As I was sitting this morning knitting, I got to thinking about how far I've come. I've been knitting for about 25 years and crocheting since I was 11 years old--my sister-in-law taught me how to crochet. For years, I stuck with the basics--blankets, scarves, and simple patterns. I would look at all the beautiful sweaters, socks, and tops, read through the patterns, and then skip right over them if I saw stitches like intarsia, short rows, or knit one below. Then it hit me--if you don't jump in and try new techniques, you're never going to make those beautiful things. I realized I was limiting myself by being afraid of what I didn't know. So I decided to go for it. I signed up for the sweater and sock class at Hank's, learning two new things at the same time--yep, I was like, "let's do this!" The support there has been amazing. The staff and other knitters are so encouraging. Even when I made the same mistake ten times, no one ever got frustrated--they were always there to help. And guess what... I DID IT! I made a hoodie for my son, and he loved it. Seeing how happy he was made me so proud--and now I need to make one for my other son! And if I need help, I know they'll be there with open arms. I have grown so much in my knitting because of the encouragement from Hank's staff and the community there. I've also made so many knitting friends through their events--especially Fiber Night, which they hold the last Friday of every month. It's so much fun, along with their trunk shows and just spending time in the shop knitting and talking. It means so much to have a place where you can go, be yourself, and be surrounded by people who love the same craft you do. The support and welcoming atmosphere at my local yarn store truly make all the difference. So if you're like me--skipping over beautiful patterns because of one "dreaded" stitch you think you can't do--jump. Take that next step. YOU CAN DO IT! And if I happen to be in the store when you're there, I promise I'll be your biggest cheerleader read more

I have been looking for a good, small local shop for yarn and patterns. This shop is adorable and the people are super helpful. It's laid out thoughtfully and their yarns are beautiful. I haven't tried it but a few of the other patrons mentioned that they have good classes too. I'll definitely be back! read more

Visiting my son in Cincinnati so I decided to check out some yarn stores (I work in a yarn store in Wisconsin). I found this shop wonderfully organized by weight, extremely clean and neat, displays were extremely well done along with the samples tagged with name of pattern and yarn used. There were two staff members there Knitting at a table and they were very friendly and helpful. I enjoyed my visit there very much. I ended up purchasing one of their new yarns they are carrying, knitting by Olive as our store doesn't carry it. They also are now carrying La Bien Aimee. Would definitely go back again and sit and knit as the staff mentioned. read more

Hank - Hank Knitting by Olive - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I have never had an issue with mean people. Great stick of wonderful yarn. Lots of room to stop and knit or crochet. I came for a class on Knitting Comfortably. That was a bit too crowded for me but I had a great time! I just wish it was closer to me. read more

Best customer service I have ever had! the ladies that work there a beyond lovely and have the best selection of yarn. thank you so much! in addition it is extremely affordable. read more

I need some new needles and was thinking of stopping in since they are located very close to my house but I cannot allow myself. Multiple times when I have gone in they have been so rude! The first time the lady was condescending acting as if I couldn't complete the pattern I was interested in. Then the first and third time the staff had eyes on me like I was going to steal from them. I was not comfortable enough to browse through so I left. On top of all this lack of customer service their prices are outrageously high. I much prefer to shop at a local business even if I have to pay for it but for my own moral code I cannot give them any more of my money. I would rather drive out of my way than return here. There are other stores north that are better service and have just as good yarn if not better at reasonable prices. Shame for them because I knit a ton and they are losing a potential loyal customer. BOO HANK!! read more

What a neat store! This place made my day! I had a great time & met some really helpful people. The staff was so friendly & made me feel welcome. They shared ideas & made sure I was comfortable shopping. Got some fun yarn that we don't carry in Indianapolis. Thanks for a fun stop! Check it out if you are ever near here & need a break! Or make a point to stop in! read more

I went in there Saturday and the lady was so mean to me I cried in the car after I left. I just wanted help reading my stitches and she yelled at me and told me they don't help people who don't buy there yarn from them. I tried to explain that I had just moved here last month and that I really wanted to finish my project. But she just kept yelling at me and told me to go back to joanns for assistance. After I collected myself I decided that no one could possibly be that mean. so I bravely walked back and expressed that I didn't like the way she spoke to me. I mentioned that she could of offer to set up an appointment time for me to come back for lessons. she just yelled at me again " I'M SORRY YOU TOOK WHAT I SAID THE WRONG WAY AND WE DON'T SET UP APPOINTMENTS". To which I calmly asked if she knew any other stores in the area that would be open to offer some classes. And she yelled back saying "I'M SURE YOU ARE CAPABLE OF GOOGLING OTHER STORES" . At this point my partner and I left with me crying again. My partner and I make just under six figures we could of paid for lesson times 10 but she was so awful I am never going in there again. All I want is to get involved in my new community and meet some friends and learn how to knit the patterns in my Harry Potter knitting books. But apparently none of that is an option at this store that I am less the 2 miles from. I will be driving to college hill for all my knitting needs for now on. read more

When Hank opened its doors on my beaten path 3 1/2 years ago I had been unsuccessfully attempting to learn to knit on and off for 5 years. I wandered in and found that they took a different approach to teaching knitting - a 3 class block rather than the one off lessons I had received at other local knit shops. I signed up and haven't stopped knitting since. Under their tutelage I'd say I'm on the cusp of becoming an intermediate knitter. I have knitted over 50 projects, all but one with yarn I purchased there. It's my Cheers and I am not the only one for whom that is true. To the reviewers with complaints about the customer service I would say that I have visited several similar yarn shops in travels around the country and found Hank's service on par with the best. I say this not just as a regular, but as someone who is often sitting at that table getting helpful advice and observing the service newcomers receive walking in the door for the first time. Furthermore, as a small business owner, I understand what it is like to try to be all things to all people and I think Hank is doing an awesome job. read more

I love how colorful this yarn shop is when you walk in. For the most part, they have all their yarns sorted by weight, which is incredibly convenient. I found that they had needles I had already purchased online for roughly the same price, which I wish I had realized sooner, as I would have preferred supporting a local business. Luckily, I know this for the future. Yes, the yarn is pricey, but the quality is worth it. The staff has always been friendly to me, and I love that they will wind your yarn for you, partially because it's super helpful later on, but honestly, mostly I love it because it's fun to watch. Also, they have a punch card for every $50 spent in the store, which isn't that hard to do. Every time I have been there, I have seen a group of people knitting in the store, and I think they have KAL stuff going on as per the calendar I saw on their countertop. In fact, yes, I just checked their website and they have a calendar of events/ classes they offer. read more

Hank has a ginormous selection of very fine, expensive yarns. If you love to knit or crotchet, you will fall in love with their selection-- from angora to wool. Like Chris U below writes, the staff is also a bit snooty to match. I live nearby and have purchased a few things at the store, but each time I go in, I vaguely feel like they are following me around to make sure I'm not shoplifting. I would buy more yarn here, but if I'm spending a fortune on yarn, I want to have a stellar customer service experience, not an uncomfortable one. Bottom line: amazing products, but this likely won't become your favorite neighborhood yarn hangout. read more

Love Hank. They are always helpful and so pleasant. Their skills are perfection and positive excellence. The yarn is luscious. Did I say I love Hank? Yes I do!!! read more

I've been to Hank twice and both times the service I received was less than friendly. I was in the store more than 15 minutes without anyone asking if I needed help, and despite being one of less than 5 people in the store at the time. They also apparently have no crocheters on staff and were unable to assist me with questions I had regarding a yarn I wanted for a crochet project. Their yarn selection is nice, and their pricing is what I expected, but I certainly wasn't made to feel welcome, and I won't be returning. It's a shame, because they are the nearest local yarn store to my home, but I've taken to driving to a much friendlier store across town with staff that knows more than just knitting. read more

Thought I found a yarn store for me until u bought a set of interchangeable needles and came to find out I could of bought them for almost half of what i paid for them. They would not return them nor do a price adjustment on them. Needless to say will be internet shopping for my yarn and supplies from now on. I've been in customer service for 25 years and I always believed in supporting the customer. Never told me when u bought them that they was not returnable. I like supporting our small businesses in my community but when this happens they force us to shop internet and then wonder why small businesses goes out of business. read more

As several people have pointed out, the customer service here is pathetic. Worst of all, a couple of friends and I were asked to leave when we attended the "open knitting" night. The reason given by the store owner is that the 'open' group is for beginning knitters who need the help of the staff. As experienced knitters, we were taking up space that they needed for other people. (Really? I didn't see anyone leave because they couldn't get a seat. There were at least two empty chairs at the table I was sitting at.) My friends and I found another store to visit that loves having people visit. None of us will ever set foot in Hank again. read more

2 Steps Forward / 1 Step Back for Customer Service I love this yarn store and want them to succeed and flourish, but customer service is inconsistent. Today I had good customer service and was helped promptly. The salesperson discussed the merits of the items I wanted to purchase and gave me good advice. Then I paid and pulled out my loyalty card. Because my purchase was $30 I received no credit with their program. Purchases must exceed $50. Hmm, so my value as a returning customer is based on spending at least $50. My hope is they will rethink and reevaluate what sets them apart from other yarn stores and the answer is customer service. The same yarn can be purchased at other stores or on-line. Why go to a local store - customer service!! read more

I found myself in Cincinnati several days longer than expected. Having finished the knitting project I brought with me I googled knit shops and decided to try Hank. A short cab ride from center city and I was there. Inviting store front.......I walked in and was greeted by a friendly face who immediately knew I was a woman on a mission. Twenty minutes later I had an appropriate project, yarn, needles, pattern. Laurie was spot on with suggestions. Beautiful shop - homey, clean, lovely yarns. Thank you for your help. One more reason to come back to Cincinnati. Cynthia read more

This yarn store has some of the best selection of yarns I've seen in Cincinnati. I am especially impressed with their sock yarns. There are other stores I go to more often, but for sock yarn, I go to Hank. The staff here is not as warm and friendly as at other yarn stores in the area. I have also not had good experiences getting yarn suggestions from staff. I also find this to be one of the more expensive yarn stores in the area. read more

Three stars for excellent yarn selection. Varied and all high quality knitting needles. However... not the place to go if you want crochet tools. They carry boye hooks and they're less expensive at the bigger stores (yes I understand the reasoning). Customer service was lacking the day I went in. My first time there and had to figure the layout on my own. Beautiful store, not very friendly. To be expected for Hyde Park, though. read more

I just returned from Hank happy to start my next project. Hank is a fantastic yarn shop. I am always thrilled with the advice I get in picking my projects and with the helpfulness from the staff in getting started. I also know that I will get a very high level of support as I have questions. read more

Stopped in at Hank today after meeting a friend for lunch. What a lovely store! Plenty of light, great selection & yarn arranged by weight. Staff was friendly and helpful but not overbearing. Oh, and TONS of sample projects on display. Will definitely be back! read more

The best yarn store! I love everything about this shop - the selection, the staff, and the community of knitters. There is always a seat at the table to tackle your next project, get help, or just hang out and knit. Like the previous reviewer said - I've spent countless hours in the store both shopping and knitting and see the lengths to which the staff go to help all levels of knitters. They are a wonderful group of people who own the shop because they truly love sharing their passion for knitting. It's one of my favorite places to hang out and be creative. read more

Hank is a great shop, very friendly helpful service. Yarn selection and colors are varied and up to date. Purchase a project that is a little beyond your skill level and you will get the most expert support. The staff are amazing knitters- I don't think any project is beyond them. They will also remember what you like! My daughter tried on a Cardigan display sample and loved the way it fit so Christmas is covered, now on to fingerless gloves with little cables. My favorite place to visit, dashing in when I need something quick or sitting relaxing when I need a warm caring place to unwind. They are even helpful over the phone and patient when you read them directions and ask, "what the heck does that mean". read more

I've had only bad or awkward experiences at this store. Not only do you feel like you are interrupting when you walk in, but the overall customer service is awful! One trip in and they've already struck out with me. I recommend going to a different LYS, although Hank has a great selection of books and yarns, there was nothing you couldn't find either online or with a little searching at other LYS Strike One: Looked at me like I had 3 eyes when I asked for sock blockers (which they dont even carry! I've never been into a LYS that doesnt sell this essential tool) Strike Two: The women knitting at the table gossiped the entire time I browsed! Strike Three: The woman checking me out was extremely rude! I tried to exchange a pattern book I received for Christmas because I already had it, now I totally understand the reasoning for not taking any returns/exchanges for patterns-its a very valid rule BUT there is a way to say it without scoffing beforehand. I have heard glowing reviews from others, which tells me they are inconsistent in their staff and are incapable of treating every customer through the door with the same amount of respect. They embody all things "Snide" Park! read more

What I like about Hank Yarn is they always have a great stock. High-quality yarns and notions. Great advice. Recently I was looking for a simple hat project. They had multiple hats to try on and they were willing to model them. I bought the yarn and the pattern was free on Ravelry so they printed it out for me. Treat yourself to a special place just to check out the variety of unique fibers. read more

I haven't knitted in several years, so when I decided to pick up my needles again it gave me the opportunity to stop in the store. The selection was wonderful but the woman who waited on me was awful. It was apparent that she had better things to do. When I asked a few questions she answered very abruptly. I didn't know there was a loyalty card for those who spent $50 until I read it here. I should have been offered one as I would have spent a few more dollars. Apparently they aren't interested in service or having customers return. From now on I will order what I need online. I, too, believe in supporting LYS, but their prices were higher than online and I would rather not be glared at and made to feel that I wasn't wanted. read more

I absolutely adore this store and the people who work there. Their yarn selection is varied, high end, and beautiful! I don't live in town but I visit this store whenever I (which is quite frequently). The women in the store are so incredibly friendly and helpful at selecting the best yarn for a project and providing guidance when we get stuck. I'm so happy I've found this store. I spend way too much money whenever I go in just because I can't resist the beautiful yarns they carry. If you're ever in need of motivation to start a new project or to learn how to knit stop in!! read more

Shop at Hank and stop in frequently for help, being a novice knitter. The selection is good and supplies available But... The attitudes of All employees is so lacking that it gives pause to ever returning! You feel that you are interrupting the owner/employees just walking in. This is not an isolated incident, but a consistent climate. I'd rather go to Michaels! It's too bad because I want to shop local. I've worked in retail and customer service is thought of as a priority at Hank it's an effort. read more

What a fantastic bunch of people! I was referred to the store with a hard to fix problem that wasn't exactly their usual business, and not only did the staff take the time to help me out but did so gratis--and near closing time! Fantastically friendly, they went above and beyond. I cannot say enough good things about them. AND...beautiful store with good vibes. Makes me wish I knew how to knit so I had occasion to hang out there often! read more

Selection is very good. However, the staff is unfriendly. They will follow you around as though they are expecting you to steal something, but are not particularly responsive otherwise. I felt like I was interrupting them if I asked a question, and making them annoyed by my leisurely perusal of the merchandise. For me, one of the great pleasures of going to a knit store is wandering around looking at everything while I contemplate a possible project. Uncomfortable is the best way to sum up my experience. I won't be returning. read more

Great atmosphere and willing to make sure you succeed in your projects. I have shopped at different stores, purchased classes and yarns online and doesn't compare to what Hank's has to offer in person! read more

I received a gift card to Hanks, I was so excited I walked in to to what was a beautiful store only to be treated so badly. I was questioned on what I was able to make like I really didnt know how to knit or crochet and was ask about the things that I have made and this was all while I was still standing at the front door like I really wasnt wanted there. Once I got past the front door and was able to walk around and use my gift card and I had went over a little bit they then swiped my debit card to tell me it was declined and I knew that it should not have been and then she swiped it again to tell me it went through and that it must have known that I was out of my area. I was blown out of the water by the treatment. As for the experience I had there I will never return there but they do have a beautiful shop. As I saw in other comments they did the same thing to me by following me around like I was going to steal. read more