The main places to buy knitting supplies

You can buy knitting supplies at yarn shops, big-box craft stores, online retailers, and secondhand sources. Each has different prices, selection, and return policies. A yarn shop near you will let you feel the yarn before buying and get information from staff who knit. A craft chain like Michaels or Joann carries basic needles and yarn but may have less selection and higher prices. Online retailers like KnitPicks, Webs, and Amazon ship to your door and often have lower prices, but you cannot touch the yarn first. Thrift stores and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and eBay sell used supplies at steep discounts.

The best choice depends on what you need, how much you want to spend, and whether you value in-person help. Most knitters use a mix of all four — a local shop for information and specialty yarn, a big-box store for needles and basic supplies, online for bulk orders and hard-to-find items, and secondhand sources for bargains.

Key Takeaways

  • Local yarn shops offer hands-on help and let you feel yarn before buying, but typically charge more than online retailers.
  • Craft chains like Michaels and Joann stock basic needles, yarn, and patterns at mid-range prices and run frequent sales.
  • Online retailers like KnitPicks, Webs, and Etsy often have lower prices and wider selection, but shipping takes time and you cannot inspect yarn in person.
  • Thrift stores, estate sales, and secondhand marketplaces sell used needles and yarn at a fraction of retail price.
  • Buying in bulk online and waiting for sales at chain stores can cut your costs significantly if you knit regularly.

Local yarn shops and what to expect

A yarn shop is a store that sells yarn, needles, patterns, and knitting books. Staff usually knit themselves and can recommend yarn for your project, help you pick the right needle size, and troubleshoot problems. You can hold the yarn, feel its weight and texture, and see the true color in natural light — something photos online cannot always show. Many shops also host knitting circles or classes, which is useful if you are learning.

Yarn shops charge more than online retailers because they pay rent and staff. A skein of yarn that costs $8 online might cost $12 in a shop. However, the information and community often justify the price, especially when you are starting out or working on a difficult pattern. Most shops will accept returns or exchanges if you change your mind within a week or two, though policies vary.

To find a yarn shop near you, search "yarn shop near me" or check Ravelry, a free website where knitters list and review local shops. Call ahead to confirm hours and ask whether they have the yarn weight or color you need.

Craft chains: Michaels, Joann, and Hobby Lobby

Michaels, Joann, and Hobby Lobby are large craft stores with locations across the United States. They carry yarn, needles, stitch markers, row counters, and patterns. Their prices are lower than yarn shops but higher than online retailers. A skein of basic acrylic yarn costs $3 to $6, and needle sets run $5 to $15.

These stores run frequent sales and coupons. Michaels and Joann send email coupons for 40% to 50% off a single item, which stacks with their weekly sales. Hobby Lobby does not offer coupons but runs rotating sales on yarn and supplies. If you sign up for their email lists, you will see sales before they happen in-store.

The downside is that staff at chain stores often do not knit and cannot give detailed information. Selection is also smaller — they may stock only one or two colors of a yarn brand, and specialty items like bamboo needles or luxury yarn are rare. These stores work well if you know exactly what you need and want to save money through sales.

Online retailers and shipping costs

KnitPicks is an online retailer owned by Craft Yarn Council. They sell their own yarn brand and needles at low prices — a skein of their merino wool costs $6 to $8, and bamboo needle sets cost $8 to $12. Shipping is $3 to $5 for orders under $50 and free for orders over $50. Delivery takes 5 to 10 business days.

Webs (also called Yarn.com) carries hundreds of yarn brands and needle types. Prices are similar to KnitPicks, and they offer free shipping on orders over $75. They also have a clearance section with discounts up to 70% off, though selection changes daily.

Etsy is a marketplace where independent dyers and small yarn companies sell directly. You can find hand-dyed yarn, specialty fibers, and unique needle designs. Prices vary widely — some sellers charge $8 a skein, others $20 or more. Shipping is usually $5 to $10, and delivery takes 1 to 3 weeks depending on the seller's location.

Amazon carries yarn and needles from many brands. Prices are competitive, and Prime members get free two-day shipping. However, quality varies — some yarn on Amazon is old stock or lower quality than the same brand sold elsewhere. Read reviews carefully and check the seller before buying.

The main trade-off with online shopping is that you cannot feel the yarn or see the true color before it arrives. Many online retailers accept returns within 30 days if the yarn is unused, so you can order, inspect it at home, and send it back if it is not what you expected.

Secondhand and budget options

Thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army often have bags of yarn and used needles for $1 to $5. The yarn is usually older and may have been stored poorly, but if you are learning or making a practice project, secondhand yarn works fine. Check the fiber content on the label — acrylic and wool are common, but you may find cotton, linen, or blends.

Estate sales and garage sales are another source. Search "estate sale near me" or check Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for people selling yarn collections. You may find vintage needles, rare yarn, or large quantities at a fraction of retail price. Meet the seller in a public place and inspect the yarn before paying.

eBay and Facebook Marketplace also sell used yarn and needles. Prices range from $2 to $10 per skein depending on the brand and condition. Factor in shipping costs, which can be $5 to $15 depending on weight. Read seller reviews and ask questions about the yarn's age and storage before buying.

Buying secondhand works best if you are not picky about color or brand, or if you are looking for a specific rare yarn. For everyday knitting, secondhand is a good way to build your stash cheaply.

Comparing prices across stores

The same yarn costs different amounts at different stores. A 100-gram skein of Caron Cakes acrylic yarn might cost $6 at KnitPicks, $8 at Michaels full price, $5 on sale at Joann, and $4 at a thrift store. Specialty yarn like merino or cashmere blends varies even more — $12 to $15 online, $18 to $22 at a yarn shop.

To save money, compare prices before buying. Use Google Shopping to search for a specific yarn and see prices across retailers. Sign up for email lists at Michaels and Joann to catch sales. If you knit regularly, buying in bulk during sales and storing yarn at home is cheaper than buying small amounts as you need them.

Keep in mind that the cheapest option is not always the best. A yarn shop may charge more, but the information and ability to return yarn you do not like is worth the extra cost if you are new to knitting. Online retailers are best if you know what you want and are willing to wait for shipping.

What to look for when buying supplies

Before you buy yarn, check the fiber content, weight, and yardage on the label. Fiber content tells you whether the yarn is wool, acrylic, cotton, or a blend — this affects how the finished project will feel and wash. Weight describes the thickness: lace, fingering, sport, worsted, and bulky are common categories. Yardage tells you how much yarn is in the skein, which matters for calculating whether you have enough for your project.

For needles, the size and material matter. Needle size is marked in millimeters or US sizes — your pattern will tell you which size to use. Material affects how the yarn slides: bamboo needles grip the yarn and are good for slippery fibers or beginners, while metal needles are fast and smooth. Circular needles work for flat and in-the-round projects, while straight needles are traditional and cheaper.

When buying online, read customer reviews to see whether the yarn color matches the photo and whether the needles feel comfortable. When buying in person, hold the yarn and needles to see if you like how they feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to buy yarn online or in a store?

Online retailers like KnitPicks and Webs are usually cheaper per skein, but shipping costs add up on small orders. A yarn shop charges more per skein but no shipping. For a single project, a yarn shop may cost the same or less. For bulk orders or regular knitting, online is cheaper if you order over the free-shipping threshold.

Can I return yarn if I do not like it?

Most yarn shops accept returns within one to two weeks if the yarn is unused and the label is intact. Online retailers like KnitPicks and Webs accept returns within 30 days. Thrift stores and secondhand sellers usually do not accept returns, so inspect the yarn carefully before paying.

What is the difference between acrylic and wool yarn?

Acrylic is synthetic, cheap, and straightforward to care for — you can machine wash it. Wool is natural, warmer, and more elastic, but it costs more and requires hand washing. Acrylic is better for learning or practice projects. Wool is better for finished items you will wear.

Do I need to buy needles in a specific size?

Yes. Your knitting pattern will specify a needle size in millimeters or US sizes. Using the wrong size changes how the finished project fits and looks. You can use any brand or material, but the size must match the pattern.

Where can I find rare or discontinued yarn?

Ravelry has a "Yarn Stash" section where knitters buy and sell yarn from their collections. eBay and Etsy also sell discontinued yarn. Expect to pay more than retail because the yarn is no longer made. Check the fiber content and yardage carefully, as old yarn may have faded or dried out.