Top Hand-Dyed Yarn Shops in Victoria, BC: A knitter's guide
Victoria, British Columbia, has become a haven for fiber artists and knitting enthusiasts, with several local shops specializing in hand-dyed yarns. Here's our guide to the best places to find artisanal yarns in the Greater Victoria area.
1. Wild Woollys
Location: Victoria, BC
Specialty: Small-batch hand-dyed yarns with vibrant colorways
Wild Woollys stands out for their expertly crafted hand-dyed yarns and commitment to ethical sourcing.
Their signature fingering weight yarn, composed of 75% superwash merino wool and 25% nylon, offers both luxurious softness and durability. All their bases are RWS (Responsible Wool Standard) certified, ensuring animal welfare and sustainable land management practices.
Notable Features:
- Free shipping within Greater Victoria
- Small-batch, specialty hand-dyed yarns using low immersion process
- Popular colorways include Cherry Blossom, Tropical Escape, and Winter Aurora
- Prices starting at $34 CAD per skein
Wild Woollys is an e-commerce brand that also ships domestically and to the United States.
2. Knotty By Nature Fibre Arts Store
Location: Fernwood, Victoria, BC
1919 Fernwood Rd, Victoria, BC V8T 2Y6
Specialty: Large selection of varied solid, variegated yarns and other fibers
Located in the heart of 'downtown' Fernwood, Knotty By Nature has been a local business in the fibre industry for decades. This store is op
3. The Beehive Wool Shop
Location: Fisgard St and Douglas St.
1700 Douglas St, Victoria, BC V8W 2G7
Specialty: Curated selection of commercial and hand-dyed yarns
Located in historic Old Town Victoria, just steps from Canada's oldest Chinatown, The Beehive Wool Shop is a Victoria institution. This family-owned and operated store offers a welcoming space for fiber artists of all skill levels, with an expertly curated selection of both commercial and hand-dyed yarns.
Notable Features:
- Extensive range of yarn gauges and fibers
- Knowledgeable staff offering project help sessions
- Ever-growing collection of knitted and crocheted samples
- Regular technique demonstrations and support
3. Subculture Yarn
Location: Vancouver Island
Specialty: Hand-painted Canadian milled yarns
Known for their nature-inspired color stories, Subculture Yarn offers a wide range of hand-painted yarns milled in Canada. Their creative colorways draw inspiration from Vancouver Island's natural landscapes and urban scenes.
Notable Features:
- Free shipping to Canada and USA on orders over $200
- Multiple yarn bases including SW Merino Nylon Fingering and SW BFL Nylon Fingering
- Regular new arrivals and seasonal collections
- Extensive swatch gallery available
4. West Coast Yarn Co.
Location: Vancouver Island
Specialty: Locally-inspired hand-dyed yarns
West Coast Yarn Co. creates collections that capture the essence of Vancouver Island's natural beauty. Their seasonal collections, such as "Through the Meadow" and "Along Winter Shores," reflect local landscapes and environments.
Notable Features:
- Eco-friendly focus with non-superwash merino options
- Seasonal collections inspired by local scenery
- Regular workshops and community events
- Strong focus on local fiber sources
5. Sooke Yarn & Fibre
Location: Sooke, BC
Specialty: Local farm yarns and hand-dyed fibers
While offering commercial yarns, Sooke Yarn & Fibre stands out for their locally-sourced and hand-dyed options. They work closely with Vancouver Island farms to create unique yarns that tell a story of local wool production.
Notable Features:
- Collaboration with local sheep farms
- Natural dyeing workshops
- Regular fiber circles and community events
- Mix of commercial and hand-dyed options
Tips for Buying Hand-Dyed Yarn
- Check Dye Lots: Hand-dyed yarns can vary between batches, so purchase enough for your project at once
- Ask About Care Instructions: Some hand-dyed yarns require special care to maintain their vibrancy
- Consider Project Requirements: Different bases suit different projects - ask staff for recommendations
- Join Mailing Lists: Many shops offer exclusive colorways and pre-orders to newsletter subscribers
Supporting local artisans
By choosing hand-dyed yarns from Victoria's local shops, you're not just getting unique, high-quality materials - you're supporting a vibrant community of fiber artists and helping to preserve traditional craft techniques with a modern twist.
Whether you're a seasoned knitter or just beginning your fiber arts journey, Victoria's hand-dyed yarn shops offer something special for every project and skill level. Each skein tells a story of local craftsmanship and creativity, making your finished pieces truly one-of-a-kind.