Downtown Yarns — Local services in New York

If you enjoy shopping in a store that feels like a Biosafety Level 4 laboratory, then this place is for you! The door is locked so you have to wait to be ushered in - preferably while wearing a hazmat suit. One step in and they immediately spray you with hand sanitizer. Of course you must wear a mask - but BEWARE! Even if it IS well over your nose, you will be informed that it’s not over your nose exactly they way they want it - pulled up over your forehead maybe? I don’t know. If you spend more than a few minutes shopping for yarn, you’ll be sprayed AGAIN with hand sanitizer, and yes, a little later, AGAIN. If you manage to make it to the register (reeking of hand sanitizer) without having contracted the hantavirus, there’s ANOTHER surprise in store for you! You’ve spent nearly $200 on yarn and they will charge you a nickel for a bag. I guess it’s to cover the cost of all the hand sanitizer.

It’s one of those stores where you know the owners are nuts and they make you uncomfortable, but you tolerate them because you just want to get what you need and leave as fast as you can. That was me but I’ve had enough. There are plenty of places that are welcoming where I will be spending my money instead. I suggest you...

Amazing yarn store! I went here on a Wednesday at around 1:30 PM and there weren't many people in the store. The owner was incredibly welcoming and helpful, and assisted me in picking knitting needles. I just decided to get into knitting as an already experienced crocheter, and going to this store was a good decision.

Although the store isn't big, they have a wide selection of yarn with different colors and textures. I also appreciate that they have small samples of what the yarn would feel like once you knit it. The yarn is fairly priced and high quality. They have everything you need to get started on knitting, crocheting, and felting. They also wind the yarn for you if you wish, but sometimes the wait is a bit long. I decided not to wait, but it's easy to wind yarn by yourself at home with just your hands.

This store is definitely worth a visit if you're in the area! Plus, you can support a small business. The vibes are immaculate, and I left the store quite happy with my purchase. (I'm using my dad's account to write...

I absolutely adore this lovely shop. The best yarns - in both color and variety - are offered, and the service is impeccable. This shop is warm, inviting, cozy and curious; the stockists have curated a stunning selection of offerings - hedgehog, noro, malabrigo, tosh and ito to name a few. I was attended to at every turn yet never felt rushed. My selections were held while I fed the meter and the shop runners offered advice and color opinion enthusiastically. If i resided in town, I’d live here. Definitely worth the patronage, if an NYC resident (beautiful slice of Alphabet City), and truly worth the trip if you’re not. Excellent selection of yarn and needles, and the people were just plain awesome. Love this place, and will be back. Nearby parking is ample. L-O-V-E...