The rise in online yarn stores means it's now easier than ever to get your favourite yarn delivered directly to your door. But there are so many benefits to actually heading to your local yarn store, not least getting to see, feel and squish all of that lovely yarn!
As well as physically getting hands on with those lovely fibres, you'll also find that sometimes seeing a yarn with your own eyes makes a big difference – certain colours or finishes to yarn can look very different on-screen to how they look in person.
Your local yarn stores can also be a treasure trove of knowledge and resources. They're often the best place to learn about community crafting events and classes, and some also run social events so you can meet with like-minded crocheters and maybe find your new crafty bestie!
The majority of local wool shops are also passionate about locally produced yarn and you will often find yarns in-store that are not available or only have a small presence online.
Owners of yarn stores will often go that extra mile to help a customer - Yarn out of stock? They'll try and help you source some more. Want some advice? Well, they work in a yarn shop, that's pretty much a guarantee of their expertise.
You can also find our new Shop of the Month feature in Simply Crochet magazine where we explore a different UK yarn store every month!
Best wool shops near me
Read on to discover local yarn shops or use the links below to jump to the area you're looking for.
- England - North East
- England - North West
- England - Central and Midlands
- England - East
- England - South East
- England - South West
- London yarn shops
- Wales yarn shops
- Scotland yarn shops
- Ireland & Northern Ireland yarn shops
England - North East yarn stores
Fine Fettle Fibres
- Studio 6, Gallery 45, 45 Main Street, Felton, Morpeth, Northumberland NE65 9PP
- 01670 600001
- www.finefettlefibres.uk
- Wed - Sat 10am-4:30pm
For a truly British yarn souvenir, plan a visit to Fine Fettle Fibres during your holidays!
A champion of artisan yarns and local designers, the shop specialises in British and fair trade yarns in natural fibres, including a selection of local hand-dyed and hand-spun yarns.
The shop stocks patterns from local professional designers, and yarn brands include Baa Ram Ewe, Blacker, Cambrian Mountains Wool, Erika Knight, Garthenor, Jamieson & Smith, Walcot Yarns, Whistlebare, BareFaced, Natural Born Dyers, and Manos del Uruguay.
Owner Judith Goodfellow offers support for customers as well with knitting groups and workshops. Just a mile off the A1, nearby is Alnwick Castle, Northumbrian beaches and Howick Hall. Fine Fettle Fibres is part of Gallery 45, a shopping area dedicated to craft-related businesses.
Lucy Locket Land
- 53 Dovedale Road, Seaburn, Sunderland SR6 8LP
- www.lucylocketland.co.uk
- Mon 10am-3pm,
- Tues, Thurs, Fri & Sat 10am-4pm,
Lucy Locket Land is more than just a shop: it is a meeting place and creative hub where ideas and enthusiasm are shared. The overriding ethos of the shop is a sense of community and that crafting helps – mentally, emotionally, physically. The kettle is always on, visitors are encouraged to sit and chat about their influences, interests, projects and plans and leave as friends.
Owner Lucy McKelvey stocks all natural fibres and mostly small UK producers: her own Lucy Locket Land Yarns, Jamieson & Smith, Jamieson’s of Shetland, alpaca from The Border Mill, alpaca from individual animals, Adriafil and Opal sock yarn. Also in shop is a range of locally produced art and craft items.
England - North West
Black Sheep Wools’ Craft Barn
- Warehouse Studios, Glaziers Lane, Culcheth, Warrington, Cheshire WA3 4AQ
- 01925 764231
- www.blacksheepwools.com
- Mon-Sat 9am-5pm
- Sun & Bank Holidays 10am-4pm
Although Black Sheep Wools’ Craft Barn is one of the largest yarn shops in the UK, the dedicated owners and staff still view it as a village local wool shop run by yarn enthusiasts. With a tea shop and workshop area, visitors can easily make a day trip of it!
Black Sheep Wools hosts workshops by big names including Kaffe Fassett, Jane Crowfoot, and Arne and Carlos. Brands stocked include Scheepjes, Sirdar, Coop Knits, Baa Ram Ewe and Rowan.
Located five minutes from the M6 and M62, it's a great place to stop en route to the Lake District or North Wales.
Mrs Johnson’s Emporium
- 29-31 Bond Street, South Shore, Blackpool FY4 1BQ
- 01253 404550
- www.MrsJohnsonsEmporium.co.uk
- Mon-Fri 10am-3pm, open one Saturday a month
Situated in a former Victorian bank, Mrs Johnson’s Emporium gives visitors the feeling of stepping back in time.
The vast space is crammed with luscious colours and crafting delights. A large range of Stylecraft yarns are always in stock with selections from King Cole, James C Brett, Rico, Sirdar, Grundle, Adriafil, Yarn Stories, Coastal Colours, Lancashire Farm Wool and WYS filling the shelves. A selection of more than 8,000 buttons means even the pickiest cardigan maker can find the perfect fastening!
With all the family delights of Blackpool, including The Pleasure Beach, The Sand Castle and Blackpool Tower on offer, Mrs Johnson’s Emporium should be an easy destination to fit into the holiday schedule.
Handmade by You
- 38 Curzon St, Maryport, Cumbria CA15 6DA
- 07795 512689
- Facebook.com/Handmadebymaryport
- Mon-Sat 9am-2:30pm
Handmade by You is situated in a seaside town on the edge of the Lake District. Visitors can stock up on yarns including Stylecraft, King Cole, Rico, James C Brett, Sirdar, DMC and WYS.
England - Central & Midlands
Horncastle Hobby House
- 25 North Street, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 5DX
- 01507 522659
- www.horncastlehobbyhouse.co.uk
- Mon-Tues, Thurs-Sat 9:15am-4pm
This traditional local wool shop stocks Katia, King Cole, Woolcraft and Wendy yarns. Other goodies include patterns, haberdashery, buttons and a large selection of ribbons.
Ewe & Ply
Shrewbury Store:
- Ewe & Ply, Gallery Level, Market Hall, Shrewsbury SY1 1HQ
- 01691 587467 or 07702563632
- https://eweandply.co.uk/
- Tues - Sat 10am-4pm
Oswestry Store:
- Ewe & Ply and the Eclectic Tearoom, 11, English Walls Oswestry SY11 2PA
- 01691 587467 or 07702563632
- Tuesday 1pm- 4:30pm
- Weds - Sat 9:30am-4pm
Stocking yarn from big name brands like Schoppewolle and Drops, to UK hand-spun/dyed yarns like West Yorkshire Spinners and Gwlan Cambrian Wool, and even the shops very own Shropshire ply yarn!
This yarn shop originally made its home inside the Shrewbury Market Hall, but the success of that store has now led to them opening a second store in Oswestry. Terri and Becci have created a store that is a haven for fibre-lovers, as well as being some of the friendliest and most helpful yarn store owners out there!
The Wool Shop
- 13 Broad Street, Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 1NG
- 01584 872988
- www.ludlow-woolshop.co.uk
- Mon-Sat 10am-4pm
A trip to Ludlow Castle will be made all the better when you can pop into The Wool Shop. Claire Brindley hopes to pass on her passion for knitting, crochet and quilting to customers to keep these fantastic crafts alive.
The carefully selected range of yarns features Rowan, Sirdar, DMC, King Cole, Wendy, Peter Pan, Navia and Sublime, providing quality materials to make a garment or heirloom that knitters and crocheters can cherish for many years.
Tourist attractions in Ludlow include the Ludlow Food Festival, the Medieval Festival and the Spring Festival at the castle, a local market in the town square held most days of the week, and many historical buildings with blue plaques (The Wool Shop included!)
England - East
Crates of Wool
- 8A East St, Ware, Hertfordshire SG12 9HJ
- 01920 463436
- www.cratesofwool.co.uk
- Tues - Sat 10am-4pm
Crates of Wool supplies yarn lovers with mainstream brands as well as locally dyed natural fibres. The shop hosts a range of drop-in sessions each week, including knitting and crochet clubs, which has built a cheerful and connected crafting community. Ware boasts a range of cafés and canal walks.
England - South East
The Fibreworks
- 10a Middle Row, Chipping Norton, Oxon OX7 5NH
- 01608 645970
- www.thefibreworks.co.uk
- Tues-Sat 10am-4pm
The Fibreworks is a small shop packed with colour and a wide range of yarns, with a focus on natural fibres and yarns from small-scale producers such as The Fibre Co. and local spinners and dyers. Yarn lovers will also find West Yorkshire Spinners, Lang, Rowan, Rico and Erika Knight. UK stockist of the Lykke needles and a full range of interchangeable circulars, long and short straight, DPNs and crochet hooks.
Located between Oxford and Stratford in the midst of the glorious Cotswold countryside, it is a must-see for those visiting the Rollright Stones, Blenheim Palace, the Cotswold Wildlife Park and picturesque Cotswold villages.
The Eternal Maker
- 41 Terminus Road, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 8TX
- 01243 788174
- www.eternalmaker.com
- Mon-Weds & Fri 10am-5pm
- Sat 10am - 4pm
A short walk from the centre of scenic Chichester, The Eternal Maker is a welcome haven for knitters and crocheters – and if you’re peckish, the yarn department even has its own on-site café, The Eternal Baker!
Owner Anna Hodgson says the shop aims for a welcoming and social environment, where yarn lovers can sit on a comfy couch, eat some scrummy cake and meet other like-minded folk. A small selection of independently dyed yarns feature alongside brands like Rowan and Adriafil.
Ida’s House
- 27 High Street, Caterham on the Hill, Surrey CR3 5UE
- 01883 345220
- www.idashouse.co.uk
- Mon-Tues, Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm
Ida’s House welcomes all levels of knitters and crocheters, with plenty of support on hand in the shop and at their twice-weekly social evenings.
Located near Croydon, the shop supports up-and-coming designers, with patterns and books from the likes of Renee Callaghan and Anna Maltz. Yarns include the ever-popular Stylecraft, Sirdar and Baa Ram Ewe, and speciality brands such as Isager, Fine Fish Yarns and Rooster. Jayne Coleman from Ida’s House also shares her addiction to fibre tools, by offering customers a wide range of scissors and quirky accessories.
England - South West
Alterknit Universe
- 39 Main Road, Cleeve, North Somerset BS49 4NS
- www.alterknituniverse.co.uk
- Thurs-Sun 11am-5pm
- Knitting Group Sun 1-5pm
Alterknit Universe is a mecca for natural, recycled, local and ethical fibres. From a wide range of West Yorkshire Spinners’ yarns to coveted skeins of indie-dyed Stranded Dyeworks yarns, as well as gorgeous spinning fibre, anyone travelling near Bristol can stop by to pick up a special souvenir.
Knowledgeable staff offer help with patterns and projects, and the shop hosts a weekly knitting group, as well as classes and workshops.
Wool
- 19 Old Orchard Street, Bath BA1 1JU
- 01225 469144
- www.woolbath.co.uk
- Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm
A visit to the scenic Roman Baths is even more appealing when you know there is a lovely little yarn shop just around the corner!
Wool carefully sources beautiful yarns from all over the UK and the world, and encourages visitors to take their time, squish the yarn and enjoy the friendly service they’ll find inside. Yarns in their ranges include old favourites such as King Cole, Rowan, Adriafil and Rico, with exquisite Fyberspates, Coop Knits, Erika Knight and West Yorkshire Spinners ensuring a special souvenir of a visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
The Slipped Stitch
- 1 Cheap Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3PT
- 01935 508249
- Tues-Sat 9.30am-4.30pm
If two castles and Sherborne Abbey weren’t enough to please a visitor to Sherborne, surely The Slipped Stitch will delight a yarn lover!
Fibres from pure wools to acrylics, and yarns to suit any budget, the shop is the exclusive stockist of hand-dyed yarns by Roosters Folly, as well as Sirdar, King Cole, West Yorkshire Spinners and Zauberballs.
London yarn shops
Knit with Attitude
- 127 Stoke Newington High Street, London N16 0PH
- 020 7998 3282
- www.knitwithattitude.com
- Mon-Sat 10am-6pm
Knit With Attitude focuses on ethically, environmentally and sustainably produced yarns from around the world. The shop ensures that all the yarns in stock can be traced back to good practices at all levels, from animal welfare to fair wages and good working conditions for employees.
This care and attention means that most of the yarns in store come from small producers and companies who are equally passionate, such as John Arbon (an independently-owned mill in Devon), Manos del Uruguay (certified Fair Trade), Växbo Lingarn (from a traditional watermill in Sweden), Hedgehog Fibres (independently hand-dyed yarns from Ireland), Hey Mama Wolf (naturally dyed yarn from Germany), Purl Alpaca (undyed British alpaca), and Fyberspates (a British company ethically sourcing yarns from Peru).
The London neighbourhood of Stoke Newington has a fierce independent spirit and small village vibe.
Loop
- 15 Camden Passage, Islington, London N1 8EA
- 020 7288 1160
- www.loopknitting.com
- Weds-Sat 11:30am-5:30pm
- Sun 12-5pm
Any seriously dedicated yarn enthusiast will eventually make the pilgrimage to Loop in the capital! The north London shop showcases the most beautiful and unique yarns and haberdashery that owner Susan Cropper can find – she sources one-of-a-kind and quirky tools, and attends vintage fairs looking for unusual things for the shop. It’s always a treat to visit.
Loop works closely with independent yarn producers and dyers, as well as designers who make patterns from some of the yarns the shop stocks. In store you’ll find UK hand-dyed brands Eden Cottage Yarns, Old Maiden Aunt, and The Uncommon Thread, as well as Quince + Co., Brooklyn Tweed and mYak.
Located in the heart of Islington, an incredible range of restaurants and cafés, the Almeida Theatre and the Union Chapel guarantee a great visit.
Wales yarn shops
The Wool Croft & The Make House
- 14 Nevill Street, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 5AD
- 01873 851551
- www.thewoolcroft.co.uk
- Tues-Sat 10am-5pm
TheWoolCroft stocks ‘the good stuff’: irresistible wools, alpaca, silk and Egyptian cottons in a range of beautiful colours. Notable brands include Ystrad Organics Welsh wool, Cambrian Mountains, Noro, Sublime, Rowan, West Yorkshire Spinners, Regia and Katia. Knit Pro, Pony and Clover cover the needles and haberdashery.
The Wool Croft is located in the centre of Abergavenny, opposite the bustling Market Hall.
Clare Wools
- 13 Great Darkgate St, Aberystwyth SY23 1DE
- 01970 617786
- www.clarewools.co.uk
- Mon-Sat 9am-4pm
Dolphin watchers at Cardigan Bay can pop into Clare Wools to find a selection of local Welsh undyed yarn from Cwmchrefru, near Builth Wells. Sirdar, Hayfield, Sublime, Rowan, King Cole, James C. Brett and Araucania yarns are also available.
Yarn O’Clock
- 2 Earl Road, Mold, Flintshire CH7 1AJ
- 01352 218082
- www.yarnoclock.co.uk
- Weds-Fri 10am-5pm
- Sat 10am-4pm
Yarn O’Clock strives to keep their stock as natural and local as possible, with indie dyers and local companies such as Fyberspates. Other British brands include John Arbon, WYS, Triskelion, Erika Knight, Town End Yarns, Cambrian Wool and more.
Scotland yarn shops
Ginger Twist Studio
- 11 London Road, Edinburgh EH7 5AP
- 07599 479445
- www.gingertwiststudio.com
- Weds 11am-6pm
- Thurs - Sat 11am-5pm
- Sun 11am-4pm
Tourists to Edinburgh won’t want to miss Ginger Twist Studio – the adorable aqua exterior beckons knitters and crocheters to pop inside the petite shop. Owner Jessica James-Thomson carefully curates a range of yarns squeezed into the tiny space, including her own range of luxury hand-dyed yarns (Ginger’s Hand Dyed), West Yorkshire Spinners, Brigantia, Brooklyn Tweed and more.
A ten-minute walk from Holyrood Palace and the Parliament, visitors can pick up a holiday yarny keepsake, from exquisite lace weight to fun chunky wool, while they're exploring the city.
Wool for Ewe
- 83-85 Rosemount Place, Aberdeen AB25 2YE
- 01224 643738
- www.woolforewe.com
- Weds-Sat 10am-5pm
With the promise of “yarn for every budget, patterns for every style’”, visitors are unlikely to walk away from Wool for Ewe empty-handed! A wide range of brands includes Lopi, Jamieson’s of Shetland, Rowan, Sublime, Sirdar, Woolcraft, Stylecraft, DMC, Baa Ram Ewe, Erika Knight, Wool & The Gang, Regia, Viridian Yarns and Zauberball.
In addition, the shop supports local indie dyers such as Cookston Crafts, a local dyer based within 20 miles of Wool for Ewe, and Accidental Shepherd, which produces yarn from sheep surrounding Aberdeen. Travel souvenirs abound, with yarn bowls from South Lissens Pottery, willow baskets from Deeside, and Harris tweed bags and notions pouches from The Fabulous Mr G.
The Wool Haven
- 21 Langside Place, Glasgow G41 3DL
- 07401 594385
- facebook.com/thewoolhaven
- Tues, Weds, Fri 10am-4pm,
- Sat 10am - 3:30pm
The Wool Haven hosts a vibrant knitting and crochet community, with a monthly Knit2gether group and regular classes in crochet, knitting, finishing, colourwork and intarsia. Popular yarns include King Cole, West Yorkshire Spinners, Woolcraft, Peter Pan, Wendy, Patons and Regia.
The Wool Haven also showcases yarn hand- spun and hand-dyed specifically for the shop, and beautiful wooden yarn bowls made by owner Frances’ husband. Haberdashery features KnitPro Symfonie, Zing, Nova and Pony brands.
The Wool Haven is located in Glasgow Southside’s Langside area, next door to the Queen’s Park.
Ireland and Northern Ireland yarn shops
Row by Roe
- 28 Main Street, Limavady, Co Londonderry BT49 0FJ
- 028 7727 7396
- facebok.com/rowbyroe
- Tues-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm
Row by Roe is a quirky and modern yarn shop in Limavady in the Roe Valley.
Stop by to pick up some gorgeous, local, hand-dyed yarn from Woolly Adventures, DyeCandy and Fine Fish Yarns. Also on offer are Rico Creative, Viridian sock yarn, West Yorkshire Spinners, Studio Donegal, Stylecraft Yarns, Cygnet Yarns, Adriafil, Lion Brand and Baa Ram Ewe, as well as knitting and crochet accessories and gifts.
Of special tourist interest is the location of Row by Roe – the shop is situated on the same street where the famous song ‘Oh Danny Boy’, The Londonderry Air, was composed. Limavady is a small market town steeped in history and is only a few miles from the Giant’s Causeway on the Antrim Coast. Much of the surrounding scenery along the north coast even features in the highly popular fantasy series, Game of Thrones!
JollyYarnCo
- 33 South Street, Newtownards, Co Down BT23 4JT
- 028 91229434
- facebook.com/jollyyarnco
- Mon-Wed, Fri 10am-5pm
- Thurs 10am-5pm & 7-9pm
- Sat 9.30am-4.30pm
Jolly Yarn Co offers a rainbow selection of yarns from Drops, Stylecraft, Cygnet, Studio Donegal and others, as well as a comprehensive selection of needles and accessories.
With easy access for wheelchairs and prams, and with the beautiful Ards Peninsula nearby, the Jolly Yarn Co ensures visitors to Newtownards will feel...jolly!
The Knitting Room
- 99 Malahide Road, Donnycarney, Dublin D03 DY27
- 01 831 4464
- www.theknittingroom.ie
- Tues-Sat 10am-5pm
Visitors taking in the sights of Dublin should not miss The Knitting Room to add some craft-related memories to the holiday!
The Knitting Room prides itself on being “not just a wool shop, but a community of crafters”, with knitting and crochet classes for all levels, and a kids’ club as well. Yarns include Rico, Stylecraft, Noro, King Cole, Rosarios4 and Mondial.
Located on the road from Dublin city to the beautiful coastal village of Malahide, the shop is also near the historic William Chambers house and Casino Marino.
Ordering yarn online
Not everyone can get to their local yarn shop (if they even have one), so if your only option is to order yarn here are some of the best places to buy yarn online.
Support your local yarn store
Purchasing your yarn from your local yarn shop is by far the best way of supporting a small local businesses. Buying yarn online is easy and convenient, but we'd recommend buying your special yarns from local businesses or direct from the manufacturer to ensure you're supporting them as much as you can.
Buy British yarn
If you want to support British yarn brands as well as buying locally, check out our buyers guide of the best British yarn producers.
