You’ve just finished swatching for your next big project. The gauge is perfect, the stitch pattern sings—and now comes the fun part: buying your yarn. But should you click “Add to Cart” on your favorite online retailer… or grab your keys and head to your local yarn shop (LYS)?
This question sparks friendly (and sometimes passionate!) debates in crafting circles. The truth is, both options have real strengths—and real limitations—depending on your project, budget, timeline, and values.
Whether you’re a seasoned maker or just starting out, knowing when to shop online and when to visit a local store can save you time, money, and even project frustration. In this guide, we’ll break down the key pros and cons of each option, share real-life scenarios where one clearly wins, and offer practical tips to help you make the best choice every time.
Spoiler: You don’t have to pick just one. Many crafters thrive by using a hybrid approach—and by the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to blend the best of both worlds.
The Allure of Online Yarn Shopping: Convenience, Choice, and Deals
Let’s start with the obvious: online yarn shopping is incredibly convenient. With just a few clicks, you can browse thousands of colors, compare prices, read reviews, and have your yarn delivered to your doorstep—often with free shipping.
For crafters in rural areas or those with limited mobility, online stores level the playing field, offering access to the same luxury fibers and indie-dyed skeins as someone living in a major city.
Here’s what makes online shopping shine:
- Unmatched variety: Want a hand-dyed merino-silk blend in “ocean mist”? Chances are, you’ll find it online—even if your local big-box store only carries basic acrylic.
- Lower prices: Online retailers often have fewer overhead costs, allowing them to offer discounts, promotions, and bulk deals.
- Customer reviews: See what others say about softness, yardage accuracy, and color matching before you buy.
- Easy price comparisons: Use apps or browser extensions to find the best deal across multiple sites.
Real example: Sarah from Iowa needed a specific shade of Patons Canadiana for a baby sweater. Her nearest craft store was 90 miles away—and didn’t carry it. She found it online, with free shipping, in under 10 minutes.
Popular online destinations include LoveCrafts, Jimmy Beans Wool, WeCrochet, Amazon, and Etsy (for indie dyers). Many even offer digital pattern bundles or yarn kits that match popular projects.
The Irreplaceable Magic of Local Yarn Stores (LYS)
Now, let’s talk about your local yarn shop—the cozy, fiber-filled haven where skeins line the walls and the staff knows your name.
While online shopping wins on convenience and selection, local yarn stores offer something algorithms can’t replicate: human connection and sensory experience.
Here’s why LYSs remain beloved:
- Touch and feel: You can squeeze, stretch, and drape the yarn to test softness, drape, and stitch definition—critical for projects like garments or baby items.
- Expert advice: Got a gauge issue? Unsure if this cotton will pill? The staff can help troubleshoot in real time.
- Support your community: Your purchase helps keep small businesses alive. Many LYSs also host classes, knit nights, and charity drives.
- Instant gratification: No waiting for shipping—you leave with your yarn in hand, ready to cast on tonight!
A word from a shop owner: “We’ve saved countless projects by helping customers swatch on the spot or suggesting a better fiber for their needs,” says Lisa, owner of “Stitch & Co.” in Portland.
Plus, many LYSs carry local or regional yarns you won’t find online—like small-batch wool from nearby farms or naturally dyed fibers using native plants.
Hidden Drawbacks: What Online and Local Shopping Don’t Tell You
While both options have clear strengths, each comes with less obvious downsides that can impact your project.
Online Shopping Pitfalls
- Color surprises: Screens don’t always reflect true colors. That “soft sage” might arrive looking more like army green.
- Yarn substitution risks: If you run out mid-project, the dye lot might be discontinued—or the retailer may be out of stock.
- Shipping delays: Need yarn for a baby shower next week? A shipping delay could derail your timeline.
- Return hassles: Returning yarn often means paying return shipping—and some sites don’t accept returns on opened skeins.
Local Store Limitations
- Limited selection: Most LYSs can’t stock every brand, weight, or color—especially niche or budget lines.
- Higher prices: Rent, utilities, and trained staff mean local yarn often costs more than online.
- Inconsistent inventory: Your favorite yarn might be here one month and gone the next.
- Geographic access: Over 40% of U.S. counties have no dedicated yarn store within 30 miles (Craft Industry Alliance, 2023).
Pro tip: Always buy extra yarn when shopping online—especially for large projects—to avoid dye lot mismatches.
When to Choose Online (and When to Go Local)
So how do you decide? Here’s a simple decision guide based on common scenarios:
Choose Online When…
- You need a specific, hard-to-find yarn (e.g., discontinued lines, indie-dyed skeins)
- You’re on a tight budget and want the best price
- You’re buying in bulk (many sites offer discounts for 5+ skeins)
- You’re shopping for tools or notions (hooks, stitch markers, project bags)
- You live far from a quality LYS
Choose Local When…
- Touch matters (e.g., for baby items, garments, or sensitive skin)
- You’re unsure about fiber content or weight
- You need immediate help or swatching
- You want to support small businesses
- You’re making a last-minute gift and need it today
Hybrid hack: Visit your LYS to swatch and choose, then check if the same yarn is cheaper online. Some shops even offer price matching!
Smart Shopping Tips for Both Worlds
No matter where you shop, these strategies will help you make better choices:
For Online Shoppers:
- Read dye lot notes: Some sellers include dye lot numbers in product descriptions—ask if they don’t.
- Check return policies: Look for stores with 30+ day returns and free shipping both ways.
- Join newsletters: Many sites offer 10–15% off your first order.
- Use virtual tools: Apps like YarnSub help find close matches if your favorite yarn is discontinued.
For Local Shoppers:
- Ask about sales: Many LYSs discount yarns that have been in stock for 6+ months.
- Join loyalty programs: Earn points toward future purchases or free classes.
- Bring your pattern: Staff can help you calculate yardage and suggest alternatives.
- Visit during off-peak hours: You’ll get more personalized attention (avoid weekends if possible).
And remember: Wash and block a swatch before committing to a large project—whether the yarn came from a website or a shop shelf.
Beyond the Purchase: The Bigger Picture
Your yarn-buying choice isn’t just about convenience or cost—it’s also about what kind of crafting community you want to support.
Online shopping fuels innovation, accessibility, and global connections (think Ravelry forums or Instagram fiber artists). Local shops foster face-to-face mentorship, hands-on learning, and neighborhood creativity.
Consider this: Buying one skein from your LYS might cost $2 more—but that $2 helps keep a space open where a beginner can learn to crochet for the first time, or where cancer patients gather for healing knit-alongs.
There’s room for both. Use online for bulk, rare finds, and tools. Use local for tactile decisions, urgent needs, and community engagement.
As one longtime crocheter put it: “I shop online like I browse a library catalog—but I visit my LYS like I visit a friend.”
Conclusion: Choose Wisely, Stitch Happily
Yarn shopping—whether online or in-store—isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. The best choice depends on your project, priorities, and values.
In this guide, we’ve explored how:
- Online shopping offers unmatched selection, convenience, and value
- Local yarn stores provide sensory feedback, expert guidance, and community
- Both have hidden pitfalls—from color mismatches to limited inventory
- A hybrid approach often gives you the best of both worlds
So next time you’re planning a project, ask yourself:
- Do I need to feel this yarn? → Go local.
- Am I hunting for a unicorn skein? → Go online.
- Is this a gift due tomorrow? → Local.
- Am I making 12 dishcloths? → Online (bulk discount!).
Your hook doesn’t care where the yarn came from—but your stress levels, budget, and finished project certainly will.
Now we’d love to hear from you! Do you lean more toward online or local yarn shopping? Or do you have a favorite LYS or online shop you swear by? Share your go-to spots and tips in the comments—your recommendation could be the one that helps another crafter find their perfect skein!
After all, every beautiful project starts with a single strand… and the wisdom to choose it well. 🧶
Maria Santos is a dedicated crochet and knitting enthusiast who finds joy in turning simple strands of yarn into meaningful, handmade art. With a natural eye for detail and a deep love for fiber crafts, she brings warmth, creativity, and years of personal experience to every project. Maria is inspired by the stories woven into each stitch and loves sharing that passion with others.
