Sigh I have a problem with this place, but I don't think my issues are unique. They are very very strict with returns and no nonsense about the Patrons shopping inside. It makes sense given the delicate nature of the products but it borderline OCD (IMO). And the prices are a little high but it is nyc. Glad to have this resource when in desperate need for quality yarn. read more

Visiting family in NYC, and always looking for great shopping spots to bring home the best goods. Had found this little gem on instagram through and influencer and was excited to check it out. They had a nice selection of cotton yarns, which at the moment is my jam. Though the wools and alpacas choices are huge! I was greeted at the door, with a hand sanitizer first (clean hands for the yarn). The gal showed me all the cotton based yarns and a few blends to make my search a bit easier, being my first time in. Also at one point I needed another roll and it was a bit high on the shelf, they were able to climb a ladder and check to see if there was more...yes! Good quality does come at a price, but personally it's nicer and many times softer than what you could get at a chain retailer. So shop small and local! Can't wait for my next trip back in a few months, easy to find on Avenue A. read more

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Downtown Yarns has nice hand-dyed yarns, but shopping here can be miserable. You're forced to use alcohol-based sanitizer as you enter, so some skeins ends up handled by alcohol coated hands! They also lock the door behind customers, which feels unsafe and weird. In addition, Downtown Yarns has a frankly absurd policy: after paying for your yarn, you're kicked out of the store and forced to wait outside while it is being wound--even if you're the only customer or it's raining. The staff forced an elderly customer outside while they wound her yarn. Completely unnecessary! The attitude is rigid, and downright hostile. Quality yarn, disappointing treatment: staff are quick to take your money and even quicker to usher you out. There are far better shops in NYC offering beautiful yarns and genuine customer service. There's absolutely no reason to put up with this nonsense. read more

Amazing store. So much fabulous yarn in a beautiful space. Staff was friendly and welcoming. Stop by if you're in the area!

Well, that was a weird experience. Tried to go in to buy yarn, and after waiting for them to allow me to enter (weird enough for a yarn store), they said I had to use hand sanitizer. Then when I didn't want to do that, they said I couldn't touch the yarn. It isn't like my hands were covered in mud .... What a bizarre place. I guess I am cut out for those crude places (ie every other yarn shop I've ever been to in many, many, many years) where the hoi polloi is allowed in and allowed to touch the yarn without being sprayed with chemicals first. Oh well. On to the next. (Now I see I should have read prior reviews. I guess a lot of people don't mind being treated this way. But I do.) read more

If you're a fabric crafter this is a great place to go. They wind fiber yarn for you and they are super helpful if you need help finding a certain fiber. Their items are fairly priced for how great the quality of the fibers. read more

I walked in and immediately was memorized by the walls full of yarn. They have so many different types/colors. The staff were also extremely helpful. I was wanting to start learning how to knit and they answered all my questions and gave me useful tips. Although on the pricier side (expected for the city) it was an easy and quick experience. read more

Downtown Yarns - Knitting Supplies Near Me - New York, New York

It's my local yarn store and while it has a good, if expensive, selection the human experience leaves a lot to be desired. The owner (who obviously trains the other attendants because they gang up on you too) may want to come across as quirky with her dress sense but really is just rude, dismissive and creates anxious energy in the narrow room. Other reviews have already talked about the locked door, the forced hand sanitizer and making you leave for 20 mins! while your 1 skein is being wound, I also have as much of a problem with how little help they offer. It seems they view every customer as a thief only to be watched and asking questions feels like you are bothering them. You will want to leave as quickly as you can and it seems this is their business model too. read more

Strange unwelcoming vibe for a cute shop in a great neighborhood. The rave reviews are the exact opposite of what we experienced. Everyone that works there seem out of their comfort zone when it comes to simply basic manners much less customer service. Remember that scene in Pretty Woman? Well ... don't expect to be helped, seen or heard if they decide you aren't their tribe. Honestly we left this shop feeling snubbed and as soon as my companion got outside the door she said she regretted spending money in the shop. Downtown Ghosting is a better name for this store. read more

Knowledgeable and friendly staff. The store is really cute, but on the small side of things. read more

I used love this shop. But today in 90 degree heat and high humidty the clerk told me I would have to wait outside for 20 minutes if I wanted my expensive yarn wound into a ball. Im a senior citizen. I thought this was unfair and this clerk was rude. They also needed intense guidance from me to find the correct gauge of knitting needles. ps I never leave reviews, thats how bad my experience was. I will never return to this shop. read more

Such a cute store with a great selection of yarns! I look forward to coming back Checkout process was simple and the workers were very helpful! read more

Downtown Yarns - Yarn - Knitting Supplies Near Me - New York, New York

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One of my knitting buddies mentioned Downtown Yarns. I happened to be in the area and decided to take a peek inside. So, you have to be let in, you can't just walk in. next, they give you hand sanitizer. There were two employees in the shop. They weren't terrible but not necessarily warm either. I'm not an expert on how yarn shops should be. I learned to knit during COVID so I wasn't exactly able to pop in a yarn shop. My only experience prior to visiting Downtown Yarns is the We Are Knitters pop up in Soho (I loved it!!). I do think it's a bit dark to me. They did have nice yarn but I didn't stay long--didn't feel inviting to me. read more

The yarn is lovely. However, they're still acting like it's 2020 re: covid policies - the door is latched shut, someone from the shop has to *let you in*, you have to wear a mask inside, AND they need to spray your hands with sanitizer upon entry. It was almost enough to deter me from shopping here, and if you don't like that kind of stuff (I find it bossy and annoying), you'd be better off just buying yarn online. Prices were alright, and it's nice that they will wind the skein into a ball for you. Based on the reviews from people before me who were complaining about staff being less than pleasant, I have a feeling it's all because of the covid stuff - if they didn't have those rules to enforce, I think the shopping experience would have been good for more people. read more

Fantastic selection of unique and fun types, styles, and colors. Service is great. Lots of buttons. Also good for fiber artists and crochet enthusiasts. Will definitely be back! read more

Had to wait outside to be let in . I then showed them the thread l needed and what l wanted it for. They said they were out of that weight in that and showed me something more expensive. All sales were final. I bought a skein for a higher price and they asked me to again wait outside while they wound it As l was walking out l noticed a thread that would work for a lower price and asked to exchange it. They kindly offered to " have me buy both and try them. " l will not be returning to this shop! read more

I am downgrading these guys to one star. I have been avoiding the place for several years now because they kept the "must wear masks" sign up way after Covid ended, but they've taken that down, so I figured it was back to normal. Lo and behold, they are still doing the hygiene theater thing. A woman flitted to the door to unlock the door so I could enter, and tried to spray my hands with some mystery bottle. I marched right out of there. It's bad enough that everywhere you go in Manhattan, basic necessities are under lock and key. If a LYS wants to put this level of obstruction in my way when I try to shop in person, then I'll shop online. read more

What a cool little yearn shop! We stopped in and got 3 very unique hand dyed skeins - one from Peru and two from Uruguay. The variety was delightful and the service was exceptional. read more

Super cozy and friendly yarn shop! They have a beautiful selection and the women working the shop were very personable and accommodating. They even offered to let me lay out my yarn to get an image of my color story. Overall, it was great shopping experience, and I look forward to stopping in there again the next time I'm in need of some yarn! read more

Very welcoming atmosphere! Staff was very friendly and helpful. Wide range of yarns with prices varying from $7-$45+ per skein. They had crochet hooks, knitting needles, and other yarn notions. They even wind up your skein for you into a cake for free! (For price reference) The crochet hooks I bought were $10 each, and the yarn skein I bought was $16 for 400 yards. It's definitely worth checking out! read more

I had a lot of fun here. I was actually not intending to go to a yarn store the day I went here, but I happened to see the sign and decided to go inside. The staff members were very nice and made it clear that they were okay with using the ladder to reach yarns I could not access. They were patient with all of my questions. I would definitely return here read more

The best yarn store in town Leti is so sweet and knowledgeable and helpful. I always find what I need + exciting unpredictable skeins to taken home! read more

Stopped by here for a yarn treat while on vacation! So cute and the staff were very sweet and helpful, absolutely loved the yarn selection as well. Lots of color and fiber options! Love the atmosphere so much read more

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Downtown yarns is a full-service yarn store, where they'll even wind your yarn into balls! I hadn't knitted in several years, and they helped me select some bright, eco-friendly cotton yarn, which knitted up into a beautiful scarf. _____________ Over a year later, I'm here to report I'm still happily knitting, thanks to a knitting group that happens on Tuesday evenings at nearby Club Cumming. A knitting fetish is one of the safest compulsions to have! read more

Very expensive yarn. Place is small and they still make you use the mask and hand sanitizer. I got not problem with the hand sanitizer because you will be touching yarn but the mask I'm over it. read more

Love the selection of yarns, books, buttons and patterns! The staff are do friendly and helpful. The store is narrow but their yarns are great. I love the seasilk and galler yarns the latter is from NY. They also have patterns that the staff designed and they are fabulous i brought the noro yarn and some mohair yo make the Whisker pattern and it is knitting ip a dream - the pattern is designed by one of the staff and i love the combination so on trend! Keep up the great work ladies i live your store - see you (again) soon! read more

Charming spot & helpful staff. And they have a phenomenal selection. Because shop is so small, when I stopped in (March 25), they asked that mask be worn inside. read more

I took a beginner's knitting class at Downtown Yarn's with Riko! Riko was a looovely instructor and made the class so much fun. :)

Adorable store with the nicest, most helpful, sweetest staff! I come by now and again to pick up some yarn as a gift for my niece who is a knitter. When it comes to knitting I know nothing... lol. They help me pick out some cool nice quality yarn for her at reasonable prices. Such a nice vibe, it's always a pleasure shopping in this store. :-) They offer classes. They also sell beautiful hand knitted hats, scarves, sweaters, etc. You can have them custom knit you something too! read more

This hidden gem is an absolute treasure trove for anyone passionate about knitting and crochet. From the incredible selection of gorgeous yarns to the welcoming staff and enriching classes, Downtown Yarns truly has it all. I have shopped in this store several times over the past two years and each experience has been wonderful - the staff is extremely friendly and helpful. Yarn prices are fair for the quality of yarn they offer read more

Super unfriendly service and unhelpful. They rush you in and out of the store. Once you buy something they make you wait outside while they wind the yarn. If you go, you must go knowing exactly what you need, do not plan to browse, get any guidance or support on projects. They are unlike any other yarn store I have experienced. read more

Very cute little shop with an actual screen door during the summers! The selection is on the small side but it's all good quality and worth a visit. read more

This was a fantastic yarn store! I highly recommend anyone in the city going to the store. The people working here were friendly and helpful. The selection was fantastic. I was able to find what I was looking for for my project and something a little extra. They have tools and yarn for knitting and crochet, books, and much more. They also wound my yarn into balls for me free of charge. Prices that I saw ranged from 8-27 per skein. read more

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Amazing yarn store! I am a beginner knitter and everyone was so welcoming and friendly. They helped me make some decisions about what I'll need for my next project. I love tiny NYC storefronts like this one that are basically bursting at the seams with wonderful goods, and this is definitely one of those. There were a wide range of beautiful yarns available, and I was very happy with the affordability of some of the really lovely options I chose. The staff was kind and helped me find the findings I needed. Can't wait to go back! read more

love this yarn store! anytime im in the area I go to this store. they have a nice selection of yarns with local yarns too! i love galler and their selection of sea silk yarns. als the staff are so friendly and helpful. they have a great selection of buttons that are differ and they have patterns that are designed by the staff too! during my recent visit i brought yarn to make viola whisker, which is a design by one of the staff member. i just love this yarn store! well worth a visit when you are in NYC - read more

What's not to love about this store? For as long as I can remember they've been hanging some seriously kick ass, gorgeous creations in their front window. They are mindful of their yarn suppliers and have a good selection of small farm yarns. Today I stopped in and met two adorable little ladies. Irina was knitting some super amazing fingerless gloves (like super duper special, the colors and the patterns....just awesome!) and she's agreed to repair a sweater for me for a very reasonable price. Leti was dripping in beautiful knit creations, and Irina's beautiful sweater in the window (worth a trip over if you haven't seen it, looks like it cost a zillion dollars at Barney's). I was so inspired that I signed up for an intro to knitting course. 4 weeks x 2 hours/week = $120 Very reasonable! Please join me and sign up for the class (minimum 4 students, with a maximum of 7 students). Go check out the shop and look at all the not-for-sale creations by Irina. She also had a super precious little yellow child's hooded sweater on the table near the cute fingerless gloves she was making. I felt so happy being there and it's exactly the kind of unique mom-and-pop shop we need to support in order to keep our neighborhood special. Go in and sign up for a class, purchase some yarns for a project or whatever! read more

Great range of yarn colors, blends, materials, prices, and lengths. I would describe myself as an intermediate crocheter and they were so helpful with not just finding specific yarns but also with terminology. The employees were welcoming and them winding up the yarn for you is so great! I personally have no issue with the Covid policies and no one else should because it's a small thing to do for immunocompromised people. It's incredibly considerate and responsible of them and people should consider the fact that the owner or employees might also be immunocompromised, therefore vulnerable to Covid. read more

Stopped in during a visit to my hometown. My daughter had joined the knitting club at Columbia (Gosh yarnit) and needed some supplies. The shop was lovely and well organized, reminded me of one of my favorite knitting stores in Portland, Maine (Knitwits). Lots of beautiful, quality yarns in an amazing array of colors. While the prices for high end yarn, tend to be high, I found the prices here similar to other like shops I have been to. In the back of the store was a great selection of needles and a very helpful shelf modeling finished hat projects with free patterns offered as well. It was so helpful to be able to hold the hats in order to decide which one I might like to try. The staff was quite helpful and willing to share information and tips. There was also a very sweet dog in the shop, which I thought was a big plus! Once I settled on a hat pattern and found the yarn, one of the women in the shop offered to wind it for me so that I would not have to do that once I got home. What a gift! I hate going home with new yarn and first having to roll it into a ball before starting a project! I would absolutely recommend Downtown Yarns to people looking for quality materials and information on knitting projects. I will most certainly return myself on my next visit! read more

Downtown Yarns - Awesome window display - Knitting Supplies Near Me - New York, New York

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- good selection - reasonably priced (still cheaper to order online), I'd recommend finding what you like in the store and then googling it when you get home - hit or miss with the staff, depending on their mood that day - go if only for the dog Franky, I loveth the her, she's my favorite golden retriever ever and would happily buy her if I could read more

Very pleasant store jam packed with lots of yarn and thread options. (Also has a nice, quirky button selection.) Some of the yarn is particularly beautiful (hanging on the wall, next to the larger display of yarn that goes up to the ceiling). The two women working here were nice and helpful. I got 90 yards of merino wool yarn with varying colors for $22. read more