Close Knit is the first yarn shop I visited on a destination wedding trip to Portland in 2023. I knew then that I would return again and again. Cut to today: they are my favorite yarn shop as a local. It's also the farthest from where I live so I don't get to visit as often as I would prefer. The shop is inviting and well laid out. The folks working there are friendly and helpful, and it's smack in the Alberta Arts District which is one of my favorite neighborhoods. Close Knit has a fantastic variety of yarns from basics to luxury ensuring that no matter your price point, you will find something delightful. They're one of the rare places that carries Noro Kureyon which is one of my favorite yarns and they offer it at a fair price compared to other yarn shops I've been to in the area. They are my go-to yarn shop for objective purchases and subjective yarn wandering. :) read more

Great local yarn shop! The Lovely ladies that were working were very knowledgeable and really made me feel like I was part of the knitting community! Great store read more

So many beautiful yarns!!!!! This is the most extensive variations of yarn I have ever seen in a single store. It could be dangerous to one's banking accounts with so many options to choose from. Very friendly and helpful staff. I left with "only" eight skeins. Worth the stop on the way to the airport. read more

Close Knit - Knitting Supplies Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I've been to this yarn store several times, as a new knitter trying to find guidance and community. To say that the people who work there have been non encouraging is a tremendous understatement. From seeming reluctant to provide any advice about yarns or needles, to being impatient, rude and dismissive of questions, to most recently being blatantly irritated by my nine-year old daughter's interest in getting set up as a beginner--it's honestly baffling. I am there to spend money and to learn about their craft. It seems like they don't want my business at all. I keep going bc it's close to my home and they have a lot of nice merchandise but it almost seems like they want to discourage me as a new knitter. I've been helped by three different employees or owners, and they have all been awkward, terse, and generally unfriendly. read more

I'm updating my review because I took a class at Close Knit last year and finally learned to knit! I tried on my own so many times and could never get the hang of it. The class was only a few sessions, but it was a reasonable price, and I left with the skills needed as a beginner knitter. Now I LOVE knitting, I have made 14 perfectly-fitted custom tops for myself since learning, and I return to this shop often for yarn and notions! This summer I've really enjoyed their cotton, linen, and silk blend selections! read more

They are so helpful and well stocked. Very high yarn. I come up from Los Angeles to buy it at their store. I know I can trust them.

I am a beginning knitter. This store is a wonderful resource. I found a wide selection of beautiful quality yarns, knitting bags, and all the tools...But....the best feature of this store is the staff. They are friendly, welcoming, and helpful. They know their products and can give advice on how much yarn you will need and what yarns might be best for your project. I am going to sign up for a knitting class in April and in the meantime the staff helped me fix a mistake in my current project. I was blown away by the kindness and help! What an encouragement to a discouraged novice! I am so excited to learn more and gain more skills! WAHOO! read more

So much yarn to choose from! Their stock is excellent quality. Staff are super friendly and are very knowledgeable.

Great place with a diverse selection of yarns. The people working there are so helpful and will answer any of your questions.

When my husband and I came in we were greeted like we didn't belong there.  Both employees acted very bothered when we asked questions.  My husband Michael fell in love with the scarf sample you had. However, you didn't have the ARBOR yarns needed for it in stock. The younger gal who kept rolling her eyes and acting like we were shoplifters or something didn't offer proper alternatives so I had to open my phone and purchase the yarn directly from ARBOR's website. That's $200 that should have gone to your store and not a website.  I ended up purchasing Peter Pan hand dyed yarn and two skeins of cascade that the older lady (who was a bit nicer) helped me pick out.  They both were talking about us at the register as we continued to browse. What's odd is that as soon as I paid for my purchases they got nice and offered to spin the yarn into cakes. I gave them an opportunity to apologize by saying "sorry if it seamed that we camped out too long" and no apology was given.  I'm not upset. I just want them to be coached on how to treat new customers. All of my knitting books say that your local yarn shop is the best place to ask questions and these gals acted so BOTHERED to be asked anything.  I spent thousands of dollars at UNRAVELED last year and knitted there every Sunday with Janie and Alyson. They have closed and I really want to find a new knitting shop to support. read more

Have beautiful yarns in all price ranges, stunning sample knits, and most importantly they have very friendly, helpful staff. Really appreciate this shop. read more

Wonderful, gorgeous yarn! I made 2 trips there during a one-week visit, and will be ordering more soon!

I had a really great experience with online ordering. I needed yarn for a class I'm taking. I was able to easily find what I needed on their website, pay for it and receive order confirmation via text message. I also got a text when my order was ready to pick up. I didn't even have to go in to pick up my order. I love that this store always has a good selection from quality yarn brands like Malabrigo and Cascade. Plus the people who work there are helpful and seem to take social distancing seriously. There was a clear set of rules taped to the door. read more

I had a horrible experience here. The owner was condescending and not helpful. She made me feel so small for asking a simple question. I used to love this shop. She has a great selection of yarn. I am bummed that I no longer feel comfortable to shop there. read more

Needed to pick up yarn for a project and from the second I walked in I felt unwelcome. The cashier was extremely rude and was practically pushing me out the door, I told her I just needed to grab something really quick and her response was "yes. Quickly." I tried to ignore that and make conversation as I checked out but she completely ignored me besides making snide faces at me, as a visually queer person it's hard to feel like that wasn't the reason for her aggression but I digress. They seemed to have a large selection but I didn't feel safe exploring. Very pricey and hostile so I would recommend one of the other many yarn shops in the area (especially if you're LGBTQIA+). read more

Great place to find yarn, from every day stuff to something special. Staff is very friendly and helpful. They did not have the color I wanted, but they had an order coming in and would set one aside for me I'll definitely be back! read more

Love, love, love this place.! They've got a good variety of yarn and the nice woman that works there wound all three of the skeins I bought! This store is also in a great location. Lots of nearby coffee shops. I would definitely come back to this place if I lived here. read more

Close Knit gave me my introduction to knitting. My mother's friend offered to teach me the knitting basics and took me shopping here to buy my first skeins of yarn. The owner suggested that we buy the reasonably priced Cascade since I was a beginner so we didn't break the bank in case I decided knitting wasn't my thing. Several projects later this store is still my go-to. Love the location on Alberta, love the selection of gorgeous yarns and absolutely adore the people working there. Nancy (a fabulous employee) is an amazing designer in her own right and I've bought her patterns. I've also taken their classes and they were extremely fun and helpful. A small business definitely worth supporting. read more

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Just ordered yarn for a shawl I'm planning on making. Yarn arrived in a few days with a handwritten note of appreciation. When I noticed one of the skeins was a different lot number I sent an email. Heard back almost immediately with an apology and a promise to send a matching skein. I will be shopping here again! read more

I would have loved to shop at your store today. I'm visiting Portland and I did not think to bring a mask with me as most shops at home don't require them now. I'm not against wearing a mask. Please provide a few masks at the front of the store so I can comply with your policy and patronize your business. Thanks! read more

Great spring and summer sales. Kind out out of the way. Not close to any freeway. On Alberta.

Cute yarn store and friendly atmosphere. The usual selection of yarn, however, they are the only yarn store in NE that I know of. Right next door to Bolt - get some great fabric to line your knitted bags - all in one stop. Warning: They don't have a sign on Alberta, so be careful on your first time here. They are on the corner of Alberta and 22nd - new building. read more

Close Knit - Knitting Supplies Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Close Knit, I'm really disappointed with your staff. I will not visit your store again. I have visited Close Knit probably 4 or 5 times now to make a purchase or ask a question. Each time, the staff was unfriendly and snooty. It seemed that no one wanted to answer my questions and that it was a bother or annoyance. I don't think that this was based on it being busy with other customers, and I was requesting too much of their time. They were slightly busy this last time, but I was waiting patiently as they needed to assist other customers. Please be friendly to your customers. read more

Small location but packed to the brim with unique yarns. It's a little hard to move around when there are too many people in the store and it can sometimes feel claustrophobic - however, it can also have a cozy and charming vibe. Customer service is always stellar. read more

Little itty bitty space, tons of lovely hand painted yarn to covet. I must say the whole punch card thing really pisses me off! If you are $.50 away from 20, 40 or 50 etc dollars they won't punch the card. Why does this bother me so much??? Here is why: I spend a LOT of freakin' money in there! So you round up a few times on my punch card. By the time I fill it I have spent well over $500. So let's estimate on the high side. $2.00 shy of a punch each time and you give it to me anyway. You make me feel like a valued customer because even though I didn't quite make the punch amount you just validated that I am important to you and your local business. You may have lost a total of $10 off my punch card by the time it is full. Now call me a crazy business woman, but a maximum of $10 out of $500 loss seems like a sacrifice I would be willing to invest in. See! Now I am all pissed off. I already avoid when Jenni is working because I think she is brisk and lacks some of the charm the rest of the gals have. She has put me over the edge with the whole punch card episode. The only thing that still keeps me going here is the fantastic hand dyed yarns. Okay, there is Sally, too. She is such a joy to see. Bottom line, GO TO TWISTED! They are on 23rd and NE Broadway. They will treat you like the Queen Customer you are. They even keep track of your Frequent Shopping Card for you! read more

Gorgeous gorgeousness. However, I was COMPLETELY ignored when I went in to browse. I'm not looking for somebody to drop what they're doing and help me, I just wanted a simple "hello" or knowing head nod. read more

Move over Yarn Garden!! This knit shop is exactly what I think a yarn shop should be. It is cram packed and overflowing with all manner of lovely yarns including lots of wool yarns like cascade 220. It carries my favorite yarn Frog Tree alpaca(chunky) and lots of other alpaca yarns. Lots of great sock yarn. I think the selection is great---then again, it could just be that they carry all the yarns I like. And what I like in yarn is soft, soft, soft and dark colors (wine, midnight blue, purple, greens and blues) and natural fibers (Down with acrylic!) They have a small selection of books and a yarn winder and a tiny tiny sitting area. Did I mention it's tiny? Ok, it would be great if it were twice as big. But selection is more important than size in my opinion...hopefully this place will prosper and expand. read more

There is a lot of loveliness packed into a tiny place here. Every turn there is more and more yarn that I need, well..want. They have a wonderful bargain table, and the staff is knowledgeable. Nice examples up to give you some great ideas as well. read more

A great little store with all the yarns you can imagine. i love the knitting displays around the store. It really helps me visually. The price is very reasonable, but if you still think it's high, wait for their annual sale, it's a treat. The staff are great and extremely helpful. It's not uncommon to see then knitting away on their own project. read more

Awesome selection of yarn. They also do sweater/scarf repair. The little hole I had on my scarf only cost $5 to fix. Yarn prices are pretty standard in comparison to other stores. I love that they have a lot of sample projects showing you how the yarn turn out. The ladies there were very helpful. Recommended washable wool for baby projects = great idea! It's def my go-to place for hard to find/match yarn. read more

I have found my knitting tribe! This a wonderful, cozy little shop full of wonderful yarns and supplies. The staff is extremely helpful and the late nights are a hoot! Hurry up and go now! read more

This small yarn store on Northeast Alberta supplements neighboring Bolt's fabric selection with enough yarn to make any person feel the need to be crafty. Selling high end yarn spun from a variety of materials and dyed a rainbow of colors, there is plenty of selection and service for your first or latest knitting or crochet project. read more

I hadn't picked up a knitting project in 10 years, so I was reluctant to head inside when my sister insisted we look around. To my surprise, they had projects for all levels of craft, with tons of inspiring samples. The staff helped us pick out what we needed, and gave me the push I required to pick back up this stress-busting art. In less than one week, I finished my first scarf after a decade-long hiatus! I'm looking forward to going back to treat myself... Cashmere cowl neck anyone?! read more

Before coming to Portland from Tucson, Arizona, I was looking up some cool yarn stores to check out during my trip. After reading though all the reviews and visiting the store today, I was blown away by all the selection! They had all the yarns neatly organized and the store clerk was very friendly. Although they didn't have the color yarn I was looking for, the store clerk was nice enough to take down my phone number and told me she will call me sometime in August when her fall shipment of yarn will arrive. I'm looking forward to receiving my new yarns and will definitely be making another stop on my next trip! read more

Simply gorgeous. Bursting to the seams with such a variety of color and texture that it makes your fingers itch to just dive right in. The salespeople (and a couple regular customers who were hanging out) were very friendly, even when I rather guiltily admitted that The Naked Sheep is my usual LYS, being significantly closer to me. They were nothing but gracious towards Cheri (of the Naked Sheep), despite her presumably being the competition. I was fully allowed - even encouraged - to pet the yarn, and they had lots of FO's cluttered around to demonstrate the properties of many of the yarns. I will try to make it a point to be in the neighborhood more often, just so I can stop by! read more

I absolutely love this place and the people who work here! When I moved to Portland a few years ago this became my go to knit shop because of how welcoming it feels. I recently moved to another area of Portland and tried out the local knit shop but it's not the same. It's worth it to me to drive a little further to come here! read more

It sure is easy to drop $50 bucks or more here. Be forewarned, this place has the most luscious yarns that any tactile- ly (sp?) challenged person will be turned into a mad fondler. I try to limit my visits here because I get overstimulated and want to buy vividly dyed alpaca yarn like a crazy pack rat for future projects that are not well thought out. Sure is a great place to get inspired! read more

As other reviews say, this place is STUFFED full of great yarn. Small, but the yarn there is good. It is one of the few places that had the Rowan Denim yarn I searched for so long to find--it's a good choices oasis. They also have the best selection of good quality cotton yarns I've seen in Portland--in non-pastel colors! I'm not trying to knit sweaters for the freakin' Easter Bunny here, kids. They have great sales where things are really marked down. The books are good, but hard to browse through, as they are all jammed in stacked crates on a corner. This place would get 5 stars, but every time I've been there, one of the employees (maybe owner?) has been cold, rude, and generally unpleasant to me. Now, this is only one (very intimidating) person, the others all seem to be nice and helpful. But wear body armor if you want them to wind more than one ball for you. read more

This yarn store manages to pack quite a bit into a relatively small space. It's also worth noting that the staff and clientele are a bit older than your average knitting-store staff members. This doesn't affect the inventory or service in the way you might imagine (older knitters are actually quite likely to prefer low-quality supplies and unchallenging patterns), but it's nice to know you can get help from ladies who've been doing this stuff for a good long time. And the vibe is perhaps a little more friendly and less trendy than at other knitting stores in the area. The store hosts many classes and while the selection is not as varied as some other knitting stores, they do have a good cross-section of fine high-end yarns and supplies. I can also report, quite happily, that they have reorganized the needle selection -- it used to take hours to find the right set of needles, but no more! read more

2140 NE Alberta street I stumbled upon this pass while waiting for my breakfast to finish preparing at a nearby eatery. They didn't have a specific shade that I was looking for but they did have a good selection of yarn packed into the small but well organized store. Great customer service. read more