Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

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!

More Crochet?

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?

Turtle Crochet Patterns That Are Slow, Sweet, And Totally Worth Making

There is something about turtle crochet patterns that makes me instantly happy. Maybe it is the little round shells, maybe it is the flappy sea turtle fins, or maybe it is because turtles have that calm “I’ll get there when I get there” energy that I very much relate to after a long week of deadlines, dishes, teenagers needing lifts, and Aloo looking at me as if I have personally failed him by not opening the back door fast enough.

Crochet turtles are one of those lovely projects that work for almost every kind of maker. If you love quick market makes, a no sew crochet turtle is the kind of pattern you can work up in an evening with a cup of tea beside you. If you prefer baby gifts, turtle loveys and soft turtle amigurumi are gentle, meaningful handmade presents. And if you are a scrap-yarn saver — and really, what crocheter isn’t? — turtle appliques are a brilliant way to use up those little green, blue, brown, cream, and coral leftovers hiding in the basket.

This roundup includes a mix of free crochet turtle patterns, sea turtle crochet patterns, no sew turtle amigurumi, turtle appliques, loveys, and practical turtle-themed crochet projects. Some are wonderfully beginner-friendly, some are better suited to confident amigurumi makers, and a few are perfect if you are looking for something a little different from the usual plushie. I have also included a couple of CraftGossip and CraftBits turtle crochet links because we have had some sweet turtle projects over the years that deserve another little swim around the craft pond.

One quick note before you start: if you are making crochet turtles for babies or toddlers, skip plastic safety eyes and embroider the features instead. Safety eyes are not always safe for little ones, especially once a handmade toy is loved, tugged, chewed, and dragged around the house.

FREE Chunky Crochet Turtle Pattern – CraftBits

This free crochet turtle pattern from CraftBits is a lovely one to add if you are looking for a soft, chunky amigurumi turtle that feels modern but still very handmade. The plush-style shape makes it a great choice for gifts, market tables, or a sweet little comfort toy for older children. I especially like this one for crocheters who want a free turtle crochet pattern that looks cuddly without being overly complicated.

Chunky Crochet Turtle Amigurumi Pattern – CraftGossip Store On Etsy

If you would rather have the polished printable version, this chunky crochet turtle pattern is also available through the CraftGossip Store on Etsy. It is a handy option for makers who like having a tidy PDF pattern saved in their crochet library, especially if you plan to make several turtles for gifts, craft fairs, or grandkids who suddenly all “need” one in a different colour. The chunky yarn style gives the finished turtle that squishy, modern amigurumi look that is so popular right now.

Free And Easy Turtle Crochet Patterns For Amigurumi Lovers

No Sew Crochet Turtle Amigurumi Plush – The Friendly Red Fox

This no sew crochet turtle pattern is a great one for anyone who loves the look of plush amigurumi but does not love sewing on tiny limbs. It is designed to work up quickly, making it a lovely option for craft markets, birthday gifts, or those “I need something cute by tomorrow” moments. The chunky yarn gives it a squishy modern look that younger makers and kids tend to adore.

Crochet Turtle Pattern – The Mary Jay

This sweet crochet turtle pattern has a cheerful, beginner-friendly feel and includes video support, which is always helpful when you are making amigurumi shapes for the first time. It is a lovely fast project for using plush yarn and would make a cute desk buddy, backpack friend, or handmade gift topper. I especially like this one for crocheters who want a turtle pattern that feels approachable rather than fiddly.

Fred The Sea Turtle – CJ Design Blog

Fred is one of those crochet sea turtle patterns that has proper personality. This free pattern includes a video tutorial and is designed as a quick make, so it is a good choice if you want a sea turtle amigurumi that does not turn into a week-long commitment. The finished shape has that lovely flat sea-turtle look, making it especially nice for ocean-themed gifts or nursery decor.

No-Sew Crochet Turtle Pattern – Stitch By Fay

This no sew turtle crochet pattern is a newer design and a nice option if you want something fresh for market prep or gifting. The pattern uses separate pieces that are joined as you work the body, so you get the benefit of a neat finish without the dreaded sewing pile at the end. It has a sweet little trim detail on the flippers that gives the finished turtle a bit of extra charm.

Nala The No Sew Turtle – The Nicole Chase

Nala is a clever no sew turtle crochet pattern with a removable shell, which gives it a little extra play value and personality. It works beautifully as a garden turtle or sea turtle depending on your colour choices, and the optional shell variations make it easy to customize. This is a great choice for crocheters who want a turtle amigurumi pattern that feels a little more special than a basic plushie.

Amigurumi Turtle – All About Ami

This crochet amigurumi turtle has a classic handmade look with a beautifully rounded shell and contrast details. It is a lovely project if you enjoy neat shaping and want a turtle that looks sweet in a whole rainbow of colours. The surface crochet shell detail adds just enough texture to make it interesting without feeling overcomplicated.

No Sew Mini Turtle Amigurumi – Okie Girl Bling ’n’ Things

This mini turtle amigurumi is perfect for anyone who loves tiny, quick crochet makes. Because it is no sew, it is also a nice choice for batch-making little turtles for markets, party favours, classroom rewards, or stocking stuffers. Use chenille yarn for a plush version or cotton for a smaller keychain-style turtle.

Mini Turtle Amigurumi – DIY Fluffies

This mini turtle crochet pattern is beginner-friendly and can be made with different yarn weights depending on the size you want. It is a handy scrap yarn project and works well when you want a small amigurumi that does not require a huge amount of stuffing or finishing. I like this one for little gifts tucked into care packages or beach-themed gift baskets.

Small Amigurumi Turtle – Knits And Knots By Ame

This small crochet turtle pattern is a good pick if you prefer a more traditional amigurumi style with minimal seaming. It uses two colours, one for the body and one for the shell, which makes it easy to personalize with soft naturals, brights, pastels, or ocean blues. It is a sweet pattern for confident beginners who want to practise shaping without taking on a large plushie.

Turtle Lovey Crochet Patterns For Baby Gifts

Turtle Lovey Pattern – Swecraftcorner

This crochet turtle lovey is soft, snuggly, and made for little hands to hold. It combines a turtle amigurumi head and body with a comforter-style blanket, making it a thoughtful handmade baby shower gift. If you are making it for a baby, embroidered eyes are the safer option and still look beautifully sweet.

Pebbles The Turtle Lovey CAL – Sarah Dee Crochet

Pebbles is a turtle lovey crochet-along, which is lovely if you enjoy being guided through a project in stages. The design has that handmade heirloom feeling, especially if you choose soft nursery colours or beachy tones. It is a good option for adventurous beginners who want to try a larger baby gift without feeling completely on their own.

Crochet Turtle Applique Patterns For Blankets, Bags, And Nursery Decor

Ocean Friends Crochet Appliqués – Repeat Crafter Me

This ocean applique set includes a crochet turtle along with a starfish, jellyfish, and seahorse, making it a lovely choice for under-the-sea projects. The turtle applique would be adorable stitched onto a baby blanket, beach bag, cushion, or classroom display. This is also a great pattern to keep in your stash if you like quick crochet pieces that can dress up a plain project.

Crochet Sea Turtle Applique And Granny Square – Maria’s Blue Crayon

This sea turtle applique is especially nice if you are planning an ocean-themed crochet blanket. The post includes both the turtle applique and a granny square idea, so you can turn one small motif into a much bigger project. I love this kind of pattern for baby blankets because it feels playful without being overly bright or busy.

Baby Sea Turtle Appliqué Crochet Pattern – PlanetJune

This baby sea turtle applique is a paid crochet pattern, but it is beautifully suited to polished projects where you want the turtle to sit flat and neat. Appliques like this are perfect for decorating blankets, wall hangings, tote bags, or framed nursery art. It is a good option if you want your finished project to look a little more detailed and professional.

Turtle Applique Free Pattern – Rebekah Haas

This free crochet turtle applique has a simple, friendly shape that works well for children’s projects. It would be cute on a library bag, beach towel, baby blanket, or handmade card front if you like mixing crochet with paper crafts. Patterns like this are also brilliant for using up the oddments of green yarn that never seem quite big enough for anything else.

Crochet Turtle Appliques – Natalina Craft

This turtle applique pattern gives you a sweet family of turtles in different sizes, which makes it especially useful for blankets and nursery decor. You can make a whole little turtle parade across the corner of a blanket or add one small turtle to a hat, jumper, or tote. It is a cheerful scrap yarn project and a nice way to add personality to plain crochet pieces.

Turtle Crochet Patterns From CraftGossip And CraftBits

Turtle Memory Game Crochet Pattern – CraftGossip

This CraftGossip feature is a fun turtle crochet idea with a playful twist. Instead of being just a plushie, it turns the turtle theme into a memory game, which makes it a lovely handmade gift for children. It is a good reminder that crochet turtle patterns do not always have to be softies — they can be interactive, useful, and clever too.

Free Crochet Pattern – Christmas Pudding Turtle – CraftGossip

This Christmas pudding turtle is wonderfully quirky and very CraftGossip in the best possible way. It combines festive crochet with a kawaii turtle shape, making it a sweet little holiday make for anyone who likes their Christmas crafts with a wink. It would be adorable as a handmade ornament, stocking stuffer, or tiny festive shelf sitter.

Sea Turtle Soap Saver – CraftBits

This CraftBits sea turtle soap saver is a practical crochet turtle project rather than a plushie, which is why I love having it in the mix. It is a simple handmade bathroom item and would be lovely paired with handmade soap for a gift basket. If you enjoy crochet projects that are cute but still useful, this is the turtle pattern to try.

Tips For Choosing The Best Turtle Crochet Pattern

If you want a quick make, choose a no sew crochet turtle pattern in plush or chenille yarn. These usually work up faster and have that soft, modern squish factor that sells well at markets.

If you are making a baby gift, look for a turtle lovey or soft amigurumi pattern and embroider the eyes instead of using plastic safety eyes. Soft cotton or baby-safe yarns are lovely choices, and washable yarn is always a blessing because babies are beautifully messy little creatures.

If you are decorating a blanket, bag, or nursery wall hanging, a crochet turtle applique is often the best choice. Appliques are flatter, faster, and easier to stitch onto finished projects.

If you are using scrap yarn, mini turtles and turtle appliques are your best friends. You can make shells in greens, browns, rainbow colours, florals, speckles, or even holiday colours if you fancy a turtle with a bit of attitude.

Final Thoughts On Crochet Turtle Patterns

Turtle crochet patterns are one of those happy little corners of the crochet world where cute, calming, and practical all meet. You can make a tiny turtle in an hour, a turtle lovey for a new baby, a sea turtle applique for an ocean blanket, or a squishy no sew turtle for your next market table.

And honestly, there is something rather lovely about a handmade turtle. They are slow, steady, comforting, and full of character — a bit like the best kind of craft project. Not rushed, not fussy, just quietly adorable and very satisfying to finish.