If you’re responsible for sourcing yarn for a business—whether it’s 50 skeins for a sample run or 500 for a production run—the answer to “what stores sell yarn” is frustratingly simple: it depends on what you actually need, and most people get this wrong.
I’m the office administrator for a mid-size design studio. I manage all our material ordering—roughly $150,000 annually across 12 vendors. When I took over purchasing in 2020, I assumed yarn was yarn. It’s the most expensive lesson I’ve learned in this job. Here’s what has actually worked for me, and what has burned me.
The short answer: It’s not about the store—it’s about the weight and consistency
People ask me “where do you buy yarn” all the time, expecting a name. They want a magic store. But the real answer is: if you don’t know what yarn weight you need, every store is the wrong store.
Size 4 yarn weight (worsted weight) is the most common for standard projects, but even “size 4” varies between brands. A Lion Brand size 4 can be noticeably thicker than a Cascade size 4. The assumption is that scale is the problem—the reality is consistency. If you’re ordering for consistent output, you can’t mix brands, even if they’re the same listed weight.
So, first: determine your exact yarn weight and preferred fiber (acrylic, wool, blend). Then, and only then, look at stores.
Where I actually buy: three channels, three different uses
1. Big-box craft stores (for quick samples and small orders)
Michaels, Joann, Hobby Lobby. These are fine if you need 2-3 skeins for a prototype, or you’re experimenting. They have decent selection of size 4 yarn and some specialty lines. Here’s the thing: they are terrible for production runs. Prices are retail, not wholesale. And you can’t guarantee they’ll have the same dye lot next month.
I once ordered 40 skeins of what I thought was the same color from Joann. Two weeks later, the dye lot was different. The “dark gray” was visibly lighter. We had to re-knit a sample. That cost us $800 in labor and materials. Now I only use them for one-offs.
2. Specialty online retailers (for consistent mid-volume orders)
Webs (yarn.com), KnitPicks, LoveCrafts. These are my go-to for orders of 10-100 skeins. They carry consistent brands, often have detailed specs, and their customer service people actually understand yarn. They can tell you, “This Indiecita Alpaca is slightly thinner than a standard worsted weight, so adjust your needle size.” That’s gold.
The best part of finally systematizing our sourcing here: no more 3am worry sessions about whether the order will arrive—their inventory systems are updated daily, and shipping is predictable.
3. Wholesale distributors (for production runs of 100+ skeins)
This is where most small businesses stop. If you’re doing a production run—say, 200 skeins of organic cotton in the same lot—you need a distributor or direct-from-mill sourcing. Companies like Bossa (if they carry yarns) or specialized textile distributors. You’ll pay less per unit, but you’ll also wait longer (4-8 weeks).
I have mixed feelings about this channel. On one hand, the cost savings are real—up to 40% less per skein. On the other hand, minimum order quantities can be painful if your design changes.
The biggest mistake I see: buying velvet bed sheets from a craft store
This sounds absurd, but I’ve had two designers ask me to source “velvet bed sheets” for a fabric project. They assumed a craft store would have the same quality velvet you’d find from a textile supplier. Nope. Craft store velvet yarn is novelty yarn—it’s not designed for durability. If you need a velvet-like fiber for a product you’ll sell, you need a proper textile supplier, not a “store that sells yarn.”
The same goes for specialty materials like carbon fiber sheets or silk blends. Searches like “best silk sheets” or “how to tell if carbon fiber is real” are consumer queries, not sourcing queries. If you’re asking that, you’re probably not in the right channel.
When local stores are actually better
There’s a persistent myth that local yarn stores (LYS) are always more expensive. That’s often true—but not always.
The “local is always faster” thinking comes from an era before modern logistics. Today, a well-organized online retailer can be just as fast. But if you need a specific color, a small amount, and you need it today, a local store is your only option. I keep a running tab of three local stores I call for emergency samples. That’s saved me twice this year.
Boundary conditions: when nothing above applies
All of this advice breaks down if:
- You’re sourcing hand-spun yarn (boutique market). That’s not a “store” question—that’s a producer question.
- You’re looking for bio-based or specialty eco-yarns. These often aren’t carried by big stores. You need to contact mills like Bossa directly.
- You’re buying for a one-time hobby project. Then any craft store is fine. Don’t overthink it.
The question isn’t “what stores sell yarn.” It’s “what are you actually trying to make, and how consistent does it need to be.” Answer that first, then the store reveals itself.
Pricing referenced as of January 2025. Verify current rates at specific retailers—they change regularly.