new york

Yarn Shops & Cafes in New York, New York
Unlike many of the other places I’ve been, I went to New York with yarn on the brain. So this page contains reviews and personal observations instead of a comprehensive list of shops in New York.

To get around in New York City, I got a 7 Day Metro pass. My sister picked it up for me and mailed it to me so I’d have it when I got into the city. She also showed me HopStop.com, an absolute must for getting around any city using public transportation (more money for yarn right?). It’s got bus and subway directions for the city dweller and you can program in your own private yarn crawl, ensuring minimal backtracking.

Be sure to check out meetup.com to find a local knitting group. I went to a Sit N’ Knit in a Bar, which was a great time!

The Point Knitting Cafe
The point is a great stop for a little light refreshment and knitting while you are out and about on your yarn tour. All the yarn is arranged in baskets, but the employees will get anything down you ask about. Don’t be shy.
37a Bedford Street
New York, NY 10014
(212) 929-0800

Purl
Near the Point is Purl. And boy Purl has some wonderfully pretty yarn. It’s yarn by color arrangement reminds me of Loop in Philadelphia and Borealis Yarns in St. Paul. If you love fabric, don’t forget to check out Purl’s fabulous sister store, Purl Patchwork. This appeared to be a great neighborhood for lunch. I had lunch at the Italian restaurant next to Purl Patchwork and the basil & tomato penne was pure heaven.
137 & 147 Sullivan St
New York, NY 10012
(212) 420-8796

Seaport Yarns
This is an absolutely fantastic yarn shop. They have everything (everywhere) and are really friendly and eager to help. It felt like they occupied an entire floor, although I think it was only half. It’s located a bit far south, though if you are planning to pay your respects to those who died at One World Trade, it will be something to lift your mood a little afterwards. Maybe you’ll be inspired to do a little charity knitting.

Warning: Seaport Yarns does not accept credit cards. But hey, that means lower operating costs and great sales! Besides, you won’t blow more than you afford.
135 William Street #5
New York, NY 10038
(212) 220-5230

Habu Textiles
You can’t possibly not go to Habu Textiles. Their gorgeous imported silks and cashmeres will make you drool. They take credit cards, which is a bit scary. They are open Monday - Saturday 12-6. It’s on the eighth floor. After a while, you’ll realize this makes complete sense in New York.
135 W. 29th Street
Suite 804
New York, NY 10001
212-239-3546
*not far from chelsea market*

String Yarns
Unfortunately for me, String Yarns relocated and I didn’t know it. So I turned up at their old address on Madison Avenue only to find out that they were now on East 82nd Street. My feet hurt and it was hot, so I headed to the MET instead.
30 East 82nd Street (between Park Avenue and Lexington)
(212) 288-9276

Not too far from the MET.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10028
(212) 535-7710

Some other places you might like to visit.
The Strand Bookstore
828 Broadway
New York, New York 10003
(212) 473-1452

Chelsea Market
75 9th Avenue
New York, NY 10011
(212) 243-6005

Bronx Zoo
Bronx River Pkway & Fordham Road
Bronx, NY 10460
(718 220-5155

Other Yarn Shops
Yarn Co
I never made it to the Yarn Co. I just got plain yarned out, although I’m sure it would be pretty cool to see the home of the Yarn Girls.
2274 Broadway
New York, New York
(212) 787-7878