10 Best Yarn Stores in Chicago for Knitting, Crochet & Fiber Art
Looking for the best yarn stores in Chicago to spark your next knitting, crochet, or fiber arts project? Whether you're a lifelong stitcher or just picking up your first hook, the Windy City and its neighboring towns are filled with charming, creative, and community-driven yarn shops ready to welcome you.
Here's our list of top 10 Chicago yarn shops worth visiting—featuring indie fiber hubs, local favorites, and can't-miss destinations for fiber artists across Chicagoland.
AriYARN Shop and Studio
Park Ridge, IL
Why it stands out: AriYARN is a welcoming, modern yarn boutique with a community-first vibe. Offering premium yarns, eco-friendly fibers, and a beautifully designed seating space for crafting or classes, it's more than a yarn store—it's a local hub for creativity.
- Free Thursday night knit & crochet meetups
- Extensive indie and natural fiber selection
- Shop online: Visit the Online Store
- Classes: Workshops & Events
Nina Chicago
West Town
This West Town staple is known for its curated luxury yarns, sleek interior, and rotating selection of independent dyers. Nina Chicago's minimal aesthetic is perfect for crafters seeking a clean, boutique experience. They offer private lessons, beginner workshops, and seasonal trunk shows with top brands.
Sister Arts Studio
Lincoln Park
Combining fiber arts and mixed media, Sister Arts Studio stands out for its family-friendly classes and youth programs. Beyond yarn, you'll find embroidery, needle felting kits, and curated handmade gifts. Their community board regularly hosts events, fiber meetups, and open craft days.
Miss Purl Chicago
Beverly
a vibrant South Side maker salon blending commercial and hand-dyed yarns with drop-in clinics and seasonal workshops for all skill levels.
Knit 1
North Center
Knit 1 is proudly inclusive and known for supporting LGBTQ+ makers. Their bright storefront carries a curated mix of bold indie-dyed yarns and minimalist basics. The shop is known for its community spirit, open studio hours, and monthly skill-building series. Their "Knitflix" nights are a favorite local hangout.
Firefly Fiber Arts Studio
Ravenswood
Firefly focuses on slow fashion and sustainability. The studio carries eco-friendly yarns, plant-dyed fibers, and locally made goods. They also host mending workshops, visible repair events, and artisan markets. A favorite among eco-conscious creators and textile artists.
Yarnify!
South Loop
A community-focused store with a vibrant personality. Yarnify! welcomes knitters, crocheters, weavers, and spinners with its inclusive atmosphere and vast yarn wall. From Malabrigo to Brooklyn Tweed, the shop offers weekly workshops and a popular "Wednesday Night Stitch" social.
The Bloomin’ Spindle
Portage Park
a French pastry–inspired yarn shop offering exclusive indie labels, an in-house dye studio, and weekly community meetups.
Wool & Co
South Elgin
Wool & Co is a yarn wonderland. Its open layout features hundreds of brands organized by weight and fiber. Their website mirrors the in-store experience with high-resolution photos and swatch suggestions. Great for bulk purchases and gift bundles. Free winding and free shipping are nice bonuses.
String Theory Yarn Company
Glen Ellyn
This cozy West Suburban shop specializes in ethical, fair-trade, and regional yarns. The staff frequently collaborates with indie dyers and features small-batch releases. Their knit-alongs raise money for local causes. They also run a sustainable yarn subscription box.
📍 Map of Yarn Stores in Chicago
Quick Location Reference
Park Ridge, IL 60068
West Town, Chicago
Lincoln Park, Chicago
Beverly, Chicago
North Center, Chicago
Ravenswood, Chicago
South Loop, Chicago
Portage Park, IL
South Elgin, IL
Glen Ellyn, IL
Click above to see all locations and get driving directions
🧶 Yarn Crawl Tips for Chicago Shoppers
- Plan by Neighborhood: Group stores by area—South Loop, North Center, suburbs—for smoother navigation.
- Bring Cash & Cards: Some indie shops offer discounts for cash purchases.
- Ask About Trunk Shows: Shops often coordinate visits from indie dyers during yarn crawl season.
- Follow on Instagram: Stores post flash sales, pop-ups, and freebie alerts during the crawl.
- Track Your Visits: Use a printable yarn crawl passport or your phone to mark where you've shopped.
🎓 Choosing Yarn by Project Type
💡 FAQ
What's the best yarn shop near Park Ridge, IL?
AriYARN Shop and Studio is Park Ridge's modern destination for knitters and crocheters of all levels. With curated yarns and weekly meetups, it blends shopping and social creativity.
Do any Chicago yarn stores host classes?
Yes! Most shops listed—including AriYARN, Firefly, Yarnify!, and The Bloomin’ Spindle—offer regular workshops. Be sure to check the class schedule before visiting.
Where can I shop for yarn online from a Chicago store?
AriYARN.com offers online shopping with fast shipping. Several other stores like Wool & Co and Loopy Yarns also support e-commerce.
Is it worth traveling outside downtown Chicago for yarn?
Absolutely. Shops like AriYARN, The Dropped Stitch, The Bloomin’ Spindle, Mosaic Yarn in Mount Prospect, and String Theory offer a more personalized experience and unique yarns not often found downtown.
Are there any Chicago yarn meetups?
Yes! AriYARN hosts a free Thursday evening Stitch n' Craft Night. Yarnify! and Firefly also hold regular community craft circles. These are great for meeting local makers.
What types of yarns are best for beginners?
Worsted weight wool or acrylic blends are great for learning. AriYARN staff can help you pick beginner-friendly yarns, needles, and even starter kits.
🎯 Visit AriYARN Today
Discover a cozy, curated space to shop, connect, and create. Visit AriYARN Shop and Studio at 153 N Northwest Hwy, Park Ridge, IL 60068, or browse online now. Your next project starts here.
