Top yarn stores in Minneapolis, Minnesota 2026

Minneapolis winters can stretch on for what feels like forever, but that's exactly what makes the Twin Cities such a vibrant hub for fiber arts. When the temperature drops below zero and you're looking for a cozy indoor activity, there's nothing quite like settling in with a beautiful skein of yarn and your favorite needles or hook.

The Minneapolis-St. Paul area has cultivated an incredible arts scene, and the local yarn stores reflect that creative energy. Whether you're just picking up your first pair of knitting needles or looking to expand your fiber stash, these yarn stores in Minneapolis, Minnesota offer everything from beginner-friendly basics to luxurious hand-dyed treasures.

Key takeaways

• Minneapolis has five standout yarn stores, each with its own specialty and personality
• The cold climate makes indoor crafts incredibly popular, creating a strong local fiber arts community
• Most stores offer classes perfect for beginners wanting to learn new skills
• Each shop carries different brands and specialties, so it's worth visiting multiple locations
• Many stores host knit nights and social events to connect with other crafters

Why Minneapolis is perfect for yarn crafts

Let's be honest – when it's -10°F outside and the wind is whipping off the lakes, you're not exactly motivated to spend time outdoors. That's where Minneapolis really shines as a crafting city. The long winters create a culture that embraces cozy indoor hobbies, and knitting and crocheting top that list.

The Twin Cities have always had a strong arts scene, from the Walker Art Center to countless galleries and maker spaces. This creative energy extends to the fiber arts community, which means you'll find yarn stores that go beyond just selling supplies – they're genuine community hubs where crafters gather, learn, and share their passion.

Plus, when you're making scarves, sweaters, and mittens, you actually get to use what you create! Unlike crafters in warmer climates who might hesitate before starting another wool project, Minneapolis knitters and crocheters have months of cold weather to show off their handmade pieces.

Top yarn stores in Minneapolis and surrounding areas

StevenBe Minneapolis

Located in the heart of Minneapolis, StevenBe is probably the most well-known yarn destination in the Twin Cities. This isn't your typical cozy yarn shop – it's a modern, sleek space that feels more like a high-end boutique than a traditional craft store.

What sets StevenBe apart is their carefully curated selection of premium yarns. You'll find luxury fibers like cashmere, alpaca, and silk blends that you might not see elsewhere. They're particularly known for their collection of European yarns and unique colorways.

For beginners, don't let the upscale atmosphere intimidate you. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and patient, and they offer a full schedule of classes ranging from "Learn to Knit" to advanced colorwork techniques. Their project consultations are especially helpful if you're trying to choose the right yarn for any project.

Knit & Bolt Northeast

Nestled in the trendy Northeast Minneapolis arts district, Knit & Bolt perfectly captures the neighborhood's creative, slightly edgy vibe. This shop feels like the cool, artistic cousin of the yarn store family – and we mean that in the best possible way.

The yarn selection here leans toward indie dyers and smaller companies, so you'll discover brands you might not find at larger shops. They have an excellent selection of hand-dyed yarns in unique colorways, making it a great place to find something special for your next project.

Knit & Bolt also carries a solid selection of patterns from independent designers, and their staff is great at helping you match the perfect yarn to your chosen pattern. If you're interested in learning more about understanding dye lots and why alternating skeins matters, this is an excellent place to get hands-on advice.

Harriet & Alice Edina

A short drive from Minneapolis in the suburb of Edina, Harriet & Alice offers a more traditional yarn shop experience. This is the kind of place where you can spend hours browsing through their extensive selection while chatting with other crafters.

Their strength lies in their incredible variety – they carry everything from budget-friendly acrylics perfect for practice projects to luxurious natural fibers. This makes it an ideal shop for beginners who want to try different yarn types without committing to expensive skeins right away.

The shop is known for its welcoming atmosphere and patient staff who genuinely enjoy helping new knitters and crocheters find their footing. They host regular knit-alongs and have a particularly strong community of local crafters who gather for their weekly sit-and-knit sessions.

The Yarnery St Paul

Technically in St. Paul rather than Minneapolis, The Yarnery is close enough to include in any Twin Cities yarn crawl. This shop has been serving the local fiber arts community for years and has built up a loyal following of crafters who appreciate their consistent quality and service.

What makes The Yarnery special is their focus on classic, reliable yarns. While other shops might chase trends, they stick to tried-and-true brands that knitters and crocheters can depend on. This makes it an excellent choice for beginners who want to work with yarns that behave predictably.

Their class offerings are comprehensive, covering everything from basic knitting and crocheting to more advanced techniques like fair isle and cable knitting. The instructors are known for their patience and ability to break down complex techniques into manageable steps.

Needle & Skein

The newest addition to the Minneapolis yarn scene, Needle & Skein has quickly established itself as a go-to destination for both beginners and experienced crafters. Their modern approach to yarn retail includes an excellent online presence and a carefully organized physical space.

One thing that sets Needle & Skein apart is their focus on education. They offer more than just classes – they provide workshops on topics like reading patterns, fixing mistakes, and understanding different fiber properties. For beginners, this educational approach can be incredibly valuable.

Their yarn selection strikes a nice balance between accessible and aspirational. You'll find plenty of options in the $6-12 per skein range, but they also carry special occasion yarns for when you want to splurge on something extraordinary.

What to expect when visiting Minneapolis yarn stores

If you're new to visiting yarn stores, Minneapolis shops are generally very welcoming to beginners. Most stores encourage you to touch and feel the yarns – in fact, that's the whole point! Don't be shy about asking questions or requesting help choosing between options.

Many shops offer services beyond just selling yarn. These might include pattern consultations, where staff help you choose appropriate yarn for a specific project, or problem-solving sessions if you get stuck on a technique. Some stores will even help you fix mistakes in your knitting or crocheting.

For guidance on how to make the most of your visits, check out our article on yarn store etiquette: Do's and don'ts for visiting local yarn shops.

Planning your Minneapolis yarn store tour

If you're planning to visit multiple stores (and you should!), consider the geography. StevenBe and Knit & Bolt are both in Minneapolis proper and relatively close to each other. The Yarnery is across the river in St. Paul, while Harriet & Alice requires a trip to Edina.

Most serious yarn enthusiasts recommend visiting during weekdays if possible, when the stores are less crowded and staff have more time to chat and offer personalized recommendations. However, if you're interested in meeting other crafters, weekend visits often coincide with social knitting groups.

Don't try to rush through all five stores in one day. Each deserves time to browse properly, and you'll want to compare options if you're shopping for a specific project.

Beyond local stores: Online options for Minneapolis crafters

While local yarn stores are wonderful, sometimes you need specific yarns or colors that aren't available locally. Many Minneapolis crafters supplement their local shopping with online purchases, especially for specialty items or when working on larger projects that require consistent dye lots.

Wild Woollys ships to Minneapolis with free shipping on orders over $100, making it easy to access hand-dyed artisan yarns that might not be available in local stores. Our yarns are perfect for crafters who want something unique and are interested in making the most of variegated yarn with the best stitches and patterns.

Connecting with the Minneapolis fiber arts community

One of the best things about the Minneapolis yarn scene is the strong sense of community. Most yarn stores host regular events like knit nights, stitch-and-bitch sessions, or skill-sharing workshops. These gatherings are perfect for beginners who want to learn from more experienced crafters in a relaxed, social setting.

The Twin Cities also host several fiber arts events throughout the year, including yarn crawls where you can visit multiple stores in one organized event, often with special discounts and exclusive offerings.

Social media groups for Minneapolis-area knitters and crocheters are also very active, providing a way to connect with other crafters, share finished projects, and get advice on techniques or yarn choices.

Can't make it to Minneapolis? Wild Woollys ships our hand-dyed artisan yarns across North America and internationally with no surprise tariffs, making it easy to access quality yarns from the comfort of your home.

Frequently asked questions

What's the best yarn store for complete beginners in Minneapolis?

Harriet & Alice in Edina is often recommended for absolute beginners because of their patient staff, comprehensive class offerings, and wide range of yarn prices. They're particularly good at helping new crafters choose appropriate first projects and yarns that are forgiving to work with.

Do Minneapolis yarn stores offer classes for beginners?

Yes, all five stores mentioned offer beginner classes. Most cover basic knitting and crocheting techniques, and several offer more specialized classes like learning to read patterns or fixing common mistakes. It's worth calling ahead to check current class schedules, as offerings can vary seasonally.

Are Minneapolis yarn stores expensive?

Prices vary significantly between stores and yarn types. You can find budget-friendly options at most locations, with basic acrylic yarns starting around $4-6 per skein. Premium natural fibers and hand-dyed yarns can range from $15-40+ per skein. Most stores carry a range of price points to accommodate different budgets.

Can I return yarn if I buy too much for a project?

Return policies vary by store, but most Minneapolis yarn shops will accept returns of unused yarn in original condition within a reasonable timeframe (usually 30 days). Some stores offer store credit rather than cash refunds. It's always best to ask about the return policy when making your purchase, especially for larger projects where you might overestimate your needs.