their customers, so they don’t tend to get much of my business. I have nothing against knitters or knitting. I just don’t like to be treated like a second class citizen, especially when I’m paying for the ‘privilege’.
So, WHERE do you buy yarn? I know many of you have only Wal-Mart as your local yarn source. Others don’t even have that, requiring them to rely on mail order sources only.

Please email me your response that most closely fits your situation. I will tally each response with each person’s first, second, and third choice. I’ll keep this ‘poll’ open for two weeks and then I’ll report my results to you in a future blog.

I buy my yarn at: (Please indicate your first, second, & third choice(s) by 1, 2, 3.)

LYS(single location)

Wal-Mart

Hobby Lobby

JoAnn’s

Michael’s

Other Chain Store (regional or national – you can name it)
Local Craft Store(not just yarn or knit)

Online/Mail Order

In future, I’ll explore the online and mail order only sources for yarn and other crochet-related vendors.

Thanks – and I look forward to receiving an email from you!

Comments

  1. Hi jd: Living in Australia, I do not have the variety of choice that you do in the U.S. So I usually buy my yarn from the following places:

    1. Big W (a sort of Aussie version of KMart – owned by Woolworths Australia)

    2. Spotlight

    3. online at eBay

  2. 1. Michaels
    2. mail order (Patternworks and Herrschners)
    3. Wal-Mart

    Wal-Mart here has the largest selection of Caron Simply Soft which I like for donating baby blankets…but it’s difficult for me to shop right now. I see your point, maybe we’re not supporting Wal-Mart’s needlework dept. as much as we think we are…but in the past, when I could really shop, I did purchase quite a few yarn and needle/hook supplies there.
    -Abby

  3. 1 – Ragshop
    2 – Michael’s
    3 – Joann’s on-line

    I don’t buy from Walmart since I don’t like the way they do business. But I live in a Metro area and can easily avoid them. Those in more rural area’s don’t have a choice. Just recently found out about to local yarn stores that I have yet to visit but plan to since I am a local business myself.

  4. I live in Fort Wayne IN
    I used to buy almost all my yarn at Walmart, before there selection went to pot.
    I now buy mostly at Hobby Lobby and Jo Anns.

  5. Where I buy my yarn:

    1. LYS(single location) – I have 3 fairly nearby, one of which is crochet-centered

    2. Grocery Store – yup! Especially for sock yarn, kitchen yarn and occasional exotic blends like Acrylic/linen

    3. eBay

    4. Online/Mail Order

    5. Local Craft Store(not just yarn or knit)

    Only when I travel to the states, (and that’s not very often!)can I shop at:
    Wal-Mart
    Hobby Lobby
    JoAnn’s
    Michael’s
    Other Chain Store (regional or national – you can name it)

    Hilary

  6. Say it isn’t so JD! I haven’t heard any of that but now that I have I’m in a fit! All we have in this town, 40,000 peeps none the less, are Michael’s and Wal-Mart. Wally world is definitely #1 for me, cheaper and same selection. Oh no! K

  9. 1 – JoAnn’s
    2 – Walmart
    3 – Michael’s
    (4 – Dollar Tree for novelty/fun fur yarns)

    If I had the money to pay for shipping charges or enough money to buy a huge quantity and have no shipping charges, I would buy online. I used to shop at a huge chain store, but they kept changing their minds about how they were setting up the craft area (we have 5 of these stores in my area and if one remodels something, they all remodel the same thing). I got tired of it and gave up last year. Now I buy everything I want from JoAnn’s (they always have sales), sometimes shopping at Walmart (they don’t have a great selection), and then Michael’s (they are more expensive even with a sale, so I only go there if JoAnn’s runs out of what I need for a project). And I love going into the larger Dollar Tree stores in my area and finding fun fur (usually $3 or more each) for only $1!!! I haven’t used any of it yet, but I’ve got a little collection going. 🙂

  10. I buy myyarn at (1) Walmart, (2) Hobby Lobby, when I can get there–it is 80 miles away(would be my first choice if it wasn’t so far away, (3) Mail Order, Mary Maxim, Herschners, Annie’s Attic.

  11. #1 choice is Hearthstone too, aren’t those folks great!? But it’s a bit pricey so I often go to

    #2 Hobby Lobby tied w/Walmart

    #3 Joann’s online

  12. I order a lot of my yarn on line at different places. I buy from Ben Franklin when I need something quick.

  13. Hi jd–I buy most of my yarn at Michaels. Then it’s Tall Mouse (a local chain store here in SoCal) and occasionally at JoAnn. Unfortunately my local Michael’s hasn’t had much of a selection lately and last time I was there, no crochet pattern books.

  14. #1 Joann’s
    #2 Online (Herrschners, e-bay, knitting-warehouse)
    #3 Michaels
    #4 Sometimes Walmart & sometimes grocery/drugstore if available

  15. I have only bought mine at wal-mart so far. I have looked elsewhere but when looking for the 1lb balls or the 1000g balls in the winter I can only find them at wal-mart.
    I live in Stoney Creek Ontario Canada, 3 blocks from wal-mart and the Bay another couple from zellers. I still prefer the current selection at wal-mart and don’t see why they must shave it down so badly when it is always busy everytime I go in there.

  16. 1. LYS
    2. Michaels
    3. Craft Essentials
    4. On line anywhere that sells yarn!
    I prefer going to my LYS but I do shop the other places regularly.

  17. 1.WalMart
    2.Joann’s
    3.Thrift store

    I live in the boonies and haven’t purchased any yarn lately as I have a moderate stash – some 20 years old from my mom, when I was a kid – some matches the afghan on my couch that she made at least b4 1978! LOL! Most of that is gone now thankfully. I did notice that Kmart had a small section of Bernat yarns and I would go there if necessary as they are the closest to me.

  18. Has anyone had trouble getting their order from handknitting.com ? I cannot get their attention — I gave my cc# with an order, and they have not sent it out. I email every other day, no response.

  19. 1. Hobby Lobby
    2. Walmart
    3. Michaels
    4. LYS
    Sometimes the income decides where I go!! :))

  21. Online/mail order (usually Elann.com or Knitpicks)

    Various Seattle LYS’s

    A Hancock’s near my house.

    I don’t drive, and there are no Wal-Marts or Michael’s that are easy to get to by bus in this area (they’re quite a ways outside the city).

  22. I buy most of my yarn online, Webs, Herschners, Mary Maxum & others. I buy some at JoAnn, Walmart & Dollar tree. My 2 LYS get the least of my purchases, though I do have fun visiting & petting yarn. Both are very crochet friendly. I find my local Michaels has a poor selection, mostly fru-fru yarns & have never purchased yarn from them..
    Vicki in AZ.

  23. 1. Online – mostly Smiley’s. they get me in SO much trouble!
    2. Hobby Lobby – love their sales!
    3. Michael’s – for the same reason as above.

  24. I purchase yarn from LYS (Yarn Garden, Annapolis, MD)wwwdotalpacadirectdotcom; herrschners; ACMoore and Michaels. I am finding that ordering very carefully online gets me what I want for a better price.

  25. I usually buy my yarn at:
    1. WM
    2. Michaels
    3. KnitPicks online
    4. Creative Habitat

  27. I look for yarn everywhere!

    Michaels
    WalMart
    JoAnns
    Hancock Fabrics
    Dollar Tree
    Hobby Lobby
    Online

  28. I purchase my yarn at Michael’s first only cuz it’s 3 blocks from my home, 2. Wal-Mart
    3. JoAnn’s

  32. WOW! Great participation in this poll. Thanks to all of you who have also posted comments as well as listed additional yarn buying locations. Can’t wait to see what the final tallies will bring. Thanks – and please keep checking back for results.
    jd

  33. I buy my yarn at a Mom and Pop place in Trenton Ga. This way if I need more of a certain color ,She will order it for me.I will buy at Wal -Mart if I see something I like
    and it is on sale .

    Arlette

  34. Hi, You are so lucky.I live in India and the town where I live does not have any yarn shop.We just dont have the variety and the shops that you have in the USA.In the northen parts of India yarn is available in many shops.I buy my yarn at a shop in MUMBAI more than 100kms. away from where I stay.This shop is where you get all the art and craft things.I have been buying there since I was a little girl going with my mother.
    Sandhya

  35. I buy my yarn mostly on line
    1) Jo-Ann’s
    2) Ebay

    Looking for more sources. I live in NYC where the yarn must be marked up to cover the rent on the yarn stores.

    I learned to crochet at the Y and they use the internet for economy’s sake. I am looking forward to your blog on internet sources.

  36. So glad to have happened up on this site!!
    I buy my yarn mostly at Michael’s because the selection is great. Wal-mart’s yarn has faded away to practically nothing in my area.
    I’ve never tried on-line because of the shipping costs.

    GLAD YOU FOUND US TOO, KATY.  DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOUR TOWN, BUT THERE ARE OTHER YARN MASS MARKETERS.  SMILEY’S IS A GREAT ONLINE SITE FOR RED HEART AND SIMILAR.

    jd

  38. I am a big time crochet,knit,quilter kind of person. i love it all. however, i am so hurt that may,2009 wal.mart will no longer sell yarn or fabic for quilts. i live in a small town. wal-mart is all we have and i am so depressed.i mean this is world wide. i travel to many places and i always find a wal-mart .they too are getting rid of all crafts.you can help by calling 1-800-wal-mart and tell them how much we need them. thanks irene

  39. hi !! I absolutely agree with Sandhya ,who also resides in Mumbai. Eventhough the city is huge, it still is hard to find different types of crochet yarn. Ironically, cotton knitting/crochet yarn is hardest to find!! I just make do with whatever i can lay my hands on. The colours one finds are so jarring!!

  40. yeah very true…am a resident of India too and i find it really hard to get these yarns…can anyone suggest me online sites to purchase at a cheaper price…

  41. @ Devyani/Sandhya – Please could you provide me the address from where I could buy the crochet yarn in Mumbai.

Have you read?

Make To Donate: 20 Beginner Crochet Patterns To Make And Donate

New to charity crochet? These beginner-friendly crochet patterns are perfect for donating to shelters, hospitals, NICUs, pet rescues, care homes, and community support groups.

If you are a beginner crocheter and you want to make something useful for charity, let me just say this first: you do not need to be fancy to be generous. You do not need complicated stitch patterns, designer-level finishing, or a yarn stash that looks like a boutique wall. You need a hook, some suitable yarn, and a project that can be used by someone who needs it.

That is the beauty of beginner charity crochet. Simple beanies, scarves, soap sacks, washcloths, rectangles, baby rugs, slippers, and lap blankets can all be meaningful. In fact, beginner-friendly projects are often the most practical donations because they are easy to wash, easy to wear, and easy for charities to distribute.

This article is part of our Make To Donate crochet series, where we gather useful crochet patterns for makers who want to give back. These beginner crochet donation patterns are especially good if you are still learning, returning to crochet after a long break, or crocheting between real life interruptions — you know, dinner, teenagers, pets, laundry, and the mystery of why there is always one odd sock in the house.

Before you donate, always check with the charity first. Hospitals, NICUs, shelters, cancer centres, and animal rescues all have different requirements. Some may want acrylic, some may need cotton, some may have exact sizes, and some may not accept certain items at all.

Beginner Crochet Patterns To Make And Donate

Basic Back Loop Beanie

A simple beanie is one of the best beginner crochet projects for charity donations. This pattern comes in multiple sizes, which makes it useful if you want to make hats for babies, children, teens, and adults. Once you get into the rhythm, it is the kind of project you can make more than once without overthinking every stitch.

Easy Peasy 30-Minute Beanie

This quick beanie is perfect for beginners who want to feel productive fast. It works well for donation drives because it is warm, useful, and doesn’t need lots of shaping. Make a few in soft washable yarn and you’ll have a little stack ready before you know it.

Gentle Kisses Charity Beanie

This charity beanie has enough texture to feel special while still being a practical donation item. It is a good next-step project if you have made a basic hat and want something with a little more personality. Hats like this are useful for shelters, winter drives, and cancer care donations when made in suitable yarn.

Misty Days Preemie Beanie

Preemie beanies are tiny, quick, and meaningful, but they must be made carefully to the receiving hospital’s rules. This pattern includes several small sizes, making it a sweet option for baby-focused charity crochet. Use soft yarn and skip embellishments unless the hospital specifically allows them.

Warm Up America Crochet Rectangle

Crochet rectangles are fantastic for beginners because they let you practise neat stitches while still contributing to a bigger charity project. This pattern is designed for Warm Up America-style donations and is ideal for craft groups. One small rectangle may not look like much on its own, but joined with others it becomes warmth.

Charity Crochet Lattice Lapghan

A lapghan is smaller than a full blanket, which makes it much less intimidating for beginners. This pattern is a lovely option for aged care homes, wheelchair users, hospital comfort donations, and community care projects. It gives warmth without requiring you to commit to a huge afghan.

Quick Crochet Afghan Pattern

This CraftBits afghan pattern is a good one for crocheters who want to make a larger donation project without choosing something overly complicated. Blankets are always comforting, and a quick afghan can be useful for shelters, crisis accommodation, or winter drives. Use practical colours and machine-washable yarn if you are making it for everyday charity use.

Preemie Baby Rug Crochet Pattern

This small preemie baby rug is designed as a charity crochet project and is a manageable size for beginners. It is a thoughtful option for baby donation programs, provided your chosen organisation accepts this type of item. Small projects like this are lovely when you want to make something meaningful without taking on a huge blanket.

Vintage Baby Bunting Cocoon Crochet Pattern

This baby bunting cocoon has a traditional handmade look and would suit baby-focused charity groups that accept cocoon-style items. It is a more specific donation project, so always check guidelines first. If accepted, it is a sweet and comforting make with a lovely vintage feel.

Gift Box Soap Sack Crochet Pattern

Soap sacks are wonderful beginner donation projects because they are small, useful, and easy to make in batches. This pattern works well for hygiene kits, shelter donations, and community outreach baskets. Made in cotton with a bar of soap tucked inside, it becomes a practical little gift of care.

Lily Sugar’n Cream Crochet Mesh Soap Saver Bag

This mesh soap saver bag is another useful cotton project for beginners. It is small enough to finish quickly and practical enough to donate in multiples. Soap sacks are especially good when you want a charity project that doesn’t use much yarn.

Crochet Soap Saver And Washcloth

This pattern gives you a matching soap saver and washcloth, which would be lovely for hygiene packs or shelter donations. Beginner crocheters can practise useful stitches while making something that has real everyday value. Cotton yarn is the best choice here because it washes well and suits bathroom use.

Quick And Easy Crochet Washcloth

A crochet washcloth is one of the most practical beginner projects you can make. It is small, useful, and forgiving, which makes it perfect when you are still getting your tension under control. Make a stack in cotton yarn and they are ready for care hampers, hygiene kits, or local support groups.

Favourite Crochet Washcloth

This beginner-friendly washcloth is soft, textured, and useful for everyday care. Washcloths are brilliant donation items because they do not need sizing, they are easy to launder, and they can be included in so many different charity packs. They are also great confidence-builders for new crocheters.

Quick And Easy Crochet Scarf For Charity

A simple scarf is a classic charity crochet project for good reason. It is warm, practical, and easy to customise depending on yarn and size. This pattern is a lovely choice for shelters, winter drives, and beginner crocheters who want a project with straight rows and a useful result.

Simple Scarf Charity Stash Bash Pattern

This simple scarf pattern is perfect for stash-busting and charity making. It is the kind of pattern you can work on while watching TV or chatting with a friend, which is exactly what I like in a donation project. Simple scarves can be incredibly useful during cold weather drives.

Crochet Neck Warmer Scarf For Operation Gratitude

A neck warmer is smaller than a scarf but still gives warmth where it is needed. This makes it a great beginner project for practical donations and care packages. It is also a nice choice when you want something unisex and compact.

Classic Prayer Shawl Crochet Pattern

A prayer shawl is a beautiful comfort project, and this one has a simple repetitive style that suits calmer crochet sessions. It would be lovely for grief support, hospital comfort, cancer care groups, or community pastoral care. Choose soft yarn and calming colours for a gentle finish.

Sawyer Easy Prayer Shawl Crochet Pattern

This easy prayer shawl is another thoughtful beginner-friendly option for charity crochet. Shawls take longer than hats or soap sacks, but they are deeply comforting donations. This is a good project when you want to slow down and make something with intention.

Two-Hour Crochet Slippers For Beginners

These rectangle slippers are a clever beginner project because they start with simple shapes and turn into something wearable. They are useful for shelters, comfort packs, or aged care donations if the organisation accepts handmade slippers. Check whether non-slip soles are needed before donating.

Tips For Beginner Charity Crochet

Start with projects that are useful and simple. Beanies, scarves, washcloths, soap sacks, rectangles, and lap blankets are all excellent beginner donation makes. Avoid complicated shaping, fancy fibres, and anything with small parts that could come loose.

If you are donating to hospitals, babies, or cancer care groups, follow the guidelines carefully. If you are donating to shelters or community groups, focus on warmth, washability, and practical colours.

The best beginner charity crochet project is not the fanciest one. It is the one you finish, wash if required, package neatly, and send off to someone who can use it. That is the real magic.

More Create To Donate Crochet Ideas

For more charity crochet inspiration, browse CraftBits crochet patterns and read our CraftGossip guide to crocheting for a cause.