They have a new owner and she seems much nicer than the last from what I can remember. :) They have a variety of fibers/yarns. I mostly go here for Berroco, Cascade, and Malabrigo yarns. They also have a very good selection of knitting needles, crochet hooks, buttons, and magazines. :) read more

I once forgot that I only start knitting projects and never finish them. On that day, I went to Uncommon Threads to stock up so I could give my friends some handmade gifts for Christmas. The ladies in the store were attentive and helped me choose some fun yarns for projects I had in mind. They asked a lot of questions to find out which yarns would suit my needs and what projects I could do based on my skill level. I have yet to find a shop that has the same welcoming atmosphere that Commuknity in San Jose had, but this place sure is a lot better than other boutiques in the area. The friendly, efficient service combined with a good amount of yarns/needles/accessories has made it my current go-to store for supplies. read more

They totally deserve their rep for being snooty. If you do go, call ahead and see when Shellye is working. She's awesome -- super nice, super helpful. Totally not rude. I took a class from her, she's fan-freaking-tabulous. I'd bought a couple skeins of yarn at the class and took them back to be wound. The two old ladies behind the counter greeted me with a frosty "May I help you?" which immediately thawed once they realized winding was all I wanted, and they could be rid of me in under five minutes. Then they spent the entire time I was there bitching about customers. No, seriously. "Oooh I HATE it when people rub yarn on their faces!" "Oooh I hate that too!" Their redeeming qualities are a) Shellye (Not old. Not bitchy. Not rude.) and b) they have everything in stock. All the needles you could want, all the supplies you could want, all the yarn you could want. I've gone back once because Purlescence and three Jo-ann/Michaels were out of the needle sizes I wanted. But I would never go if I didn't know exactly what I wanted. read more

Uncommon Threads is a gem. It reminds me of the yarn stores I frequented in the 80's and I don't mean this in a negative way. What I mean is that they have a full range of yarn from your high end (Phydeaux, MadTosh) to your reasonable (Plymouth Encore). They also carry striping sock yarn which is getting harder and harder to find these days, short of buying online. Their prices also seem to be a dollar or two cheaper than other stores in the South Bay. The store itself is bright and airy, no crowded aisles here. There is a big table in the back for sittin' and knittin' and there are a lot of magazines to gain inspiration from. The staff has always been friendly whenever I've gone in. And they have a rewards system! If you're a knitter or a crocheter, definitely give Uncommon Threads a try. read more

Nice selection of yarn. I'll give them 4 stars for selection. 1 star for poor customer service and rudeness. The staff could use a refresher course on customer service. I won't go into every rude encounter I had at this store but on one occasion I waited in line to pick up 10 skeins of yarn I ordered. At the register 2 staff members were helping one customer before me. I don't know why it took 2 people to help one customer while 2 others were waiting in line. I waited several minutes and in that time I was never even acknowledged with a glance or smile or an "I'll be right with you". While I waited another person came in and started chatting with one of the staff members. Meanwhile 2 customers still waiting and still not acknowledged. The customer behind me stormed off. If I didn't need the yarn I would've stormed off too! read more

Uncommon Threads is my go to local yarn store. Not only do they have a wide variety of quality yarns, the staff is knowledgeable and able to help with matching yarns to patterns. I've been a customer for nearly 30 years and whenever I walk in I know I'll feel inspired and will meet up with friendly people. Uncommon Threads also has a beautiful online shop and excellent customer service which has been particularly helpful during the pandemic. read more

I had a great experience here. Granted my experience lasted about 10 minutes so I didn't exactly thoroughly examine the store - but first impression is that I'd definitely return; while first impression of Full Thread Ahead over on Main was not as great. That's my experience at least. I liked the feel of this shop. It was cluttered and stuffed full of yarn 'n stuff - like a LYS should be. I was looking for a particular yarn (Berroco Suede) and this was the only shop that had it - none at Purlescence, none at Commuknity, none at Full Thread Ahead... I was ready to give up when Uncommon Threads came through for me. I busted tail over here after work before they closed at 5:30. I immediately found the yarn I was looking for while the helpful woman roaming the shop scurried upstairs practically before I could say anything - to check if they had other colors. I suppose it's possible she was trying to think a step ahead of me so that they could close the shop on time, but I'd like to think that she was just helpful! I'm totally with Michelle G - OLD SKOOL knitters here. And yes, the staff perhaps seems a bit stiff, but they're for sure a wealth of knowledge. And once I smiled and chatted dorkily (as I often do) the older woman at the register seemed to warm up to me. Especially since I was finally paying and it was 5:28pm. They seemed to have a great selection of books and patterns. And of course TONS of yarn. I'd really like to go back with more than 10 minutes to spare and prowl through the shelves of goodies. *UPDATE* Visited again and was able to actually take note of what's in there! TONS of Rowan - shelves and shelves. Noticed a bit of Cascade, Nashua and Berroco (of course). They had a good selection of magazines - Vogue Knitting, Knit Simple, Interweave (and more) that go back a few seasons too. read more

I've only been here once, after I purchased an Amazon Local voucher of $30 for $15. I can see why people say the staff are stuffy or snobby. Those comments are definitely not unfounded. At the same time, if you ask for help, they are more than friendly enough to help with suggesting different yarns, color matching different skeins, and helping with choosing patterns for a specific yarn type. I was most impressed by seeing some yarns in stock at Uncommon Threads that have been featured on purlbee.com, that I've only otherwise seen when I was at Purl Soho in NYC. :) read more

I recently moved to the area and was looking for a yarn shop. Uncommon Threads is wonderful in every way! From the selection of yarns, to their friendly and knowledgable staff. Stephanie, the owner, is great. I am always inspired to challenge my skills and create beautiful pieces. I've attended several classes, the Tuesday night knit group and private sessions with Clementine; which are all a pure pleasure. I live about 15-20 mins away but it worth the trip! I am happy to call this yarn shop my new home. read more

I don't know why this place gets such a bum rap. They will help you if you ask but in general they just let you browse. This suites me since I really hate obsequious staffs. I would say ignore all the negative comments and go check it out for yourselves, you will not be disappointed! read more

This is a lovely store with a great selection of yarn and a knowledgeable, helpful staff. The owner does a superb job with trunk s1hows and Zoom events read more

I am a lifelong knitter and I shop in this store for several reasons. One is the quality of the yarn, accessories and supplies here. The best! They also have the best selection of knitting related books of any store I've been in! The owner of this store is a master knitter. She knows everything there is to know about knitting - and - has a staff of workers who are all knowledgeable. As far as the friendliness factor goes, I enjoy going into this store and talking with people. I walk in with a smile and am met with a smile! FIVE STARS for sure!! NOTE: This store has a new owner and is just as good as it has always been!! read more

I've been going to Uncommon Threads for years (with a hiatus when I was not knitting). Their yarns are beautiful, the staff is knowledgeable and help is always available. I've also been enjoying their Zoom presentations during the current shutdown. It's my go-to place! read more

I drove out and over to Uncommon Threads as I was desparately in need of circular needles for my STITCHES homework that was forgotten about. I liked the variety of parking available around the store and loved the open and well-lit space. I had fun looking at the Rowan yarn section. I was asked if I needed help after being in the store 30 seconds. I told the woman it was my first time at the store and that I needed needles for STITCHES. She pointed out where they were and then let me poke around and touch to my heart's content. When I went up to the cash register to pay for my needles, this same woman informed me about their customer loyalty program which I signed up for of course. I just may have to add another pattern to my shopping list just so I have an excuse to buy some Rowan Tweed from them at the STITCHES market. read more

No, not hip. This place is old school. Love this store; these gals know what they're doing. I call this my hardcore joint: No nonsense knitting, just like my mama (argyle, fair isle, intarsia, that sort of thing.) One of the widest selection of sock yarns I've seen, and a great needle selection, too. They have a discount card - er, well, you get the discount after you purchase a decent amount of goods from them. If you want to chat with someone who can tell you the best way to carry yarn across the back of your work, or to compare felting techniques, or to recommend how you can step your game up, don't be shy. The folks here love to help. Just don't whip out size 35 needles... (ed. 12.09.06 - Swung by the store yesterday, they've added a display right by the front door with a pile of size 35s!) read more

I brought two items that my Mother knitted for me which had moth damage. She passed away 7 years ago and these were the last two projects she knit for me. It was important to me to have them repaired properly. The staff was extremely helpful when I went both times. The repairs were done by someone who does that kind of work for them. The quality of the repairs was outstanding. I keep trying to find where it was done with no luck! I'm so appreciative that they were able to help get these items back to how they looked before the moths got to them! read more

A truly uncommon yarn shop, what you want is either there or will be ordered for you. They are very friendly and accommodating. Got a project in mind, they'll help you find the yarn. Love some skeins of yarn, they'll help find patterns to use it. read more

Been shopping for knitting supplies here for years, and will continue to do so. Was in on Black Friday. It was really busy. The staff and customers all worked together to get everyone taken care of in a timely fashion read more

Uncommon Threads is my favorite knitting and yarn shop in Los Altos. Stephanie and her staff are always helpful with pattern and yarn selections and suggestions read more

Lots of yarns and books and fancy German knitting needles. A friend sent me there and I was not disappointed. I will have to go back when I have more time and check out the yarns. read more

What I like about Uncommon Threads is they always have enough of one yarn on hand to make a sweater. Their yarns are diverse. I love that they carry Tahki, Stacy Charles, Rowan and Prism. I do wish they carried SMC Select and Brooklyn Tweed. Then I would never go anywhere else. Everyone is very knowledgeable and they don't hover. I needed a magazine one day, and they searched the store until they found it. When I need or want a project it is my first stop. Its upsetting to see people posting complaints about prices. They use MSRP!!! They are not an internet store people!!! You go because you can touch their yarn and ask questions. In this economy yarn stores are willing to do more for free than they used to - and Uncommon is all about service and quality product. read more

I thought long and hard about writing this review. Here's what happened... I'm heading to the shop and notice its 5:20pm, I'm about 5 minutes away but decide to call just in case since I recall they close at 5:30. Phone rings, a lady with a British accent answers, "Uncommon Threads," "Yes, hi there, I know you're closing soon but I..." "We're actually closing now," "Oh," I said, startled at the answer. I look at my navigation's clock, 5:25pm, is my clock that slow? "Alright then, bye." Wait, is she about to hang up on me? "Oh but I just need to get two balls of yarn..." "Well we're closed now so, sorry." "But I just need two balls of yarn.." "Yeah well we'd still need to keep the till open," I'm guessing that means register. At this point I give up, politely end the conversation, hang up and turn back around when I was probably about 4 blocks away. I did realize what time it was and I wouldn't want to make anyone stay later anywhere longer than they have to. If you were expected to be somewhere else, you could say so, not try to hang up on me. With that said, in this economy can any specialty shop afford to turn away a customer? Apparently this one can. Ultimately it left such a bad taste in my mouth, I did not come back the next day. Even though they are the only store around the area that carries a certain brand, I ordered it from another online shop instead. I don't think I'll ever come here. There's plenty other yarn shops around who deserve some business. read more

Went into this store this week because I had made a mistake on a throw I was working on and being a fairly new knitter wasn't able to fix it. I have to say that I walked out feeling really crummy. First, it took me several minutes to convince the woman that I had even made a mistake and then she said that it couldn't be fixed that I would have to take it apart. I had already spent a lot of time working on this project and time trying to fix it so I was feeling pretty bad so I left the store. Before I left I told her that I guess I would just have to take it apart and she said good luck with that. Went over to Yarn Dogs in Los Gatos today and the woman there looked at it and, "this is an easy fix" and fixed it. Now I understand why Yarn Dogs had six customers sitting in there knitting and Uncommon Threads had none. read more

Not good place to framing. They destroy my fabric, when they tried to frame it, (2inches) part of the picture was missing from the picture, after I too it back, with out any frames. They where cut it down from the bottom instead of taking a good look of the picture. I'm so sad, I need to wait next summer to go and buy new picture from Europe. read more

Good lighting, edited collection. Clearly people like me don't belong in Los Altos, the land of Mercedes and Porsche. Me and my little Toyota Yaris stood out; me with the natural 'do and handcrocheted sweater, and my sweet little car that faithfully gets me to and fro. I expected the stares (which were legion), but was pleased with the friendliness. Picked up some pretty incredible yarn, and had time, while getting my yarn wound, to peruse a sea of Berroco, Rowan, and Koigu. It's not a very big place, but it's definitely a friendly place. You should probably call ahead if you have a yarn in mind...they don't have everything. read more

Uncommon Threads is wonderful! Note that I highly recommend disregarding reviews from several years back, because this shop changed ownership in late 2009-early 2010. What a difference. This store has gone from old-guard snooty to fresh-hip uber-friendly. It is seriously the best LYS! I feel lucky to live close by. Every time I pop in to to poke around, I find the stock more exciting and interesting. Everything I could want knit-wise is here. The yarns stocked range from reasonably-priced, basic staples (Plymouth Encore, Cascade 220, Malabrigo Worsted) to higher-end Madelinetosh and Rowans with abundant Art Yarns and local hand-dyeds. The new owner, Stephanie, is doing delightful things and creating a warm, inviting space. Other staff have been helpful rays of sunshine whenever I stop in to browse or buy. I'm never made to feel unwelcome even if I am clearly in sight-see and yarn-fondle mode. Quite the reverse. The staff laughingly nod in understanding and knitterly kinship. I've also attended several knit-a-longs and classes, which are pure pleasure. Recently, the store was chock full of class-knitters and shoppers. I was struck by the goodness Uncommon Threads brings to the community. I think we all need more plain, old-fashioned, wholesome goodness in this world. Stephanie and Uncommon Threads have swooped in like a fresh breeze, bringing a bit more of that to our part of the world. read more

This is an update from my review in March. I have to say that the owner Stephanie, once she heard about my situation, really went out of her way to make sure I was a happy with my final purchase. My daughter returned the incorrect item and Stephanie immediately called me and offered me a selection of needle cases to choose from her website.. She even double checked with me to make sure it was the color and design I wanted. I received it within a few days and I also received a note from Stephanie and a check for the difference in the price. Stephanie said she wasn't aware of the problem I was having and as soon as she found out, set out to make it right. And that she did. Uncommon Threads offers such beautiful yarns and is such a nice store and I can happily say that the customer service is just as great. Thank you, Stephanie for all you did to make everything right. read more

Uncommon Threads is my favorite local yarn store. The selection of Rowan and other yarns is wonderful, and everyone is friendly and welcoming when I come in. Several times, when I was struggling with a pattern, staff members sat down with me for twenty minutes to help me think through the problem and find the solution. Sometimes my questions are more superficial and it is just nice to be able to ask, "do you think this color yarn looks good on me?", or "do you think these yarns would combine together?" and get a thoughtful answer. Also, if I need more yarn in the same dye lot the staff have made a big effort to find it and I really appreciate that. I took a finishing class here as well that taught me the correct way to do mattress stitch--I discovered I had been doing it wrong for years. When I was designing my own sweater, I would bring swatches with different color yarns into the store and ask for feedback about which color combination was the best, and the input helped me make my final decision. I always feel I can go there to get help. I have also discovered some beautiful yarns there that I did not know existed until now--the variety and quality of yarn seems to have really improved since the shop changed ownership a few years ago and there seems to be a friendlier vibe overall. read more

I waltzed in there from out of town, having ahead of me a weekend with five women whom I didn't know and one woman whom I did. *And I forgot to bring my knitting!* This shop was not only wonderful, but it's a flagship store for Rowan yarns (make in the UK and hard to find in this country). Over the long weekend I made a whole sock. And the women were wonderful. read more

Cute store with a lot of potential but if I owned it I would fire all the staff and start over!!! I wouldn't allow any knitting during store hours. I would hire outgoing staff who are knowledgeable and friendly. I would offer on-the-spot knitting/crocheting help. I would spiff up the store's design - make it more cutting edge - display fewer old-style pieces suitable for the +50 crowd. I'd make creative projects my forte. I'd attempt to create a 21st century feel. After all, a whole new generation is transforming fibre arts around the world, in New York, online, etc. The store seems clueless about this. Customer service? Terrible!!! I visited the store 3 days ago looking for a couple of books and some yarn to knit or crochet a baby blanket. I felt like I was interrupting private little knitting group, like it was a bother for them to help me. When someone did finally approach to help me they had a super difficult time understanding what I wanted to make - an artistic, unusual piece, not your usual pastel baby blanket. Maybe they thought this was too unconventional for a baby(?)! The person couldn't offer any help and left me to look on my own. Staff then began talking about recent burglaries and mentioned someone who had reached thru the doorway, grabbed a hand-knitted sweater displayed in the window, and run off with it. This was weird. Why talk about this within earshot of several shoppers? Was the implication that those of us browsing might be thieves? This was just one of several similar experiences in the shop over the last 2 years. In other words, service hasn't improved or changed. The shop is stuck in the 70's. I won't be back unless I need something quickly and happen to be in the area. read more

Great staff- very friendly, knowledgeable and encouraging of complete beginners ( that's me)!

I love Uncommon Threads. Have been coming here for over 10 years. The store changed ownership a few years ago, and is much more pleasant than it used to be. Many of the staff have remained and not all of them are super-friendly, but I've never been treated badly by anyone since the previous owner left. They know knitting and are helpful. They only carry very nice yarns, great books and patterns, and quality supplies. It's nice having this gem in our community. read more

One of the nicest yarn shops around. I've been in during the middle of the day and at the end of the day and was never given the bum's rush; perhaps the earlier commenter just caught someone who really needed to be somewhere else that night. The prices are on par with other LYS prices, but the staff is nicer than at many other stores. Their inventory is great, with many familiar names, and some surprising and new ones, too. And you can ignore comments older than 2 or 3 years. The new owner, Stephanie, is absolutely nothing at all like the previous owner. Stephanie is kind, friendly, open, welcoming, and all the staff I've met have been cut in her mold. read more

Great selection of yarns and books! They carry a deep selection of Rowan and Classic Elite yarns and associated pattern books. Also have a good selection of knitting & crochet books and notions. read more

I am a long time customer, and I was in the store the other day and overheard the new owner, Stephanie asking another customer to write a positive review on Yelp of her recent, and by the sounds of it, glowingly positive experience. I personally wasn't invited to write anything, but having done some research I see that Yelp is a public review forum, so here goes: As I say, long time customer. I found nothing wrong with the old guard, ie the old owner but I can see how some people could take issue with her. The new owner Stephanie is certainly much friendlier, which translates to a friendlier vibe all round. There has been no major revamp or refit as far as I can tell since the new ownership, and to be honest, it is in dire need of one. The store these days is often untidy, and the floor is constantly and often dangerously cluttered with bins of old balls of yarn and sale books that seem to hang around for weeks on end. In recent months I have noticed that staffing has seemed stretched thin, as there only ever seems to be 2 of them, yet the store has gotten noticeably busier over time. Maybe the reason for the so called 'bums rush' as mentioned in a previous review?! Uncommon Threads has always been known for its good selection of yarns, and great back stock and that has not changed. I buy sweater quantities mostly here, and I have rarely gone away empty handed due to lack of enough yarn. The Rowan, Berrocco, and Plymouth brands are well represented here, plus they have the very best selection of Koigu that I have ever seen. read more

Downtown Los Altos is chaotic, with little kids running across the street and pedestrians wandering everywhere, but we managed to snag a parking space because someone was leaving and walked over to Uncommon Threads. Uncommon Threads has been around for a while, but it had been a few years since my prior visit, and I understand there is a new owner now. What a difference! Instead of a clubby "you're not one of us" vibe, the people who work there are helpful and smiling. They even apologized for making us wait in line a minute or two to pay. There is a wide selection of yarns packed into a relatively small space, with most of the yarns in the $10-15 price range. I also spotted a few shelves of less expensive acrylic yarns, so if that's how you roll, no need to stock up at Michaels. I was on the lookout for a few different yarns and they didn't carry any of them. Their Malabrigo selection, for example, was woefully small. And I saw little that was unique or hand-dyed. I bought a few skeins and ordered the yarn I needed online. Still, Uncommon Threads is your best LYS option in the mid-peninsula and beyond. And if you can go during the week, you may not have too much trouble finding a parking space. read more

Nice selection of yarns, but the owner was snooty when I didn't use the right words to describe the yarn I was looking for.

I've shopped here for years and loved the last owner as well as the new owner. Expert help available and a great selection of the latest books. They carry a good selection of Rowan yarn and other greats like Malabrigo and Berroco. They always have the needles I need. Support your LYS! read more

Nice local yarn shop. The staff don't pester you but are available to help as needed. Great selection of yarn books and tools

I have mixed feelings about this mid-sized yarn store. On one hand, they have a long history-- they have been here as long as I can remember, way before knitting became trendy. The store reflects that. Until a few years ago, they didn't carry any novelty-type yarns and pretty much catered to the experienced, hard-core knitter/crocheter. (Or at least that's how they came across to me.) Service: I'm sure the staff is helpful if you seem like the 'right' kind of knitter, but I haven't found them to be very friendly or helpful, least of all the owner! I keep going back here because the prices are reasonable (surprising for downtown Los Altos), and I try to shop to support local small businesses. I really do want to give them the benefit of the doubt, but after so many trips here, I'm afraid it's really not just somebody's "off" day. A few years back, I tried to special order a specific colorway of a yarn that they regularly carried to knit a present for a friend. They took all the info and said they'd call me...I went back to check in, they took my request again and again, totally dropped the ball. (Even if they couldn't get it, I'd have liked to have known that they did try, or just flat out told me they couldn't help me with the special order to begin with!) Classes: I haven't taken classes here, but they do offer them. I often see the staff sitting at the table knitting away and chatting with one another. Presumably, some of the folks sitting there are customers, but who knows? A friend took their intro sock knitting class and said the instructor was pretty good. The yarn: The selection is decent, with a good-sized section of sock yarns (heavy on the Lana Grossa-- fun self-striping, plus some Koigu KPPM-- comes and goes depending on when they get shipments). There is a good selection of superwash/dry in a wide variety of colors. Sections of cottons, wools, mohair, cashmere, etc. Some novelty yarns...seems to vary according to the season-- more during the holidays/scarf-giving season. There is a section at the back of yarn for baby projects, near the books and patterns. Good selection of needles and accessories. Again, prices are reasonable, especially if you go to their 20%-off sales, held once or twice a year (one is in January). I do like that they generally have enough of a color and lot to do an adult-sized sweater, if that's what you're looking for. (Of course, that's why all the "hard-core" knitters have always shopped here.) Update (3/07): I went back here a few weekends ago to pick up a skein of yarn to knit a baby present-- the service was great! It was a sunny Saturday and the owner wasn't there. Did that have something to do with it? Who knows? One of the two women working was new; both were helpful and cheery without being pushy. All I can say is if this is a permanent change, I'll soon add a star! read more