London's Best Yarn Shops: A Knitter’s Guide to Wool, Neighborhoods and Local Gems
London is a haven for knitters, crocheters, and fiber artists. From hand-dyed fibers to sustainable skeins, London's yarn shops offer a delightful variety. Whether you're a local or visiting, the city offers a tapestry of yarn shops, each nestled in neighborhoods rich with culture, history, and culinary delights.
This guide will take you through some of the best yarn stores in Greater London, highlighting the character of each area and suggesting nearby attractions and eateries. For enthusiasts of vintage knitting patterns, these locales provide the perfect backdrop to find inspiration and materials for your next project.
1. Loop London – Islington
Address: 15 Camden Passage, Islington, London N1 8EA
Website: loopknitting.com
Loop London is a treasure trove for yarn lovers, offering a vast selection of natural fibers, hand-dyed yarns, and an array of patterns and workshops that attract crafters from across the globe. The shop's curated collection includes brands like La Bien Aimée, Madeline Tosh, and The Border Mill. Loop also provides pattern support and hosts classes for various skill levels.
Neighborhood: Islington is known for its vibrant arts scene, charming boutiques, and historic architecture. Camden Passage, where Loop is located, is a picturesque pedestrian street filled with antique shops and cafes.
Nearby Attractions: The Almeida Theatre, Regent's Canal, and the Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art.
Dining Options: Enjoy Mediterranean dishes at Ottolenghi, French cuisine at Le Mercury, or a cozy brunch at The Breakfast Club.
2. Beautiful Knitters – Pimlico
Address: 53 Moreton Street, SW1V 2NY
Website: beautifulknitters.co.uk
Beautiful Knitters offers a curated selection of luxury yarns, including their in-house line, and provides free patterns with purchases. The shop is known for its welcoming atmosphere and high-quality materials.
Neighborhood: Pimlico boasts elegant Regency architecture and a peaceful ambiance. It's a residential area with a strong sense of community, close to the River Thames.
Nearby Attractions: Tate Britain, the Chelsea Physic Garden, and the iconic Battersea Power Station.
Dining Options: Dine at the modern European restaurant Grumbles, enjoy Italian fare at Osteria dell'Angolo, or relax with a coffee at Pimlico Fresh.
3. The Handweavers Studio & Gallery – Finsbury Park
Address: 140 Seven Sisters Rd, London N7 7NS
Website: handweavers.co.uk
The Handweavers Studio & Gallery is a paradise for fiber artists, offering an extensive range of yarns and fibers, including cotton, wool, silk, linen, and more. They also provide equipment and run workshops for weaving and spinning enthusiasts.
Neighborhood: Finsbury Park is a diverse and dynamic area, known for its green spaces and cultural diversity.
Nearby Attractions: Finsbury Park itself, Park Theatre, and the Emirates Stadium.
Dining Options: Enjoy Middle Eastern cuisine at Gokyuzu, Italian dishes at Pizzeria Pappagone, or vegan delights at The Gate.
4. Liberty London – Soho
Address: Regent St, Carnaby, London W1B 5AH
Website: libertylondon.com
Liberty London is an iconic department store offering a selection of high-quality yarns, including Rowan Yarns, within its haberdashery department. The store's Tudor-style architecture and rich history make it a must-visit.
Neighborhood: Soho is a lively district known for its nightlife, theaters, and eclectic dining scene.
Nearby Attractions: Carnaby Street, the West End theatres, and the Photographers' Gallery.
Dining Options: Savor tapas at Barrafina, enjoy Japanese cuisine at Koya, or indulge in desserts at Chin Chin Labs.
5. Knit With Attitude – Stoke Newington
Address: 127 Stoke Newington High St, London N16 0PH
Website: knitwithattitude.com
Knit With Attitude is a haven for eco-conscious crafters, specializing in ethical and sustainable yarns. Sharing its space with the design store Of Cabbages and Kings, it offers a blend of creative inspiration.
Neighborhood: Stoke Newington exudes a bohemian charm, with independent boutiques, vintage stores, and a strong community vibe.
Nearby Attractions: Clissold Park, Abney Park Cemetery, and the eclectic Church Street.
Dining Options: Enjoy Middle Eastern delights at The Good Egg, vegan treats at The Waiting Room, or Italian fare at Il Bacio.
6. Wild and Woolly – Clapton
Address: 116 Lower Clapton Rd, London E5 0QR
Website: wildandwoollyshop.co.uk
Wild and Woolly offers a curated selection of yarns, focusing on breed-specific and locally sourced fibers. The shop also hosts workshops and knitting groups, fostering a tight-knit community.
Neighborhood: Clapton is a vibrant area in East London, known for its creative energy and diverse culture.
Nearby Attractions: Hackney Marshes, Chatsworth Road Market, and the Lea Valley Walk.
Dining Options: Savor artisan pizzas at Sodo, brunch at Palm 2, or Ethiopian cuisine at Kaffa Coffee.
7. Fabrications – Broadway Market
Address: 7 Broadway Market, London E8 4PH
Website: fabrications1.co.uk
Fabrications is a creative hub offering upcycled and sustainable yarns, alongside workshops in knitting, sewing, and more. The shop emphasizes community engagement and environmental responsibility.
Neighborhood: Broadway Market is a bustling street in Hackney, lined with independent shops, cafes, and a popular Saturday market.
Nearby Attractions: London Fields, Regent's Canal, and Netil Market.
Dining Options: Indulge in baked goods at Pavilion Bakery, Vietnamese dishes at Bánh Mì 11, or coffee at Climpson & Sons.
8. MacCulloch & Wallis – Soho
Address: 25-26 Poland St, London W1F 8QN
Website: macculloch-wallis.co.uk
MacCulloch & Wallis is a historic haberdashery offering a range of knitting and crochet supplies, including a selection of yarns. It's a go-to destination for fashion students and designers.
Neighborhood: Soho is a lively district known for its entertainment venues, diverse dining options, and vibrant nightlife.
Nearby Attractions: Carnaby Street, Soho Square, and the West End theatres.
Dining Options: Dine at the iconic Bob Bob Ricard, enjoy tapas at Barrafina, or grab a bite at Flat Iron.
Exploring London’s yarn shops not only enriches your textile art journey but also offers a glimpse into London's diverse neighborhoods. Each area boasts its unique character, attractions, and culinary delights, making your yarn shopping experience a delightful adventure.
For those inspired by vintage aesthetics, consider exploring our collection of downloadable vintage knitting patterns. These timeless designs, ranging from the 1930s to the 1980s, provide a perfect complement to the unique yarns you'll discover in these charming London locales.
Happy knitting!