I unfortunately was not super thrilled with my experience here! The employees were friendly and attentive, but I did not like the selection, and could not find what I needed (buttons). When I realized that they did not sell buttons, I took a look around the store to familiarize myself. I found a lot of the yarn options were either not great quality or for very beginner knitters (think SUPER chunky, neon colors, brands I've never heard of, acrylic blends). Sadly, I won't be going back to Gauge. read more

Friendly staff, beautiful, wide selection of yarns and notions. There is more room than you think.

Love the yarn selection and the store. Great brands available, along with exclusive local finds. The owners are helpful and kind ! read more

Gauge Knits - Quince and CO pattern and yarn from the shop - Knitting Supplies Near Me - Austin, Texas

This is a great store with an excellent selection of most of what you will need to do fiber craft like crochet and knitting. They are very helpful here but they also get quite busy, and the store is somewhat small. As a beginner myself I quickly had to manage my expectations that they are not here to help me with everything I need to know- really here more to answer specific questions than "tell me what I don't know". Just too many customers to serve to be able to do that. They offer classes, which I haven't taken but plan to. If you need help be prepared to wait and be prepared to not get much 1:1 attention all at once. They seem to rotate between customers and check in on you to see if you need help. Try to come at less busy times if you can if you really need a lot of help. It's a small business with a small staff, so keep that in mind. I like to go here for inspiration too- they have lots of finished products throughout the store that describe the patterns followed and materials used. read more

The staff here is unfriendly and rude. They ordered something for me incorrectly and treated me as if it were my fault. I never even looked or referenced the color they did order. Even when I called to confirm my order they spoke to me with attitude about how they "haven't even ordered it yet"... right, which is why I'm calling to confirm, since I got no email/written confirmation. And not to mention, this is for an order I'm trying to fill so I have to inform my customer of no supplies now. All in all, it is nice to utilize this store for small quantities but dealing with their staff is haphazard. Super frustrating. read more

My favorite yarn space in the city! The online inventory matches what's in store so you're always able to browse online and plan projects before you head in. Staff is friendly to knitters *and* crocheters, and there is something available for all budgets. If you don't see what you need, tell them! They'll order it for you and call you when it comes in. read more

This is my favorite little local yarn shop. In fact, they are getting pretty close to being the only authentic LYS in Austin. Even if there were more options, I'd still shop here for all my yarn. They are so friendly and kind. The merchandise they carry is high quality, often local, and fairly priced. They have amazing classes to teach you how to knit and crochet. They have gone above and beyond in answering questions and providing help on projects. You can shop online and do a curbside pickup. They store your past purchases so they can always look up that skein for you that lost its sleeve. I could go on. I have seen other reviews mention it's expensive, but they have an impressive clearance rack, rewards points, and plenty of lower-quality acrylics in more budget-friendly shopping brackets. If you ask, they will point you in the right direction. read more

We were in town for the eclipse and decided to check out this yarn shop. My wife was greeted immediately by the owner, who was super friendly and very helpful. The yarns were beautiful and well organized. There was a nice selection of supplies as well. My wife left with some beautiful yarn and a big grin! read more

This is such a nice LYS. I always try to patronize the LYSs while traveling, and we are in TX this week (from Minnesota.) The shop was clean, neat, organized beautifully and had a lovely collection of different yarn types and brands. The two gals who helped me were very nice and friendly. I would definitely shop there again. read more

Great selection and knowledgeable staff. A knitter's paradise - was able to find exactly what I needed and will definitely be back.

The only place I'll go for my fiber crafting needs. Attentive service, knowledgeable staff, and best stock of local and international yarns. Staff is much more friendly than HCW IMO. read more

Gauge knits was the very first lys I ever went to! During 2021, the lovely people who work here gave me pointers on how to knit my first pair of socks and I've been a sock knitting machine ever since!! I've never been disappointed with a purchase from this store :) read more

Gauge is adorable! There's plenty of space to move around in and a nice seating area right in the middle of the room. There is an open room in the back where they offer classes. I happened to walk in during a one-on-one crochet pattern class and from what I overheard, the student was getting down! They have a beautiful selection of yarns and needles of all sizes. A lot of animal fiber yarn, but enough vegan friendly stuff to make plenty of whatever your little vegan heart desires. read more

Gauge Knits - Knitting Supplies Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I walked in to Gauge Knits, with well, nothing. I left with the start to a pillow case. I've been knitting for awhile now. I can do the very basics. I walked in to see several women sitting around a table by a large window, laughing and knitting. Carle asked if she could help me and I said I didn't know where to begin.... She picked my brain some and helped me come up with an idea. She was more than happy to help me figure out what I could and couldn't do and even let me sit and get started. The women there all seemed like good friends, partly joined by knitting, although I think their friendship went further back than that. They talked of knitting like a heroin addiction--once you get started, it's like you can't stop. It's kind of hard to find, if you don't know what you're looking for. That Exxon by Chez Zee? It's right across from it, by the dentist. Look for the green awning. You can rent out the back room for parties if you like. There was tea and chocolates available. One of the women said, to her frustrated friend, to eat chocolate, that it helps! Please support them! I really want to see them do well. The prices seem fairly reasonable, although I really only looked at the yarn I was buying. read more

Gauge Knits - Knitting Supplies Near Me - Austin, Texas

My mom is obsessed with knitting and she wanted to find some yarn stores while we were in Austin for the day. I found this place on yelp and decided to take her here. She was really happy when we walked through the doors. We were immediately greeted by the ladies that worked here and they were very friendly and helpful. They had a nice selection of yarn colors, qualities, and materials. I saw some patterns on display and they even had a room where you could find some yarn on clearance and some books for rental. I definitely would recommend coming here if you're looking for yarn from all over the world and if you have any questions definitely ask the ladies that work there because they know their stuff and are very willing to help. I don't knit or crochet, but I wouldn't mind coming here from time to time with my mom to check this place out. read more

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Nice selection of yarns and notions, and this year I see hand made soaps. This is the #1 shop in the 2016 Yarn Crawl based in its proximity to the Texas Capitol. I like it, much friendlier than last year. The parking situation sucks. Chez Z restaurant is next door and I heard it is really good. read more

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I had a hard time find it at first but one I got there I was in awe. It was the very first yarn store I went to since I started to crochet again and I couldn't believe the yarn selection. I was very new to this type of store and I was afraid to ask questions that would make me look ignorant but they were able to answer all my questions and I didn't feel judge. Now that I've been going there for over a year I feel like part of the family. I do live an hour or so (with traffic) away so I don't get down here very often but when I do I make gauge my first stop on a weekend. I bring my daughter with me so she can see what's going on and get interested and she does!! They let her sit at the counter, she welcomes the customers and she talks to everyone lol. If they don't have what you want they will look it up and order it for you. Very nice, organized and cute store. Don't pass this place by read more

New to knitting and was told I had to go to a local yarn store so I picked this one. As soon as I walked in I felt like I was coming home. I loved the setup of the shop and I was greeted right away. There's a lending library in the back and so many awesome stuff. Also they have a newsletter and they put you in the comp and keep track of what yarn you get so it's awesome. I had so many questions and they were so helpful and I will certainly be coming back. read more

Gauge Knits - Knitting Supplies Near Me - Austin, Texas

Pretty okay place. Very expensive, not unlike other local yarn stores, but not a very good selection. This seems like a place where they carry what they like and not necessarily what customers want. They didn't have any of my favorite brands so I probably won't be back plus it's way out of the way. Overall if you're looking for quality fiber, they have some. read more

I came to my first knitting class. I was appalled at how rude the owner was and especially the knitting instructor. I am use to classes where it is just as much about building friendships as it is about learning to knit. No one even introduced themselves to me I took the initiative to do that. The class I paid for was an hour and a half. I left after 45 minutes when not one person talked to me. Go to hill country weavers they understand kindness and fabulous service. I'll never go back to gauge!! read more

Probably time to modify this review from 2009! I've been in quite a few times since then and always had wonderful experiences and forgot this was still up. It must have just been an off day for a long ago employee, and we've all had those -- the shop itself is lovely! read more

I really liked this place. I am not an experienced knitter, I've taken beginner classes like three times in the past ten years, I make something then go years without knitting so I need refresher courses. My brother also wanted to learn to knit so we went to Gauge to buy what we needed as beginners and one of the women working there was kind enough to show us the basics. Their monthly beginners class was already full so I'm really grateful she could remind me of how to get started. I also just love supporting local businesses. I'll definitely go back when I'm ready to buy more yarn! read more

This is pretty much my "local yarn store" although it's kind of far from my house. (Someone needs to open a yarn store in that little village area of Round Rock, wish I could afford to do it) Aesthetically this is one of the more interesting yarn stores I've been to. It has a modern "warehouse" feel to it, polished cement floors and big white square shelves. It's not totally stark, there are samples on display and tables with artfully placed new yarns. But I like how it has a different atmosphere than others I've been to. It's not a generic store or too 'country kitchen' for my taste. The yarn is nicely organized by weight which can make for great shopping if you're shopping for a specific project. They have a nice variety of yarn that spans from good to great. Good being the mid range cotton, acrylic blends (blends mind you not red heart, so pleasant to knit while still being suitable for babies) up to great indie dyer and some local handspun. Not a lot of handspun but some. The variety of needles isn't super but 3 out of 4 times I find what I'm looking for. They don't have every book or pattern published but have plenty and you can usually find the one you're looking for or a good substitute. There's always a selection of little handmade project bags, needle markers, etc. I've even bought a really cute necklace. It's a fun place to browse. There's kind of a lot of furniture for such a small space in the front area and in the back room which can make the yarn hard to get to when there's a large knitting group or classes. Certainly not as claustrophobic as other yarn stores I've been to! The classes seem to happen kind of randomly and it can be kind of hard to get help if one is going on. Allow me to get tangential for a minute: I base a lot of how much I like a yarn store on how the regular knitters sitting around behave. This can apply to any kind of store really. I know the store owners don't have a lot of control over how their customers treat others. But I believe it does indicate the overall 'mood' of the store. If the owner is really open and helpful, he or she will hire people who are the same. If the people working in a store are passionate and friendly about what they sell, then the regular customers will tend to follow. Unpleasantness breeds unpleasantness. That's my storefront philosophy anyway. That being said Gauge's overall mood can vary. I've been there when the regular knitters have been insular and talked trash about their friends, which makes me very uncomfortable. No one was unpleasant to me but it's still kind of awkward. I've also been there when a new knitter comes in and everyone gets excited and tries to help. That particular time it was a guy but I couldn't really guess if it was gender or what he was asking for (glow in the dark yarn which is a pretty interesting request). Most of the time there are one or two pleasant people sitting around who will look up and smile or help you if you look confused. But I'm much happier there when classes and knitting groups aren't happening. I don't remember a resident store cat but the owner and a few customers have had dogs there. That was a few years ago no idea if they still do that. Now I'm fine with that, I love animals, but I have heard complaints about that kind of thing. All in all it's a good store. I would still make a trip there every few months even if I had a closer option. Probably more often if I weren't trying to cut my yarn spending. A solid store for the quality and variety of yarn. read more

Knitta please, this joint is hard to find so consult your mapquest or GPS if you're fancy about it. Wanna hear how much I love eet? The staff aren't totally crazed like at HCW (though the folks at HCW are super nice and I'm totally not saying this as an insult). You see, I only wish the ladies at Gauge were swamped. They are small and new and need your local support! Theirs is a small outfit with affordable and cute everything- yarn and classes! I got yarn enough to make a super cute baby blanket for $35 (work in progress, yes). The salesgirl even asked me to come back later and show her the fruits of my labor. She was genuinely interested in my crappy knitting! She also told me that they'd love to have me come by and knit anytime. You can knit indoors or out since they have a lil patio. MY KNITTAS!!! Lastly, I don't have to cross the river south to buy good yarn. Note to 78704: You know I love you but I can't do a long-distance relationship. And besides, our little side affairs are always hottt. read more

I totally *heart* this yarn store. I was giddy with excitement when I learned about it, because it's within walking distance of my new place! Woo! The first time I went, the gal there (er, I don't actually know any of their names...) was super helpful when I couldn't figure out what yarn I needed to substitute in a pattern. And then, when they were out of the size needle I needed, she let me "check out" hers! Like a library! (Which they also have, I believe...haven't looked at the books myself.) How's that for customer service! Then they just called me when those needles came in and I popped back in and switched them out. Amazing. Beautiful yarns and a great little store. I hope it succeeds because I sure don't want to go without it now that I've found it! read more

I'm a newbie knitter, but I'm already terribly picky about my yarn and needle selection. While I can get needle just about anywhere, big chain craft stores do not cut it when it comes to yarn. So I asked for suggestions from my crafting guru friend and this place was one she mentioned. Gauge doesn't have the largest or least expensive selection, but most of it is nice, high-quality stuff. I found myself a lovely Merino wool colorway for my scarf and was happily knitting away once I got home. :) read more

I am a new crocheter and I started a project without having enough yarn. Rather than go to the big box stores I sought this place out for the first time because I knew I needed a little guidance. I'm so glad I did. The yarns in stock are gorgeous and varied. They do have a little section with for sale options and a lending library. They have classes if you need them. The woman who helped me really did help me with matching the yarns and explaining everything since I know nothing and she didn't make me feel stupid as a novice. I can't wait to come back and make more things! read more

This is my favorite yarn store in the world. There, I said it. Now that I've moved away from Austin I think I might miss this place more than my friends, yeah, I went there! Gauge is a stunning store, so well organized with a delicious selection. Karli is amazing and I was so pleased to be her customer while I lived there. She even let my friends from work and I invade that super cool patio of hers once a week while I was teaching them to knit. If you knit or crochet, know anyone who knits or crochets or want to learn you really need to get yourself to gauge asap. And keep going back. I miss this place enough to be seriously considering booking a plane ticket back with an empty suitcase in tow. read more

I love this store. It kills me to give only 3 stars. Open and bright with no clutter, but the selection is miniscule. I understand they can only have so many brands and styles, but it seems to me they stock only what the owner/staff prefers to use. Plenty of selection for wool, but sadly limited on the cottons, especially since we live in Texas. And no Cascade brand :(. The ladies are always very nice and chatty, but I'm not a knitter, so have never burdened them with knitting questions, which is usually where most reviewers have a sore point with getting their questions answered. Call before you go if you're looking for a specific brand. Prices are what you'd expect from a brick-and-mortar yarn store, but without the extra $0.50 added on to the MSRP you might find elsewhere (Hill Country Weavers I'm looking at you!). read more

Gauge saved my life! Okay, they saved my project but still. I'm an extremely new knitter and was trying my first large-ish project on some super cheap circular needles (that I obviously didn't get here) and the needles broke in the middle of my project and I thought the whole thing was ruined! So, I looked this place up here on Yelp and came in, and even though the place was jam packed due to a special holiday sale they were having that day, a very lovely woman working there helped my confused panicky self select some new needles that were actually good and then patiently helped me fix my wonky project and get it on the new needles. I owe you big time!!!! read more

Gauge is a relatively new store which organizes its yarn by, you guessed it, gauge. There is a modest selection so far, but they are quickly expanding their inventory and brand selection. There is a wide range of products to suit all budgets, and the store is making a strong effort to support local artists by carrying their handmade yarn and roving. The store is also offering free knitting classes for the first year they are open, so this is a great opportunity for anyone wanting to pick up the craft. The owners are very helpful and are happy to make recommendations. read more

I am desperately trying to finish all my knitting projects before Christmas and I ran into a skill I had no idea how to execute. I popped into the store for a drop in class and the instructor was incredibly helpful! I've always had a good experience with the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Gauge, but this was really excellent! read more

I love Gauge! I taught myself to knit a couple of years ago, but I would not be nearly so confident without Karli (the owner). I have been attending a knit class/social for the past 4 months and WOW what fun. I get to knit with other knitters of all levels, ages, and backgrounds - we have a good laugh after a sometimes hard day, and I always have an experienced knitter near by to help me along if need be. I like that Gauge supports other local artist and small businesses. The store itself is comfortable and inviting -- I live close and some days I just go over to say hi, look through the lovely yarns or knit. read more

Moving from south to north Austin I wasn't sure where my new knitting store would be, and was so glad to find a cute store that had so many things I needed! The staff is helpful, knows where everything is- and gave great tips/ideas for some projects I was working on- I've never left there with a yarn that wasn't PERFECT for the project. Big thanks to this wonderful spot!! read more

I've been shopping at Gauge for years and it's easily my favorite yarn shop in the Austin area. Though the shop appears small, Gauge has a fantastic selection of yarns in a variety of weights and price points. There is also a nice selection of knitting needles and crochet hooks. The owner and employees are all extremely sweet and helpful while being great at letting you browse around at your own pace. They've custom ordered yarn for me on multiple occasions and are diligent about keeping in touch about the order. There's a nice setup toward the back of the shop for classes or just dropping in to knit for a bit. They have a knitting book lending library too! read more

The vibe here is awful. They have kids toys for kids but the kids, while playing in the empty store, was frowned upon cause they were "in the way". There was one nice lady, the others gave us and her passive aggressive banter and really bad stares at us and our kids that lasted more than 5s sometimes. Serious bad vibes. Will never return. read more

Gauge. This store is absolutely​ gorgeous​ and the thing I love about it is that they have good quality yarn, amazing colors and multiple options for any budget. I don't think their site says the yarn brands they carry but they do have plenty of Berroco, Cascade, Quince & Co, one of a kind dye yarns, along with many other great choices. They have my go-to yarns and seem to always have exactly what I need in stock. ​There's also a sale shelf in the back. Their prices are comparable to online so you can shop local without paying a premium and support a local shop. They wind yarn for you as well. read more

The selection is better than most online retail for natural yarns. BUT, on top of that the staff is eager to help and knowledgeable of techniques, fibers, spinning etc... I can't believe I almost bought online.., then I found this place. Yeah Austin!!!!! read more

Gauge is the best tarn store in Austin. Karli is the most professional and personable business owner I've met, she's also easy on the eyes:) ok I'm a lil bias cuz she's so hot and has a great personality. So when I need some good high quality yarn and patterns gauge is the place to go! In response to KR's negative response; so you said you've had great experiences except for once. So you're the type that goes online when things go bad yet you didn't go online to spread the word abt your positive experiences? Sounds like somebody's glass is half empty. I'm sure this was an isolated incident, obviously from on all the 5 star reviews and maybe you were the not so pleasant one. read more

This place is wonderful! Their yarns are beautiful and they have a great variety of colors and textures. The shop is decorated with scarves, shawls, blankets, hats, and gloves knitted and crocheted in many of the yarns they sell. This helps you get a better idea of how a finished piece will look, drape, and feel. They have supplies fitting a range of budgets, from a good selection of yarns for under $10 to yarns that are hand-dyed and made from luxurious fibers. They also have the best selection of specialty crochet and knitting tools that I've seen in Austin. Finally, their customer is fantastic! Karli took the time to explain the differences between similar looking yarns and make recommendations for my projects. And when I couldn't decide between an armload of slow color-transitioning yarns, she looked up pictures of finished pieces made with each one so that I could see the colors buried deep within the skeins. I'd recommend this shop to anyone. Well, anyone interested in doing something with yarn, at least. Enthusiastically recommended! read more