Where to Buy Yarn Now That JOANN Fabrics Is ClosingWhen I heard that JOANN Fabrics was closing its doors for good, my heart broke a little. Like a lot of us, JOANN was the store I counted on whenever I needed something in a pinch. Whenever I needed a break, I liked to pop in and browse the aisles and see what fun new products might jump out at me. I especially enjoyed thumbing through the books and magazines. In recent years, they had begun offering a respectable selection of publications. Where we live, JOANN’s was one of the only big retailers to carry yarn, so I’ve really had to think about where I will go in the future. Fortunately, there are plenty of great alternatives to explore, both locally and online. So I’ll look at this closure not as a loss, but as an opportunity to discover something new! For everyone who’s in this boat with me, here’s where you can shop for yarn now that JOANN is closing. Your Local Yarn Store (LYS) Many towns and cities have independent yarn shops that offer a curated selection of high-quality yarns. These small businesses often provide personalized service, unique hand-dyed yarns, eco-friendly options, and even classes for knitters and crocheters. To find a shop near you, try searching for “yarn store near me” on Google or checking with local crafting groups for recommendations. The LYS with an Online Shop Many brick-and-mortar yarn shops also offer online shopping, so you can browse their collections even if they’re not located nearby. In fact, I have used this option several times to get yarn for projects when I run out of yarn and need to find a few skeins fast. When I was living near Denver, Colorado, I ran out of yarn for a design I was making for a publisher (oops!), and I needed to act fast to meet my deadline. I ordered the extra hank from The Loopy Ewe in Fort Collins, and I actually had it in my hands the next day. Now, it does help that I lived only an hour away from their store – but that’s still pretty impressive! I also frequently purchase yarn from Wool & Co. in South Elgin, Illinois; Jimmy Beans Wool in Reno, Nevada; and Little Knits in Seattle, Washington. Big Box Stores Craft stores like Michaels and Hobby Lobby are also good alternatives, as they carry a wide variety of popular yarns, tools, and patterns. They also carry their own house brands like Loops & Threads and Yarn Bee. Be sure to check their websites for sales and coupons to get the best deals. Online Yarn Retailers If you prefer the convenience of shopping from home, there are many online yarn retailers with extensive selections: We Crochet and KnitPicks – Offer affordable and high-quality yarn in a variety of fibers and weights. WEBS (America’s Yarn Store) – Stocks a huge selection of yarns, tools, and patterns. Lovecrafts – A great place for yarn, patterns, and kits, often featuring sales and discounts. Etsy – Home to independent dyers who offer hand-dyed and custom yarns in unique colorways. Herschnerrs – Home to value-priced yarns, kits, and all kinds of needlework. Hobbii – Based in Denmark, Hobbii also has a huge range of yarns to choose from. Crocheters I’ve talked to like the quality and value, stating that they often take advantage of their bulk discount. Buy Direct from Yarn Brands Lion Brand – Home to some perennial favorites, such as Wool Ease and Homespun, this big company and well-loved brand has been family-owned for almost 150 years. Premier Yarns – If you love Premier Yarns, this is the best place to get their yarn. Their website also has this really cool tool you can use to compare colors and plan your project. Universal Yarns – There’s lots to explore on the UY website. In addition to all of their yarns, they also carry kits, tools, bags, and the yarn brands Rico Designs and Fibra Natura. Yarnspirations – Find brands like Red Heart, Caron, Bernat, and Patons here. Local Community and Secondhand Options Don’t forget to check local crafting groups, creative reuse and upcycling centers, thrift stores, and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or eBay. Many crafters sell or trade yarn on Ravelry too, making it a great way to find high-quality materials at a lower cost. Final Thoughts While JOANN Fabrics’ closure is a big change for many of us, it also presents an opportunity to discover new sources for yarn and support small businesses. Whether you shop locally or online, there are plenty of options to keep your stash stocked and your projects going strong!
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