The best knit shop in the Midwest! Bright and cheery with welcoming and knowledgeable staff. Always willing to help. And the YARN!! You'll never want to leave. read more

What a find! My daughter's friend Elle recommended knit 1 and I will be forever grateful. I will make a point of visiting every time I am in from Boston. Robin always gave me the amount of attention I needed. Plus offered to ball wind my purchases. Knit 1 definitely has mid-west hospitality feel. Their huge table welcomes you to sit,knit and chat. Knit 1 has huge selection of high quality yarns that are artful displayed. I can't wait to start my sweater with Brooklyntweed Quarry. Keep up the good work,knit 1....you are a treasure! read more

Cozy, friendly knit shop with a wide selection of beautiful yarns. Knit 1 was happy to order enough yarn for my large project and notified me when it was available. read more

A great local yarn shop! Well curated selection, friendly staff and a welcoming group of regulars just sitting around the table knitting. Check out the neighboring button and trim shop and fabric store while you're in the neighborhood. read more

A really large variety of yarn from lots of different suppliers, lovely open space and really well presented. Friendly and helpful.

Nice little store with nice selection. Beautiful yarns. The thing that really bothers me is that gigantic table in the middle of the store, which takes all the space and when people are sitting behind it, you have to kind of hug the wall to go by. And when you enter the store everybody at the table, and there are usually at least a couple of people, more often then not quite a crowd of 6 or 7, will turn around and look at you. It's a very uncomfortable feeling. It's like everyone is in your business when you try to pick a yarn and give you suggestions that you don't want. Not the owners, they are cool, the people who go there to knit. I love that store but I hardly ever go there because of that. read more

Went to this store today and was completely ignored. Also, the yarns, while quite beautiful, are way overpriced or have a mystery price. Place just reeks of elitism. I won't be returning. read more

Like a few others who have reviewed this yarn store before, the atmosphere is hit or miss. I found the company (fellow knitting ladies sitting at this infamous large table everyone complains about) at the store not very friendly, nor very helpful. As I was choosing my yarn, I was rudely challenged by the choices I was making in yarn, and was given condescending remarks. I definitely will not come back. read more

Visiting from S.A., I always like to support local craft business so I had planned to go to Knit 1. The ladies working were helpful & knowledgeable and willing to chat if they weren't busy with other customers. But they weren't hovering which I appreciate. Good selection of yarns, fair amount of books and booklets, notions, pins and a few project bags that were really cute. I didn't look at hooks and needles so I can't speak to the variety or selections there. Big table in the middle for (suffering) husbands or bfs to sit at and have knit nights I'm guessing. Just the kind of place I like to support! read more

this place is such a treat. i took a class here last march. unfortunately, i think i have forgotten everything because i did not keep it up. but karen is a really good teacher and i looked forward to it every saturday morning. and it really takes a lot to get me out of bed in the morning. i plan on taking another project class sometime soon to brush up. its a very cute shop with lots of books lying around for inspiration. i would definitely go out my way to buy from here if i needed anything. nothing better than supporting local, small business, especially when the service is great to begin with. read more

I would give this great shop 10 stars if I could. Karen is a delight and so is Peirce- They have beautiful yarns and unique items from a sheep rescue for that one of a kind gift. Lots to choose from - and always plenty of help. Karen has taught me more in two classes than a month's worth at other places. She is also patient and kind- LOVE LOVE LOVE Knit One- Also- I have met people who travel to this place from as far a Hyde Park so that tells you how special this store is. CHECK IT OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

What a tiny pretty shop this is! Karen is a delight to discuss patterns & yarns with: she really knows her stuff & offers good cookies & coffee during class times. (I'm making a sweater there now.) I like the people who show up at Knit 1 too. Doesn't seem like she has a large inventory of wool though. Too hard to compete w internet prices, I suppose. Will keep Yelp! posted.... read more

I'm a huge fan of the store and a knitting novice. The store is quaint and inviting. I feel like i just made some new friends. I find myself coming up with excuses just to stop by and chat with the shop folk! The help they provide is great and much needed by me! I would never finish anything if I didn't have a place to correct my mistakes. The staff is super knowledgable about everything, not just knitting. I feel smarter when I leave! read more

A great knitting store. Good selection of yarn for every budget and skill level. Lynn (owner) and Corinne (knitting savant) are skilled knitters and skilled with people. Yes, they have opinions but it's so they can direct you toward the best yarn and/or pattern so that you are happy with the result. I have been away from knitting for a while and I'm so glad I'm back. So many colors, textures, ideas - you don't want to miss out. And if you want to learn to knit this would be the place to do it. If you have a knitting friend coming to Chicago be sure and take them here. You can go to Transistor (music/books/design store) or Delicious (coffee shop) while they drool. When the restaurant opens across the street even better - if you are the knitter send your friend there for food or a beer while you shop and talk to some of the nicest, and talented, knitters in Chicago. read more

Out of all the major local yarn shops in Chicago, Knit 1 is definitely my favorite. Love the selection (especially all the Brooklyn Tweed yarns) and the atmosphere. I've met so many amazing people while chatting and knitting in the shop who have taught me so many new skills. And whenever I have a question or need a quick bit of help, the staff is always helpful and guide me in the right direction. So much great knitting inspiration in this place! Proud to call Knit 1 my favorite knitting hangout. read more

So I am entering my third week as a beginner student at Knit 1 under the flawless guidance of Cory ( I hope I spelled her name correctly!). I convinced a friend of mine to sign up with me for their 4 week beginner class. They run a month long and are every Saturday for two hours. The price was right, about $120 including needles and yarn for class. The instruction is great. There are only four of us in the class and Cory is, as I call her, a knitting savant. She is self taught from a young age and really knows her stuff. She can fix anything and is very easy to be around which is important when you start a knitting project. I have stopped in twice for extra help and they have been so accommodating. I love the atmosphere when I go in, all the people who stop in are so friendly and kind. I really can't say enough about Knit 1. As a person who was looking for a hobby I think I may have stumbled upon a passion no thanks to this wonderful introduction to the knitting world. PS I have already made two cowls and started a baby blanket...they REALLY teach you how to do this stuff!!!! read more

I've been coming to Knit 1 since 2013 when I took beginning knitting here and got hooked. They have a huge, rotating selection of gorgeous yarns in many different weights and can help you find pretty much any pattern, needle or accoutrement that your heart desires. The best part of the store (and the reason I am a repeat customer) is the wonderful customer service that Lynn (the owner) and her fantastic, knowledgeable staff provide. They almost always have time to help repair a mistake, explain a confusing pattern direction, offer guidance on choosing a yarn or sizing a pattern, and offer excellent company when I want to come in and just knit. I can't recommend them enough! read more

Knit 1 is under new ownership. It is NOT going away!! I'm so thrilled because this shop is so cute and Lynn, the new owner, is so nice and knowledgeable. A great LYS is priceless. Check back in April for new hours and classes. read more

I really love this place. I just learned to knit and the owner has been so helpful and encouraging. They obviously love knitting and knitters and want to build a sense of community. They have good quality supplies and friendly service. They also provide repair work. They mended a blanket for me that my Grandmother knit a long time ago, before she died. My puppy had chewed out a big hole in the middle and they were able to knit a patch to stop it from unraveling. read more

I really love this place. They are so helpful and kind and patient with my litany of questions. Lynn and Cory offer suggestions and are on hand when an issue comes up. Whenever I walk in the center table is occupied with knitters (which can be intimidating), but everyone is very chatty and interested in what I am trying to do. This is the perfect shop to browse and to shop. read more

I stopped in this past week and Lynn and her knitting buddies were like guardian angels--really. They had never met me before but they were lovely and helpful beyond knitting. They really are great examples of the strength and beauty of women helping other women. Refreshing. read more

Knit One is the greatest! I started my basic knitting lesson on January 4th and today I am finishing my first sweater! Lynn and Corey are such great teachers, so patient and enthusiastic. If you want to learn to knit, this is the place to be! Thanks for giving me a new skill I can take with me for the rest of my life!! Carol read more

As a beginning knitter and one that begins a project one year and finishes it the next, --I need a lot of help remembering what to do. Stopping in at the shop is easy and affordable to get a few pointers so I can proceed with my project. Thanks Knit 1! read more

I think of myself as a pretty confident person. I talk to strangers. I don't so much mind public speaking. I give most new things that come my way a good ol' college try and stick with them until it's clear that I'm really terrible at said activity. I like this about myself. Somehow, though, all of that goes away when I consider going to a new Local Yarn Store. I feel as though I need to do a walk-by a few days before my first visit, to get a feel of the joint, do all my research beforehand so that I'm prepared for alternative questions and options from the staff, and walk in with shoulders deliberately high and back when it comes time. It's messed up, I know, but LYS have come to this. You don't just go see what's up, you gotta go armed if you want to come out in one piece. Not need at Knit 1!!! Don't let the tiny space frighten you, it's totally welcoming in all ways. The staff (I've interacted with Karen and Lynn) are laid back, helpful, and, best of all, make it clear that they aren't there to judge your abilities or make you feel bad that you're making a pair of straight up fingerless mitts instead of a complicated cable sweater with their product. I haven't taken a class there, but I've shopped while an open project class was in session and was tempted to come back for the next class so that I could get in on the (non-knitting) goofiness and gossip. The selection, though not extensive, is totally solid. While the yarns aren't a bargain, I've been around the block enough to know that yummy yarns don't come that way. read more

I'm a crochet-er in real life, as are my mom, grandma, and basically every other female member of my family. However, I recently wanted to learn to knit. So I contacted Lynn at Knit 1 about a couple of private lessons. I wasn't going to be around for an entire beginning class - and I felt like I already knew something about working with yarn from crochet. After two classes, I'm now finishing my first project, so the classes were a huge success. More than that, though, I felt really comfortable in the store. The yarn selection is beautiful, the clientele is friendly, and Lynn (the owner) could not be nicer. In my two classes there, I met other customers who talked shop and life. I only wish I had more time in Chicago to enjoy the atmosphere more! read more

I moved to Chicago a little less then a year ago and have been trying out different knitting stores to find one that was a good fit for me. This, by far, has been my favorite knitting store in the city. It's a very cute, and small shop; when you walk in it almost feels like you are walking into a private knitting circle in someone's living room, but they have an excellent selection of wool and needles. The women who work there are absolutely lovely and so helpful! They have ordered specific yarn for me before and have given feedback about a completed sweater and whether it fit properly. Luckily for me, it is within walking distance to my apartment, but is certainly worth the longer trip it might be!! read more

When I walked in the door, a knitting class was in session. Still, the owner came over and asked what I was looking for and answered my ten million questions (I'm still a beginner). She was very nice and knowledgable. I came to buy one skein of yarn to complete a hat and left with three. I couldn't help myself. And the prices were very reasonable. The only downside is the store's size. Still, they stock lots of beautiful yarn and I'll definitely be back. read more

Large selection of beautiful yarns and fun accessories. Great location and I will visit again when I am in town!

Boy, I wish the owner the other reviewers commented on was in here today! There were two staffers, one was very polite and engaging; the other, apparently a knitting book author, and a legend in her own mind, was anything but. She was reticent to look up unpriced items, catty about people making nice remarks about product or sample pieces, and generally a snob. I wouldn't buy anything because I won't pay for someone to be condescending to me. I can get people to do that for free. Hey owner, try not to leave your staff alone with the mere mortals, or at least train them to work with the public. The prices are high, and the staff isn't all that. read more

So I checked out the reviews before going to some place, because I am completely new to this whole trying to knit. But as my Grandmother always said, "Idle hands are the devils work", or in my case, idle hands shovel in M&M's while watching TV, so I thought I would find something to do with my hands while watching the tube, besides snack. I pick up on things rather quickly, but I did need help to know what to get to start. I found the people here friendly and seem to know what they were doing, which is refreshing in this day and age. (I sound like an old man, I am not that old, I just remember the days before self entitlement and everyone gets a trophy) But they helped me quickly and I got exactly what I needed to start. I should also say, the selection to a new person is a little overwhelming, but you can pick out a few things and they will narrow it down for you with what is easy to work with. I knew I wanted wool, but knew nothing about size and style of the yarns, they helped with that too. Unlike another reviewer on here that claimed to not want wool because she was a Vegan, which makes no sense, since animals aren't harmed (or eaten) in wool collection and matter of fact she has never been on a farm or she would also know that if you don't shear sheep they get all matted and all kinds of skin diseases. Not to mention, they over heat in the summer and will literally fall over dead... but yeah, she is an animal lover. But I kept picking out boring brown and gray shades, I started like many people, with a simple scarf, so the lady in the shop guided me to a crazy blue wool, that she knew I would be happier with the finish product. She was right... I think what I was picking out would have looked boring and kind of flat. So I didn't leave with what I had in me head when I walked in the door, but I think by being open minded and listening to someone that knows more than I do about the subject of knitting, I had a better experience out of the gate. I actually first thought about going to a Michael's, but also being a small business owner, made me search out a small business. I have to say, the advantage is the service... the product quality is great here, but you will also pay a little higher price. But that is also ok, because you are supporting local business, you are getting a more personal touch and I am sure your dollars are more appreciated here than at a big chain craft store where you are not going to find the unique products they are selling. I finished my first project and maybe after the holidays I will return to start a new one. But I have to say, I must have not done bad out of the gate, two people asked me where I got my scarf the first day I wore it because they wanted one. read more

I agree with the other low-star reviewers...I went in the other day to try to get a little help with a tiny part of a pattern that confused me. Two women, one of whom I presume was the owner, were sitting at the table that takes up 80% of the store. Immediately I felt like I had interrupted them in their personal time, even though the door was wide open. They looked at me like "what the hell do you want?" I really wanted to finish this project though so I pressed on. One woman did help me decipher the pattern, but the portion she helped me with she actually screwed up, and when I noticed she brushed it off saying no one would notice. I noticed! I had to go home, take out that part and redo it. They also made me pay $10 for the "help", and I'm not exactly rolling in coin. Am I harboring a misconception that people who knit are supposed to be nice? I tried to make friendly conversation and was treated like I maybe hadn't showered in 6 days. I mean, all in all, I guess since I finished my project I "got" what I went in there for, but apparently the $10 "help" charge also covers your dose of snobbery and attitude for the day. If you want customers to come back and buy your wares, perhaps you try being accommodating and friendly? I won't be going back. read more

I have tried to patronize Knit 1 on two occasions. On the first I fully intended to buy something but was so appalled by the snarky reception I received upon entering, that I couldn't bring myself to spend my money there. On the next visit, I was trying to give the place a second chance and had only a slightly less uncomfortable experience. Time for the details. The first time I walked in, there was a group of people sitting around the table in the middle of the store that looked at me like I was intruding on them. This is extra awkward given that you basically have to shimmy past their chairs in order to look around the store, which I did so as not to be so rude to walk in, turn around, and walk out. (Side note, I am not knocking the the size of the store. I understand that overhead in Chicago is expensive and have nothing agains the size of the store or that there is a table in the middle.) Long story short, the people there made me feel so uncomfortable that I just up and left, without purchasing what I was looking for. The second time, the reception was slightly less cold; perhaps it was the owner there this time? But there was still a snickety bunch around the table that made me feel like I didn't belong. I ended up buying some delicious yarn despite that. However, the woman took absolutely no care in winding it for me. It was partially unraveling by the time she was finished with it and she just stuck the loops up the underside of the ball. I am currently using it now and it is a nightmare. Not only is it unraveling even more, it's getting all tangled on itself inside the ball. I'd take it apart and rewind it myself if I hadn't already started knitting something with it. Not waht I want to deal with after buying a $30 hank of yarn and some knitting needles on top ot that. You'd think they'd take more care for their customers when they're droppig $50+ on 2 items. Anyhow, one plus side of the store is that it does have some wonderful fiber. But I can't really glow about the place much past that. If you're looking for a friendly, inviting place to purchase your fiber, go to Sifu in Edgewater or SisterArts in Lincoln Park. They are absolutely amazing! Loopy Yarns is also quite nice. read more

I LOVE this place. I'm a novice knitter, with a desire to master it. Knit One has the most beautiful selection of yarns, with amazing samples of items to make. I'm always inspired when I'm there. Fortunately, the staff is comprised of gifted, patient teachers. I've worked with all of them and they've helped me move on from scarves to sweaters. It's a popular place, and because I'm a beginner, usually needing help, I try only to visit during the week, when they are less crowded. read more

My 95 year old grandmother knit a sweater for my newborn daughter and we wanted to have family pictures taken with my daughter wearing the sweater. Unfortunately the head opening was a bit too small. I took the sweater to knit 1 (not being a knitter myself). They were able to open it up so that my daughter was able to wear it. They did not charge me and did it on the spot while we waited. I truly appreciate their kindness and willingness to help so that we were able to have the photos taken in the sweater. I would recommend this shop to anyone who knits or who needs assistance with an item. Thank you so much again! read more

This is by far the best and most hip knitting store in Chicago. Karen is so super helpful and fun! She has given me great inspiration for projects and helped me when I'm stuck. Knit 1 has an amazing edited selection of fun and beautiful yarns. It's a great place to drop in and knit (even when classes are going on). Everytone there is extremely friendly! Love it...love it...love it! While there, check out Pierce's great coffee shop next door! read more

Knit 1 is on my top 3 favorite yarn stores in the city! A few weeks ago, I called the store to see if they had a particular size of Chia-goo needles only to find out that they were closed for the night (Google search stated wrong hours). I believe it was Lynn who suggested I pay and pick up the needles from the cafe next door. Lynn made my night! It's this kind of excellent problem solving and customer service that brings me back to buy more needles and yarn. I used the needles to start and finished my cowl during my winter vacation. A belated thank you, Lynn! read more

I have passed this shop more times than I can count, and every time I tell myself that I have to go in and check it out. I FINALLY did today, and I am so glad I did. I went in looking for a gift for a friend and with no particular yarn in mind, but when I listed out the constraints of what I was looking for (non single ply, no this or that brand, no acrylic, a certain color range, a brand that the recipient wasn't likely to see at just any yarn shop), the sweet woman who was helping me rose to the challenge. I was presented with numerous lovely choices. We discussed, perused more, chatted about the different yarns. So incredibly helpful - I walked out of there with the PERFECT skeins, exactly what I was looking for but didn't know until she helped me find it! AND she gave me a coupon for my next trip so I can come back and get some yummy yarns for meeeeeee. So so SO pleased with this lovely little shop and the friendly folks that work there. Oh, and the "huge table" that seems to be a point of contention with some folks? Yes, there were people sitting at it, and it was actually lovely to see a group hanging & chatting & crafting. Very homey and inviting. And there was plenty of room to walk around to peruse the yarns (I did at least 3 laps around the shop and had no issue skooching behind folks sitting at the table), so I have no idea why this table is so controversial, ha! So in summary, great shop - welcoming, friendly, helpful, and what a luscious selection of yarn in gorgeous colorways. I'm definitely coming back. read more

As an infrequent visitor to Chicago for work, I've stopped by several local yarn stores to see what the local knitting scene is like. I've gotten the warmest welcome at Knit 1. After the friendly staff helped me complete my purchase, I was welcomed to join the women (and 1 man) sitting and knitting at the table, and by the end of the evening felt like I had 8-10 new friends. The store is a beautiful space and they have a great selection of yarn and needles (I was looking for a specific size circ, and there were 4 different options!) Will definitely return on my next trip to Chicago. read more

I have a habit of seeking out yarn stores in my travels - from the east coast to the deep south and Midwest, I usually make strange detours in search of shelves of yarn for squishing. After today, Knit 1 will now become a destination for me anytime I'm in striking distance of the Brown Line. The store is comfortably arranged, with a table in the center for help with projects (or just space to sit and knit if you aren't in need of help). (Or to sit and chat if you're a non-knitting husband dragged along for the ride...) The lighting is good, too, a plus when matching and blending colors. Lynn and her staff are personable and willing to go above and beyond to help customers. On one of the hottest days of the year, they offered us refreshment and made us feel at home as we browsed, even finding and emailing patterns for yarns that I liked. Their selection is quite wide - from Cascade and Noro to Habu and Alchemy, with a wide range of Malabrigo thrown in, the choices are pleasantly broad for such a small space. Almost as importantly, when I realized the price of one yarn was outside my budget, they didn't sniff and turn up their noses - they helped me find a reasonably priced substitute - not something that happens in some shops, and one of those qualities that would win Knit 1 my loyalty if this could be my LYS. I couldn't have asked for a happier place to indulge my love for yarn, and I know I'll be back to visit with the new, kind, and kindred spirits I met today. read more

This is my first time writing a review for anything, but I gotta do it--this is the best knit shop I've ever been in! Physically it's beautiful, with floor to ceiling gorgeous yarns and very cool knitting samples, but it's the friendliness and generosity of the staff and other customers that makes it so distinctive. People introduce themselves, express interest in your project, and give smart advice. It's a happy welcoming place--well worth my 40 minute drive! read more