Where I Buy My Yarn Online and What I Recommend (Plus 5 Free Patterns)

Looking for ideas on where to buy yarn online? Check out my favorite shops and browse my free knitting patterns while you’re there!

Where I Buy My Yarn Online and What I Recommend (Plus 5 Free Patterns)

Let’s talk about something I get asked all the time: Where do you buy your yarn? This has been an especially popular question since Jo-Ann closed. With so many options, it can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to decide where to buy yarn online—and make sure you’re getting great quality and not just a pretty photo on a screen. After years of knitting everything from baby bonnets to adult sweaters (and maybe one too many pairs of socks), I’ve narrowed down my go-to shops for buying yarn online, and I’m spilling the beans in this post.

So whether you’re stash-building, gift-making, or just browsing for your next “treat yourself” skein, I’m walking you through where to buy yarn online, what I like about each place, and a pattern you can knit right away with something from their store.

Let’s dive in.

KnitPicks: Reliable, Affordable, and So Many Color Options (affiliate link)

When it comes to where to buy yarn online, KnitPicks is usually the first place I send people. Their yarns are budget-friendly, soft, and consistent, and they have a massive range of colors and weights. I also appreciate how easy it is to search their site by fiber type, yarn weight, or color family.

One of my favorite yarns from KnitPicks is Capra (affiliate link), a luxe blend that has this velvety-soft feel while still holding up beautifully in delicate stitch work. I used it for my Clover Bonnet, a newborn bonnet with a petal-like lace that really lets Capra shine. It’s the kind of yarn that elevates a simple project into something heirloom-worthy.

If you’re unsure where to buy yarn online for gifts or baby knits, KnitPicks is a safe, high-quality place to start. And trust me—once you try their yarns, you’ll keep coming back (ask me how I know).

👉 Clover Bonnet Free Pattern

🧶 Shop KnitPicks Yarns (affiliate link)

Lion Brand Yarns: The Classic Workhorse with Modern Style (affiliate link)

Next on the list of where to buy yarn online is Lion Brand. This is a name almost every knitter has heard, but if you haven’t explored their website lately, you’re missing out. They’ve really expanded their line-up, and now they offer everything from basic acrylics to unique cotton-blends and hand-dyed skeins.

One of my favorite Lion Brand yarns is Heartland (affiliate link). It has a subtle sheen, a soft feel, and the colors are just dreamy. I used it for my Everyday Hat, which is exactly what it sounds like—a go-to beanie you’ll wear again and again. Heartland has great stitch definition, so it’s perfect for basic ribbing and clean decreases.

If you’re wondering where to buy yarn online that’s budget-conscious but still trendy and cozy, Lion Brand is a great pick. Their shipping is quick, and they often run sales, which—let’s be honest—makes it all the more tempting to grab just one more skein.

👉 Everyday Hat Worsted Free Pattern

🧶 Shop Lion Brand Yarns (affiliate link)

Premier Yarns: Chunky, Bamboo, and Baby-Approved Softness (affiliate link)

If you love soft yarns that still have a great stitch definition, let me introduce you to Premier Yarns. It’s one of the best-kept secrets when people ask where to buy yarn online—especially for baby knits, cozy accessories, or chunky textures.

My favorite yarn from Premier is their Anti-Pilling Bamboo Chunky (affiliate link). It’s the dream combo of soft and durable. I used it for the Peace Earwarmer, a simple, squishy headband-style earwarmer that’s perfect for last-minute gifts or market prep.

I especially recommend Premier Yarns if you’re looking for eco-friendly blends or yarns that won’t pill after one wear. Their color range is beautiful, and everything I’ve knit with Premier has held up well over time.

So if you’re still wondering where to buy yarn online with baby softness and durability for real life, this one’s for you.

👉 Peace Ear Warmer Headband Free Pattern

🧶 Shop Premier Yarns (affiliate link)

Hobbii: Trendy, Colorful, and Full of Surprises (affiliate link)

If you haven’t heard of Hobbii, prepare to fall in love. Hobbii is a Denmark-based yarn company with a huge selection of colorful yarns, fun blends, and—bonus!—regular giveaways and clearance steals. It’s a must-visit when you’re thinking about where to buy yarn online, especially if you want something unique and cheerful.

I love their Unicorn yarn (affiliate link)—it’s a soft sock yarn with color gradients that look hand-dyed. I used it for the Simone Ankle Socks, which were so fun to knit and even more fun to wear. The color and softness do all the work for you, and it feels so smooth on your needles.

Hobbii also has a free app that lets you spin a wheel for prizes and discounts every day. Yes, it’s slightly addicting—but also very fun.

If you’re not sure where to buy yarn online that feels fresh and exciting, Hobbii is your best bet.

👉 Simone Ankle Socks Free Pattern

🧶 Shop Hobbii Yarns (affiliate link)

Jimmy Beans Wool: Curated, Luxe, and Always a Treat (affiliate link)

Last but definitely not least: Jimmy Beans Wool. This is my top pick for yarn shopping when I want something special or I’m looking to splurge just a little. When you’re narrowing down where to buy yarn online for luxury or heirloom knits, Jimmy Beans always delivers.

One of my go-to yarns from there is Cascade 220 Superwash (affiliate link), which I used for the Youth Damask Cardigan. It’s a timeless wool blend that’s soft, machine-washable, and excellent for sweaters. Cascade 220 is also one of the most versatile yarns out there—you can use it for everything from colorwork to cables.

Jimmy Beans is also great about customer service and making sure your yarn is packed with care. So if you want your happy mail to feel like a yarny treasure box, this is the place.

When it comes to deciding where to buy yarn online for splurges or gifts, Jimmy Beans is where I click every time.

👉 Youth Damask Cardigan Free Pattern

🧶 Shop Jimmy Beans Wool (affiliate link)

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Yarn for Your Project

If you’re still wondering where to buy yarn online, it really comes down to what kind of project you’re planning. Here’s a little cheat sheet I use:

  • KnitPicks for variety, value, and soft classics
  • Lion Brand for workhorse yarns and great color options
  • Premier Yarns for baby-soft blends and chunky textures
  • Hobbii for playful colors and trending blends
  • Jimmy Beans Wool for luxury and curated collections

Each shop brings something special to the table, and now you’ve got a pattern suggestion for each one to get started!

Let’s Chat About Yarn!

Do you have a favorite online yarn shop I didn’t mention? Or a go-to yarn that never lets you down? I’d love to hear about it! Drop a comment below and tell me where you buy yarn online and what you love knitting with most.

Your recommendations help this whole knitting community grow—and maybe add something new to my stash, too 😉

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend yarns and tools I truly use and love.

The post Where I Buy My Yarn Online and What I Recommend (Plus 5 Free Patterns) appeared first on The Knit in the Womb Blog.



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