Best Yarn Stores in Bellingham, Washington

Apple Yarns is a family-owned and operated online yarn store based in Bellingham, Washington. Established in 2007, the business has grown to serve knitters and crocheters across the country. They pride themselves on fostering a community of makers and providing exceptional customer service. While some reviews highlight the beauty of their yarns, the helpfulness of the staff, and the speed of shipping, others note a sterile atmosphere and a less-than-warm customer experience. The store offers a curated selection of high-quality yarns, including hand-dyed yarns, fiber kits, and notions, catering to both beginners and experienced fiber artists. A key feature is their VIP Membership program. Despite the positive feedback, some customers have reported a lack of friendliness and helpfulness from staff. The store's online presence is strong, with a focus on community building and skill-building subscriptions. The Stash Buster Sale is a popular event, offering discounted yarns. Overall, Apple Yarns provides a good selection of yarn and a convenient online shopping experience, but could benefit from further enhancing the in-person customer service experience.

Northwest Yarns & Mercantile is a well-regarded yarn store in Bellingham, Washington, known for its welcoming atmosphere, diverse selection of yarns, and commitment to accessibility. The store boasts a beautiful, brick-walled space with large windows and plants, creating a comfortable and inviting environment. Customers appreciate the wide range of yarns available, including Rios, Encore Worsted, Cascade 220, and Ultra Alpaca, as well as unique hand-spun yarns. While some reviews highlight the helpfulness and knowledge of the staff, particularly regarding beginner projects, others mention occasional instances of staff being unavailable or dismissive. The store’s commitment to community is evident through its free classes and events. The store has a unique feature with a large collection of looms and a dedicated spinning room. However, accessibility is a noted concern, with the upper floor being inaccessible to wheelchair users. Despite these limitations, the store remains a popular destination for fiber enthusiasts. The owner, Cam, is known for her exceptional service and expertise. The store also features a coffee shop and a tank with axolotls. Overall, Northwest Yarns & Mercantile offers a pleasant and enriching experience for knitters and crocheters, prioritizing quality products and a supportive community.

Spincycle Yarns is a woman-led operation established in 2004 by Rachel and Kate, specializing in luxurious, hand-dyed and spun yarns. They are known for their unique approach to yarn production, prioritizing small-batch quality and a distinctive, unpredictable color palette. A core element of Spincycle Yarns’ identity is their "Dyed in the Wool" process. This involves dyeing the wool directly, resulting in long color changes and beautiful, subtle transitions within each skein – creating truly one-of-a-kind yarns. All yarn is produced entirely within the USA, from sheep farming and processing to dyeing and spinning. The wool comes from American sheep, specifically Corriedale, Rambouillet, and Columbia sheep raised in Colorado and Wyoming. Crucially, all sheep are 100% non-mulesed. Spincycle Yarns focuses on creating yarns that evoke a handspun feel. Dyed in the Wool is a 2-ply sport weight yarn (approximately 200 yards per 100-gram skein) and is designed for handwashing and laying flat to dry. It often exhibits slight variations in thickness throughout the ball, adding unique texture and dimension to projects. Spincycle Yarns prioritizes community and direct customer interaction. The ‘Capsule’ – a curated selection of yarn and accessories – was created to serve customers outside of their immediate area, offering a smaller, more personal shopping experience.