Where (and how) to Shop for Yarn Online
Do you feel lost after the closing of JoAnn fabrics? Is the LYS in your area non-existent or inaccessible? Don’t fret! Today we’re going to go over all of my favorite places to shop for yarn online as a United States based customer.
FIBER SUMMARY
Let’s start by addressing one of the most common concerns with buying yarn online - “how will I know if I like it without ever having touched/seen it in real life?”
This is where knowledge of different fibers and their properties is key. So let’s go over some common fibers and what properties you can generally expect from them.
Wool - This fiber is the workhorse of the fiber arts community. Though there are many types of wool, they share these qualities: have “memory”/hold their shape, are naturally dirt and water-resistant, odor-resistant, and temperature-regulating. You can find it offered in every yarn weight and is commonly included in mixed compositions. The softness of the wool will heavily depend on the breed of sheep, with merino being extremely popular for its next-to-skin softness and other breed-specific wools, like Blue Faced Leicester, known for their rustic durability. When I see wool in a fiber composition, I know that the yarn will be durable, elastic, and breathable.
Alpaca - Alpaca is primarily known for its softness, especially baby Alpaca. It has many of the benefits of wool (odor-resistant, dirt and water-resistant) while also being hypoallergenic because of its lack of lanolin. Making it a great alternative for those allergic to wool. The structure of alpaca fiber also lends to it being generally more insulating than wool. However, due to its softness, it tends to stretch out over time (less elastic) and is overall less durable. I always look for alpaca in my yarns when I want a luxe feel without the cashmere price tag.
Cotton - Another workhorse of the fiber world, cotton comes in many types and treatments. Ranging from coarse and durable crafting cottons to fine strands of smooth Pima. Cotton is generally: non-elastic, durable, easy care (aka machine washable), and breathable. The softness of the cotton highly depends on the type (e.g., Pima, Egyptian), number of plys (more plys = smoother/softer), and any treatments (e.g. mercerized cottons). I lean towards cottons when making easy-care, summer-friendly projects. One thing to watch out for is that this fiber loves to stretch out when worked at non-tight gauges!
Linen - This fiber is like cotton’s cool aunt. She’s been around for a while, and she has her little quirks, but there’s no one better. Linen retains its shape much better than cotton, is more durable when wet (the only fiber that does this, btw), and still maintains its breathability. Some common complaints are that it’s not quite as soft as cotton, but it does soften with age, meaning your makes will only become better with time. Any time I can find a cotton-linen blend, it’s my go-to summer choice!
Tencel/Rayon - This is the first “man-made” fiber on this list. Produced from cellulose products (making it technically plant-based), this fiber was first created as an “imitation silk” in the 1850s, but didn’t become widely available until the 1910s and 20s. Imitation silk is a perfect term for this fiber; it has the sheen and softness associated with silk, creating fabric with a beautiful drape. However, silk is a protein fiber that generally holds its shape; rayon’s plant-based structure means that it can endlessly grow and stretch, quickly losing its shape in structured garments. My advice is to save this fiber for projects like shawls or scarves, where the fabric will shine without frustration when it inevitably grows several inches with wear.
Mohair - This fiber has been incredibly popular over the last 5 years, with countless patterns calling for a strand of mohair yarn to be held alongside another. Mohair is created from the long hair of angora goats, with kid mohair coming from young goats. It adds extra insulation to your projects and creates a gorgeous halo effect that makes everything feel luxe. It is generally sold as a lace-weight yarn with a roughly 70/30 mohair/silk composition. While my skin doesn’t tolerate even the softest mohairs (trust me, I’ve tried so many!), I still admire it from afar. For those sensitive like me, brushed alpaca makes a great alternative!
Silk - Easily one of my favorite fibers, silk is durable, soft, and gentle on the skin. While you can easily find silk yarn with a classic smooth and shiny finish, bourette silk is my favorite. It is made from the short waste fibers produced during spinning long filament (shiny) silk. It has a matte/sateen finish and typically consists of a slub texture. This type of silk was recently re-popularized with the love for Knitting For Olive’s Pure Silk, which is featured in several popular modern knitting patterns.
Acrylic/Synthetics - Like all other fibers in this list, not all are created equal. Synthetic content in a yarn does not automatically make it bad! While some 100% acrylic yarns are notorious for their scratchy and squeaky texture, others are created to be smooth and soft. They are a great option for those who need clothing care to be quick and easy, especially for those crafting for kids. I always look for a touch of synthetic fiber (e.g. Nylon, polyamide) for my projects that need extra durability (e.g. socks) or to help prevent fibers like cotton from stretching out over time.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of what to expect from each fiber, make sure to carefully read through the fiber composition and suggested projects for the yarns you’re considering.
If you’re like me and are looking for more user reviews, this is where Ravelry is going to be your best friend. Almost every yarn has a page on Ravelry with its general info, but also links to users’ projects. I love reading through people’s notes and seeing colorways in different lighting. I’ve even been known to message a stranger or two with some questions about the yarn (95% of the time they answer and are happy to help!)
My last recommendation, if you need more help, is Reddit. Subreddits like r/knittinghelp are full of people quite literally looking to help and/or learn. If you’re unsure if a yarn and pattern are a match, drop your question in there! If you’re ordering yarn online (especially from an LYS) they would also be happy to help :)
WHERE TO SHOP
When shopping online, you’ll typically find 2 kinds of merchants: retailers who carry a wide variety of brands, or directly from a brand/manufacturer. My preference is always to shop from an LYS online; this way, you get the chance to support a small business and can be practically guaranteed stellar customer service from a fellow crafter.
Retailers
Wool and Company - Fantastic customer service, they are happy to answer any questions you have + free shipping on all orders. They carry everything from budget to high-end luxury options.
Wool Warehouse - Broad selection including lots of budget-friendly brands (e.g., drops). Tariffs calculated and paid up front + affordable shipping options
Apricot Yarns - An LYS that I love in San Diego, they stock brands that I have trouble regularly finding and a super helpful staff to answer all your questions!
Good Yarn - One of my new favorites! This Portland-based store sells bobbin yarn by the gram, meaning you can get a single cone of exactly how much yarn you need. They even carry specialty yarns like sequins and Lurex.
Jimmy Beans Wool - Is an option I have yet to try, but have heard plenty of rave reviews. They were recently acquired by a private equity firm that promptly fired a large portion of staff, which does make me wary of quality in the coming years.
Brands
Purl SoHo - This brand is owned by a wonderful sister duo who create a wide variety of luxe-feeling yarns. They’ve created several popular yarns like Linen Quill and Note.
Knitting for Olive - If you’ve spent any time in the knitting space, you know this brand. Their streamlined offering of natural fibers comes in a vast variety of colorways. They have a gorgeous pattern catalog to shop from as well. While you can find them stocked in the US, if you’re ordering larger quantities, ordering directly may be the more affordable option.
Hobbii - This Copenhagen-based company carries some other brands, but generally focuses on its own in-store brand. In the past few years, they have expanded their offering to include more natural fiber options, like their “Friends” line (which I love!). They also offer bulk discounts, making it a great place to shop for multiple projects at once.
