The news that JOANN has closed its doors for good hit the fiber community hard. It wasn’t just about the yarn; it was the ritual of walking under that big green sign, perusing the aisles for hidden treasures, and leaving with a bag full of inspiration.
While we are all mourning that loss, Toni from TL Yarn Craft is here to turn that grief into a grand adventure. It is time to find a new place for our fiber fix, and there is a whole world of online shops waiting to be discovered.
To help you transition into this new era of digital treasure hunting, Toni has rounded up ten yarn companies and ten specific yarns you might not have seen before. Whether you are a budget-conscious maker or a total yarn snob, there is something on this list that will make your heart skip a beat.
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The Budget-Friendly Classics
If you are looking for staples that won’t break the bank, these three companies are offering incredible value without sacrificing the “squish” factor.
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Premier Yarns: Known for trendy acrylics and novelty finds.
- The Yarn: Serenity Chunky. At $3.99, this category 5 bulky yarn is a fantastic dupe for more expensive wool blends. It is soft and machine washable, though the tweed distribution can be a little clumpy—don’t ask me why, I’m just the messenger!
- Hook Rating: 8/10
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Herrschners: A US-based powerhouse that has been around for 125 years (major flex!).
- The Yarn: Worsted Heathers. This is the definition of a “wool-like” acrylic. It is incredibly soft, lacks that plasticky shine, and costs only $8.99 for a massive 489-yard skein.
- Hook Rating: 10/10
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Mary Maxim: A family-owned staple since 1956.
- The Yarn: Tonal Hues (a collaboration with Bag O Day). This anti-pilling acrylic features gorgeous, smooth gradients. It has a bit of an acrylic sheen that might not suit sensitive skin, but the color transitions are top-tier.
- Hook Rating: 7/10
International Gems and Luxury Treats
Sometimes a project calls for something a little more special. These shops offer fibers that feel like a “dessert” for your crochet hooks.
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Hobbii: Based in Denmark, Hobbii is the king of variety.
- The Yarn: Bouclè. While it looks beautiful and curly, this alpaca/wool blend proved a bit tricky. The “toothy” texture made it hard to find a rhythm—row two was officially the breaking point for Toni.
- Hook Rating: 6/10
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Sorella: If you love aesthetic-forward, curated collections, Ashley’s shop is for you.
- The Yarn: Home. This DK weight American merino/nylon blend is pure luxury. It offers perfect stitch symmetry, though you might find yourself doing a bit of “yarn barf” wrestling without a quick-start tab.
- Hook Rating: 9/10
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Linda Hobby (Drops): Another Danish delight featuring natural fibers.
- The Yarn: Drops Air. A “blown” yarn that is unimaginably soft and lightweight. It sticks to itself a bit, which makes frogging a nightmare, so it might not be for the faint of heart (or beginners).
- Hook Rating: 9/10
The Surprise Contenders
Toni also explored some legacy brands and one shop that she’s actually a little mad y’all didn’t tell her about sooner!
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Sirdar: A UK heritage company with a massive color range.
- The Yarn: Hayfield Bonus Chunky. It meets expectations but lacks a bit of “soul.” It’s the vanilla ice cream of yarn—reliable, but maybe not the first choice when there are more exciting flavors on the shelf.
- Hook Rating: 6/10
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Lion Brand: The gold standard for collaborative kits.
- The Yarn: Chino (Two of Wands collab). A cotton/merino blend with a sophisticated, papery feel. It’s perfect for transitional weather and features a stunning, earthy color palette.
- Hook Rating: 10/10
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Ice Yarns: The “gatekept” secret of the community! Based in Turkey, they sell in bulk lots that offer mind-blowing value.
- The Yarn: Armonia Lana. A unique roving yarn with fast color changes. You have to swallow a hefty shipping fee, but getting four skeins for $10 makes the math work in your favor.
- Hook Rating: 8/10
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Crochet.com (WeCrochet): The sister site to KnitPicks.
- The Yarn: Modish Merino. A 100% merino wool that runs like butter over your fingers. It uses a more eco-friendly superwash process, which justifies the $18.99 price tag.
- Hook Rating: 9/10
Don’t Forget Your Local Heroes
While online shopping is a great way to fill the gap, Toni wants to remind everyone to pop into their Local Yarn Stores (LYS) whenever possible.
Many of these shops are stocking recognizable brands to fill the void left by big-box retailers. They are the heartbeat of the community, offering stitch nights, classes, and that personal touch you just can’t get through a screen.
Even if you only pick up a pack of stitch markers or a single skein for a hat, supporting these small businesses helps keep the fiber arts alive and well in our neighborhoods.