Looking for yarn in Kingston, Ontario? Finding the right place for your crafting needs can make all the difference. Whether you're just starting out or you've been knitting for years, a good yarn store has the supplies and inspiration you need. We checked out some of the top yarn stores Kingston ON has to offer.
Key Takeaways
- KnitTraders is Kingston's largest dedicated yarn store, offering an extensive selection of yarns, tools, patterns, and helpful classes since 1996.
- Purlin' J's Yarn Emporium specializes in unique artisan yarns and provides a welcoming community space with workshops and knowledgeable staff.
- Michaels is a large craft store with yarn, seasonal decorations, and DIY project supplies for various crafts and holidays.
- Stitch By Stitch focuses primarily on quilting and sewing machines, though they carry some crafting supplies.
- Fibre and Fleece operates as an online-only yarn store based in Kingston, featuring premium quality natural yarns and fleece.
1. KnitTraders of Kingston
KnitTraders is the largest supplier of yarns, tools, and patterns for knitting and crochet in the Kingston area. Established in 1996, this dedicated yarn shop has been serving the Kingston community for nearly three decades. The store is conveniently located at 725 Gardiners Road, easily accessible from Highway 401 (take exit 611 south), making it a perfect stop for travelers between Toronto and Montreal.
Extensive Yarn Selection
KnitTraders carries an impressive range of yarn brands including Patons, Noro, Manos, Estelle, Cascade, Sandnesgarn, Sirdar, King Cole, and Lopi. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly acrylics or luxurious natural fibers, you'll find options for every project and budget. The friendly and experienced staff are dedicated to helping every knitter succeed.
Classes and Community Support
One of the standout features of KnitTraders is their commitment to education. They offer weekly "Rent an Auntie" sessions where knitters can bring their projects and receive help from experienced teachers to interpret patterns and learn new techniques. This flexible format works particularly well for Kingston's many shift workers. Their most popular workshop is the "Sock in a Day" class, where participants create a chunky sock between 10am and 3pm.
Free Patterns and Resources
KnitTraders maintains a blog with free patterns designed specifically for their customers, adding extra value to your purchases. They also send out a monthly e-newsletter that has subscribers around the world.
At KnitTraders, the mission is clear: they're dedicated to helping every knitter succeed. The staff recognizes customers as unique individuals who see knitting as having a particular role in their lives, and they want to be part of developing that relationship.
2. Purlin' J's Yarn Emporium
Purlin' J's began in 2013 as Kingston's first and only mobile yarn truck, and has since opened a beautiful brick-and-mortar location at 675 Arlington Park Place. The shop was named one of Canada's "Top Ten Remarkable Small Businesses" by The Globe and Mail in 2014 and has been featured in The Ottawa Citizen, The Toronto Star, Canadian Living, and Vogue Knitting magazines.
Unique and Artisan Yarns
Owner Joan Sharpe carefully curates a selection of beautiful, unique yarns that inspire creativity. The focus is on artisan yarns, independent dyers, and quality fibers that you won't find at every yarn store. Recent reviewers rave about the gorgeous selection and the helpful staff who can guide you to the perfect yarn for your project.
Store Hours and Location
The shop is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10am to 4pm, with extended hours on Wednesday until 8pm. They're closed Sundays and Mondays. You can reach them at 613-507-2700 or info@purlinjs.ca.
Community Space and Classes
Purlin' J's features a cozy seating area in the front of the shop where you can sit, visit, and knit with fellow fiber enthusiasts. They offer workshops and classes, including popular sessions on colorwork techniques. Recent reviews from September 2025 praise the collaborative learning environment and excellent instruction.
Visitors describe Purlin' J's as a lovely spot with beautiful yarn, knowledgeable staff, and excellent customer service. The shop carries everything a fiber artist needs: yarn, patterns, notions, needles, accessories, and fiber. Many customers say they know exactly where they're headed when they need yarn!
3. Michaels
Michaels is a big box craft store located at 656 Gardiners Road in Kingston. While not a dedicated yarn shop, Michaels offers a decent selection of yarn along with supplies for virtually every type of craft imaginable.
What to Expect
- Wide Variety of Craft Supplies: Beyond yarn, Michaels carries supplies for painting, scrapbooking, home decor, and seasonal crafts.
- Seasonal Decor and Kits: They always have themed items for holidays and seasons, like spring floral wreaths or Christmas ornaments, often with corresponding DIY kits.
- Classes and Workshops: While not always yarn-specific, they sometimes offer craft classes that could include basic knitting or crochet.
Yarn Selection
Michaels' yarn section is usually well-organized by weight and fiber type. You'll find popular brands like Lion Brand, Bernat, and Caron. They also carry their own store brands, which are often quite affordable. Since JOANN stores closed, Michaels has expanded their fabric and yarn offerings to serve those customers.
It's worth checking their weekly flyer for deals on yarn and other craft supplies. Sometimes you can snag a really good bargain that makes a big project much more manageable budget-wise.
Tips for Shopping
- Use Coupons: Always look for coupons online or in their flyers before you go. They often have a percentage off your total purchase or specific item discounts.
- Check the Clearance Section: You never know what treasures you might find in the clearance bins. Sometimes there are discontinued yarns or end-of-lot skeins at a steep discount.
- Join the Rewards Program: Signing up for their rewards program can earn you points on purchases, leading to discounts or special offers.
4. Stitch By Stitch
Stitch By Stitch, located at 550 Days Road, is Kingston's largest fabric, sewing machine, and sewing education center. While primarily focused on quilting and sewing, they're worth knowing about for the crafting community.
Sewing and Quilting Focus
Stitch By Stitch specializes in quilting fabrics, sewing machines (PFAFF, Husqvarna-Viking, Singer, Brother, Handi Quilter, and A-1), and sewing education. They carry a full complement of colors and neutrals in solids, shades, ombres, blenders, and feature fabrics, along with threads in various weights and batting options.
Classes and Community
They offer a variety of classes for different skill levels, with classes running almost every day. Whether you're a complete beginner or have experience, you can learn how to use your machine, quilt, sew garments, or complete projects from start to finish.
Tools and Service
The store has a great range of tools and notions, and they also provide machine service with three technicians on staff. The knowledgeable staff are always happy to help you find what you need or offer suggestions.
5. Fibre and Fleece
Fibre and Fleece is Kingston's online fiber and yarn store, featuring all-natural, premium quality yarns. While they don't have a physical storefront for browsing, they offer a carefully curated online selection.
Online Shopping
Their website (fibreandfleece.ca) features sumptuous yarns for knitting, crocheting, and weaving, as well as fleece for spinning. They carry brands like Malabrigo and DM Fibers, focusing on quality natural fibers.
Wrapping Up Your Kingston Yarn Adventure
So, there you have it! Kingston might not be the biggest city, but it's got some real gems for anyone who loves to knit or crochet. Whether you're hunting for that perfect shade of wool at KnitTraders, discovering unique artisan yarns at Purlin' J's, or looking for budget-friendly options at Michaels, these spots have you covered. It's always great to support local businesses, and finding a dedicated yarn shop feels like discovering a little treasure. Happy stitching, everyone!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest yarn store in Kingston, Ontario?
KnitTraders, located at 725 Gardiners Road, is the largest supplier of yarns, tools, and patterns for knitting and crochet in the Kingston area. They've been serving the community since 1996 and offer an extensive selection of yarn brands and helpful classes.
Does Purlin' J's offer knitting classes?
Yes, Purlin' J's Yarn Emporium offers various workshops and classes, including popular sessions on colorwork techniques. They have a welcoming space where fiber enthusiasts can learn and create together. Check their website or call 613-507-2700 for current class offerings.
What can I find at Michaels in Kingston?
Michaels is a large craft store at 656 Gardiners Road that carries yarn from popular brands like Lion Brand, Bernat, and Caron, along with supplies for many different crafts. They often have seasonal items and ideas for holidays like Spring, Mother's Day, Pride Month, and Father's Day.
Where is KnitTraders located?
KnitTraders is located at 725 Gardiners Road in Kingston, Ontario. It's easily accessible from Highway 401 - take exit 611 and head south. You can reach them at 613-384-3951 or visit www.knittraders.com.
What makes Purlin' J's Yarn Emporium special?
Purlin' J's specializes in unique, artisan yarns carefully curated by owner Joan Sharpe. The shop has a welcoming atmosphere with a seating area for knitting and visiting, knowledgeable staff, and a focus on quality, independent dyers. They were even named one of Canada's "Top Ten Remarkable Small Businesses" by The Globe and Mail.
What are Purlin' J's hours?
Purlin' J's Yarn Emporium is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10am to 4pm, with extended hours on Wednesday from 10am to 8pm. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays. The shop is located at 675 Arlington Park Place in Kingston.