This is a well laid out store, with the yarns along all the walls in the front of the store & fabric towards the back of the store. They have a good selection, and fairly competitive pricing. While they don't carry a huge amount of yarns, the yarns they do have come in a ton of colors, and they did offer to order any colors that they didn't currently have in stock. If you are a beginner knitter/crocheter, and usually go to Joann's or Walmart for yarns, they might seem expensive, but they're much better quality yarns. Lots of wool, cottons, etc. I expect to pay at the least $8-9 for a 200 yard skein of worsted weight 100% wool, for example. When I went in I had a question and the only person working the store was on the phone, so I waited a while to get her help. However, once she was helping me out, she answered all of my questions, and showed me my options re: fabric and a yarn swift. read more

Brooklyn General in a word: charming. I visited Brooklyn General after buying a Yelp Deal. Even if you only visit once, I think it's worth the trek to Carroll Gardens to see the shop for yourself. It's not the size of a closet, the inside is nicely laid out, and they have a good selection of Madelinetosh yarns (I want them all). I'm afraid their offerings of Malabrigo aren't as impressive, though. The customer service here is really great. I called from the bus to say that I'm almost there, and the woman working said to not worry about it, since she would be there for a while longer anyway. read more

I love the selection at this store! i would take off a star for the location ( it's a hike through a lovely community at the edge of the world for me) , but I can't bring myself to do it. their modern fabrics on one side, the notions, the yarn quality , the endless book selection and the prices make this my fave. Even the funky Dominoesque energy was dead on . Unlike many other stores BG is brightly lit and the staff is customer conscious and helpful. With malabrigo at 10-11 bucks and some drool worthy small handspun batches, I'll be runing here after work for sure. now that I think about it, I'm glad they're far. I might be there all day going broke otherwise! read more

Quickly stopped in to buy the 2016 Row Pattern and kit, and was very impressed with the knowledgeable, kind & efficient service! Lots of fabric & other supplies, the store looks small from the outside but is very large and packed full on the inside! Can't wait to come back & spend more time (and money) at this family small business. read more

See all

I really like this place because of the selection of yarn and the beautiful fabrics. I was there when they were having a good sale. The owner is really nice and it's really like a old fashioned neighborhood store. read more

I am so surprised to see negative reviews for Brooklyn General. For two years I was lucky enough to live around the corner from Brooklyn General. Now that I live a good distance away, I am remiss in having a wonderful craft shop in my neighborhood. I have and will continue to go out of my way to return to Brooklyn General. As a knitter, spinner, and quilter I frequented the shop. I have found the staff to be helpful and kind. They have the best selection of yarns and fabrics I have found so far in Brooklyn. I do have to agree that some of the prices are a little steep, especially for fabrics, but they often have sales. Sign up for there newsletter and you'll have a heads up on sales, which they have several times a year. Not to mention the Yelp deal for $20 worth of merchandise for $10. I can't help but comment that the women who reviewed the staff as "rude" because no one spoke to her, should think about speaking up for herself to ask for help. Doesn't strike me as "rude" if I'm not immediately approached by a sales person. read more

Brooklyn General is a gem of a store. It has been my local yarn store for well over a decade. The owner and staff are very knowledgeable and so helpful! The yarn and fabrics featured are of the highest quality and it is not unusual to find beautiful, hand dyed yarns from small producers gracing the shelves. Quite a beautiful and aestheically pleasing atmosphere. Lovely, lovely store! read more

Great shop! Smaller than I expected but a nicely curated selection of yarns. The staff was helpful and pleasant and let us meander our way though the yarn with no pressure. They also have great knitted samples on display. My next trip to NYC will include a side trip to Brooklyn General Store. read more

I wish this place was a little bit closer to my house, but other than that, I have no complaints! The selection is FABULOUS, and the store is just so cute! The vibe is fantastic--the layout, the wood shelving, etc.. I don't get as much of a community feel as I do at La Casita, but the selection definitely makes up for it. Thank you so much for revolutionizing my knitting with all of the fabulous yarns and books! read more

I came here for the yarn crawl and left insulted. The sales person was rude and sarcastic. It would take a lot for me to come back.

Great resource for sewing & knitting supplies as well as staff who are super helpful with answering questions, guiding you through selection, etc. I'm a sewist and came in looking for some supplies and to poke around the fabric selection. They have a nice selection of books and indie patterns. Obviously it's not going to get you the same selection as going to the garment district, but it's an awesome resource to have in Brooklyn and it's certainly more approachable than the massive stores. read more

Worth the trek to Brooklyn. Good selection of mid to high end yarns. Quirky craft accessories and a small selection of notions and fabric. Just enough to spark creativity but if you are looking for something specific, you might be disappointed. read more

Brooklyn General - A little bit of everything - Fabric Stores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I called this place to see if they carry a specific line of fabrics and the person on the line said, "We are too busy to field calls like this right now." I am so offended by that, I don't even know where to begin. This employee should be let go for speaking to customers like that. read more

Terrible terrible customer service. The woman working the counter was not only rude to us but talked down to my 64 year old mother who is an accomplished knitter. My mother and I were both initially very excited to visit this store. The selection was adequate but not worth returning with such appalling customer service. Not even worth the one star. read more

Place was nearly empty (1-2 customers) and the woman behind the counter still couldn't be bothered to greet us or acknowledge our existence when we walked in. She could tell we needed help -- it would've been easy for her to simply say something to the effect of, "let me know if you guys have any questions" or "I'll be with you in a moment." But instead she moved at a snail's pace, appearing to be extending her interaction with a customer who seemed to want to get out of there, but she just kept making small talk and explaining baroque policies and just sort of futzing about. This went on and on. It was bizarre, almost to the point of comedy. The longer we stood there, the weirder it was. She never even made eye-contact. If the selection was any good, we'd have put up with the non-existent customer service but we were there for fabric and this is really a yarn and notions store. They had the same 10 fabrics you see everywhere, all of which were twee and infantile with a "Put a [Bird/Apple/Flower] On It" aesthetic. Ew. read more

The yarn selection is great, but the staff is horrible! They were extremely rude from the time we entered until we left, which didn't take long. It felt like the cashier was looking for a fight. My 3 year old knocked over a framed piece damaging it. The cashier claimed that the frame was custom made for that piece, so i did the honorable thing and paid for it. Then later that day, I saw the exact frame at Ikea. I felt cheated and unwelcome. With so many places to purchase yarn, you'd think that brick and mortar stores would step up their game on customer service. Because after all, that's what they have going for them over big box stores and internet shops - personality. In the end, I'll take my $3000 a year habit and shop somewhere else. read more

I walked all the way over across the BQE to check out this spot (and even bought a Yelp deal to use there, so stoked!). The yelp profile AND the sign on the door said the store opened at 12. I got there at 12:05 and the doors were locked. Ok, not too late, I'll wait. 45 minutes. I'll call their number multiple times. I'll leave some weird messages. I'll lean against the window like a little match girl, looking for signs of life. I wish I could write a glowing review about what appeared to be lovely bolts of fabric and the awesome-looking skeins of big soft yarn hanging like genome diagrams in the window- but, unfortunately I never got a chance to even go inside. Seriously unprofessional and super disappointing. The big bummer? I can't just wash my hands of the place, because I need to go back to use my yelp deal. Double whammy. read more

Walking in, it's a beautiful shop - gorgeous colors everywhere, beautiful yarns and bolts of fabric and ribbons! A sewing class was in progress while I was there, and the teacher seemed very patient, friendly, and encouraging. Unfortunately for me (not a sewer), the shop seems more pretty than practical. The person behind the counter was not friendly, and with several items lacking tags and prices, there was no other way to get information than to ask. There was a really nice knit baby jacket sample hanging on a yarn shelf, with no tag on it to identify the pattern or the yarn. The salesperson was quite brusque about telling me which yarn it was knit with (waved vaguely at a shelf, which, by the way, had at least three different brands on it, and the only way to tell was to pull the skeins off the shelf), and when I asked if the pattern was sold separately, was told that the pattern was free if I bought the 3 skeins needed for the pattern (at $24 each - not total, *each*), then left to go back behind the counter and studiously ignored me. By the way, you can get that pattern free on the Brooklyn General Store blog, which I figured out on my own after I got home. There was a shelf of sale items in the back, with a sign giving the percentage off, but the skeins I looked at had no price tags or sign to tell me the prices, and I wasn't interested in going back to deal with that salesperson again. All that meant the store lost out on some of my potential dollars. If I'd known the pattern was available on their blog, I probably would have purchased yarn to make it with (just not $72 worth of that specific yarn). If the salesperson had been more approachable and friendlier, I would have asked about the sale yarn prices and probably would have bought some. I found the back of the shop to be dimly lit compared to the rest of the store, the selection of crochet books to be about 1/4 the size of the knitting books, and although the website indicates that they sell crochet hooks, I couldn't find any. As a visitor to NYC, I went out of my way to visit this shop. I doubt I'd do it again. read more

This is really a cool place. We found everything we needed for this weeks DIY as well as a lot of other unique pieces for future projects. Very reasonable priced. Quality items. We will return! read more

Went in for this yarn (they didn't have it) but they were really nice and super helpful and when i couldn't find the yarn i was looking for, they didn't push me to buy something similar to it (but not it) which other yarn places have done before. I ended up buying another yarn with the yelp deal i got and didn't get any nasty looks when i pulled out my voucher. overall, the customer service will definitely bring me back. read more

No credit cards for purchases under $20. Love the layout- made me want to linger. The woman that helped me was friendly enough. I would definitely go back when visiting Brooklyn again. read more

What a glorious store! I've been wanting to get there for a few years now and so wish I'd gone sooner. I was so impressed with their selection of basically everything, and was particularly excited to find such a huge variety of awesome local artisans; not just yarns, either. They have done a particularly fantastic job of curating diverse and beautiful fabric and yarn selections, while still having a vast collection of notions, bath and body, et al. The employee there, whose name I sadly missed, (if memory serves, initials LPK,) was an absolute delight and went above and beyond trying to locate a particular product for me (which I'll be ordering from them later!) Really a treasure of a shop, I hope to get back soon! read more

I have to say... I was pleasantly surprised. The yarn selection is good, the prices are fair (if sometimes hard to find), and the staff was friendly and helpful. The store is bright and comfortable, which makes it great for browsing. It's probably good that I don't live closer (though it isn't as hard to find as I thought it might be). read more

uber cute!! i'd been wanting to go for a year or two but it's pretty out of the way... finally took the beautiful weather as a sign to hang out in bococa with all the adorable boutiques and take a stroll over to BG they had lots of designer stuff, including amy butler, for normal prices ($9-15). but what i was impressed with were the small but absolutely perfect selection of woven cotton prints. they were all around $8-9 and i seriously saw myself buying every single one... they also have a vintage fabric section in the back for $25/yd... way out of my price range but soo adorable for a splurge. cute obscure patterns (kind of high prices on those), cute buttons, every color thread... plus an amazing selection of yarn from cascade to cashmere and even local handspun/handdyeds (first shop ive seen that stocks a good amount of brooklyn handspun)! i will definitely be back, even if its a few blocks out of the way ps-- the thing that everyone says about the girl behind the counter is totally true... she greeted me when i walked in but looked like she wouldn't have been willing to lift a finger for any of the half dozen customers in the store. when i was checking out, she cut my fabric for me (after i stood with it in my arms and specifically asked her to) but when i asked how much an unmarked item by the register was she said "i dunno, like, $3.50 or something?" and didn't make any effort to find the actual price, even though she was already ON the computer. i'm happy to shop without help and pressure, but that's a little ridiculous. read more

Adorable store and the friendliest staff. They have a decent selection of wools and yarns and some vintage fabrics, although all a little pricey. They offer classes for adults as well as children - I took a look at the courses, and it seemed a little steep ($100). read more

i've been to pretty much every yarn store in the city and this one is definitely near the top -- they have a great selection of high end yarns as well as more common yarns (many cascade products carried), but most importantly the prices are fair. also they get bonus points for carrying jamieson's wool, although no store i've found in the city actually has a large supply of spindrift in many colors (please let me know if you find one) including this one. i only wish they had one weeknight where they closed at 8 instead of 7 so i didn't have to wait until a weekend to make it over to the shop. overall i think it's a great asset to the area and easy enough to get to from many other parts of brooklyn -- the B61 stops just a block away. read more

I enjoy the staff and selection at this store even though it's a schlepp from my UWS apartment. But I won't be shopping here again. I'm appalled at the fact that they don't use a rotary cutter or scissor to cut fabric--they make a tiny cut and then tear it. This creates an unbelievable amount of fraying. Believe me, I understand the danger of repetitive motion caused by a rotary cutter, but maybe switching off staff so someone doesn't do it for eight hours will solve the problem. Tearing the fabric is just wrong. I'm done with clipping and snipping all the frayed ends. read more

Cute and homey, this is THE place to go if you're seeking quality sewing supplies in Brooklyn. They are a little bit pricey, but the staff is super friendly and while the selection is small (so you won't find every cotton print under the sun here), what they've got is solid. I particularly love the vintage fabrics they sell. I typically come here for thread, needles, and other supplies when I'm under the gun and don't have time to head to the city... but inevitably I walk out with a bundle or more of their vintage fabric. I have turned gorgeous vintage knit curtains into an ottoman slipcover and have countless bundles of vintage cotton to turn into quilts, napkins and coasters. Honestly, aside from convenience (I live in the 'hood), that's my favorite thing about Brooklyn General: their vintage finds. In addition to their fabulous vintage fabric, they have a well-curated selection of quilting cottons - including Liberty - and a good selection of threads. They are also a Bernina dealer, so if you're in the market for a new machine you'd be well-served to head over and try one out. I did, and while I ended up going with another machine the woman who helped me was helpful and very patient. I'm not a big knitter or crocheter, but they have yarns as well. Finally, they have a wide array of classes. I haven't taken any but I've seen others taking them twice when I've been in the shop at closing time and they seem solid. I would not hesitate to take a class here if one on offer met my needs. In sum: hit them up. Brooklyn General is awesome. read more

Love them. One of my top two favorite yarn stores in the city. And an awesome fabric store.

My very favorite yarn shop in NYC! Owner curates lovely selection of more obscure indie dyers alongside big-name companies. Easy going environment encourages browsing and creativity. Staff remembes me when i come in and quality is gorgeous - makes it worth the effort to go to Carroll Gardens! read more

Like it was lifted from the quaintest town in Vermont and plopped along the waterfront in Brooklyn. It has an abundance of yarn, natural fibers,beautiful ribbons, notions, a large selection of carefully picked fabrics including cotton prints and oilcloth. They even carry milk paint, I mean come on. Handmade note cards, felted critters, hats... Everything in the store is carefully selected you can tell, you get the best when you go here, and you'll leave with what you need and probably a little something special that you didn't know you needed. 2 thumbs up, 5 apples, 5 stars whatever. It's a special place. read more

I want to buy ALL the yarn in this shop. I love their selection! It's a cute little area to venture out to also.

This shop makes me wish I lived in Brooklyn. Great selection of yarns, great prices & great people. Have been here for several knitting meet ups with friends and we've always been welcomed with open arms. Gorgeous selection of MadTosh yarns and other smaller indie dyers. The people working here know a lot about what they sell and if you need help with anything they're more than willing to help. Definitely in my top three yarn shops in NYC. read more

Super friendly and knowledgeable staff! Such lovely and high quality materials. Definitely worth the visit, even if it's a bit out of your way! read more

this place has a really friendly vibe. they offer sewing classes i believe. i had a voucher and stopped by for some sewing supplies. if you are beginner sewing and are looking to buy the most basic stuff, be minded that the general prices here are over average. the garment district is a better and cheaper option for things like pins and needles. you can get them in big sizes for 1-3 dollars a pack. so go there read more

Brooklyn General has great fabrics, yarn, beautiful fibers for spinning, books...so many incredible notions, fun handmade things...and a lovely staff! read more

This is my all-time favorite craft store. You feel at home the moment you walk in, the space is so warm and cozy. Beautiful old fixtures house a lovely selection of yarns, fabrics, notions, patterns, felt, and just about anything else you might need for your fiber art endeavors. Their fabric selection has lots of character, a combination of vintage and vintage-inspired prints. You can definitely rack up a tab in here, but that's the name of the game. If you can get high quality fibers for less in this city, I don't know where. read more

Very nice yarn store!! Good quality yarns, great colors, wanted to buy the whole shelves:))

It's smaller than I'd imagined & it's definitely geared more towards knitting than sewing, but I got a cute Liberty of London Art by Rowan fabric for $10.50 / yd. (which is on the high side). My Yelp deal made it a steal. The staff were pleasant. I would shop here again. read more

I want to like this place because it is convenient but every time I walk in there the employees aren't all that friendly. I don't feel welcome. Nobody goes out of their way to be helpful and when you try to be friendly they act like you're somehow beneath their time. I'm not looking for anyone to roll out a red carpet or devote all their time to me in conversation, but would it kill them to be friendly or want to help? Knitting can be intimidating to new knitters and I'd hate to see someone new to it go here as their first yarn store experience. I have gone to a lot of yarn stores and every time I visit one the owners are so lovely and all the patrons are happy. The knitting world is incredibly kind and, unfortunately, it's not the case at Brooklyn General. What makes it worse is the few times I have visited the store what must have been regulars came in and they were super friendly to them. I'm not all that insecure, but their selective friendliness felt really cliquey and made me feel like I wasn't welcome. Add to this, the yarn selection there is just okay. I'd much rather go to Woolyn and shop their selection while getting friendly service. I know Brooklyn General isn't exclusively a yarn store, but it does cater to knitters. I just wish they were nicer. Because of how uncomfortable this store makes me, I have only gone there when I have absolutely had to. It's just not worth it anymore An update to this review: Since leaving this review, the owner of the store sent me a message apologizing for my experience and even offering to refund my purchase. I found that to be a huge move in terms of wanting to right the wrong of my experience. I turned down the refund and instead suggested, given the several similar experiences other shoppers reviewed here, that maybe there is an energy they just haven't been noticing that should be acknowledged. I certainly don't get that it's the stores intention to be cool or unhelpful to customers, but maybe they just weren't seeing it. Anyway, my opinion of the store was greatly bolstered by the acknowledgement of my review and appreciated the effort. I still don't know if I will be running back to shop there anytime soon but feel good knowing the store may be friendlier as a result. read more