Top Hand-dyed yarn shops in Nanaimo, Parksville and Qualicum
Vancouver Island is a haven for fiber artists and knitting enthusiasts, with several mid-island shops specializing in hand-dyed yarns. Here's our guide to the best places to find artisanal yarn on Vancouver Island, north of Victoria.
Wild Woollys
Location: Ships from 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.
Yarn-Tastic
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
The Stitcher's Muse
#101 - 890 Crace Street, Nanaimo, BC
Phone: 250-591-6873
Toll Free: 1-888-591-6873
Email: info@thestitchersmuse.com
Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10am to 5pm
The Stitcher's Muse is a comprehensive needlework shop specializing in cross stitch, embroidery, tatting, and canvaswork supplies. They offer an extensive selection of threads, fabrics, patterns, and tools - from basic needles to floor stands, cotton to silk, and beads to crystals. The shop takes pride in helping stitchers of all levels advance their skills, learn new techniques, and find the perfect supplies for their projects. Whether you're working on small ornaments or ambitious large-scale pieces (BAPs), their knowledgeable staff can provide guidance and expertise across various needlework techniques.
Mad About Ewe
7-321 Wesley Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 2T5
Phone: 250-754-0785
Email: info@madaboutewe.ca
Mad About Ewe is a vibrant yarn shop offering a wide selection of products and regular knitting classes. They're actively involved in the fiber arts community, hosting workshops ranging from tea cozy knitting to needle felting. The shop maintains an active social media presence and is currently working on introducing a new online store experience. Their class offerings include seasonal projects like Christmas tea cozies and needle felted snowmen, demonstrating their commitment to both practical skills and creative exploration.
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 Vancouver Island'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.
Check out our list of the top hand-dyed yarn stores in Victoria.