Best Place to Buy Yarn for Crochet: Where to Shop in 2026

If you’re wondering about the best place to buy yarn for crochet, the answer depends on what you value most: price, quality, convenience, or selection.

Some crocheters prefer browsing in-store and feeling the yarn before buying. Others want the convenience of online ordering and larger variety. And sometimes, the “best” place simply comes down to who has the yarn you need in stock.

Let’s break down your main options so you can decide what works best for you.

Craft Stores: Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and Big Chains

For many crocheters, craft stores are the first place they look.

With Joann locations no longer widely available in many areas, Michaels has become one of the primary in-store options. They carry many well-known yarn brands and often run sales, which can make pricing competitive.

The benefit of shopping in-store:

You can feel the yarn before buying.
You can compare colors in person.
You can grab supplies the same day.

The downside:

Stock can be inconsistent.
Popular colors may sell out quickly.
Selection varies by location.

Hobby Lobby also carries yarn, but availability can fluctuate. Some stores have a solid selection, while others may feel limited depending on demand and season.

If you want to see and touch the yarn before committing, craft stores remain a strong option — when inventory is reliable.

Walmart: Budget-Friendly but Limited Selection

Walmart can be convenient, especially if you are already shopping there.

They typically carry budget-friendly yarn options, including brands like Red Heart and other value lines. If you are working on a project where the specific yarn type is not critical, Walmart can be an affordable choice.

However:

The selection is usually small.
Colors and weights may be limited.
Restocking can be inconsistent.

For basic acrylic yarn at a low price, Walmart can work well. For specialty yarn or specific textures, it may not be the best place to buy yarn for crochet.

Amazon: Convenience and Wide Variety

For many crocheters today, Amazon has become one of the easiest and most reliable places to buy yarn.

The advantages:

Huge selection of brands and weights
Bulk purchasing options
Easy price comparisons
Fast shipping

If local stores are understocked, online shopping often provides more consistency. You can also find multipacks and large skeins that may not be available in physical stores.

When choosing yarn online, make sure to:

Read reviews
Check yardage and weight
Confirm fiber content

While you cannot physically feel the yarn beforehand, customer reviews often give helpful insight into softness, thickness, and durability.

For convenience and variety, Amazon is often considered the best place to buy yarn for crochet — especially when local options are limited.

Comparing Popular Yarn Brands

No matter where you shop, brand choice matters.

Red Heart

Red Heart is widely available and budget-friendly. It is a common beginner yarn because it is inexpensive and durable.

However, it can:

Feel slightly stiff compared to softer yarns
Pill over time
Vary slightly in thickness depending on color

It works well when cost is the main priority.

Caron Yarn

Caron yarn is often preferred for softness and ease of use.

Many crocheters consider it a step up in comfort while still remaining affordable. It tends to glide smoothly on the hook and works well for garments, blankets, and plush projects.

If softness matters to you, Caron is frequently considered one of the best choices available in major stores and online.

So What Is the Best Place to Buy Yarn for Crochet?

The honest answer depends on your priorities.

If you want to:

Feel the yarn before buying → Visit a craft store.
Get the lowest possible price → Check Walmart or store sales.
Access the widest selection and convenience → Shop online.

Many experienced crocheters use a mix of all three. They may buy staple yarn locally when it is in stock and order specific brands or colors online when needed.

The best place to buy yarn for crochet is ultimately the one that gives you the right combination of price, quality, and availability for your project.

Final Thoughts

Yarn shopping can be one of the most enjoyable parts of crocheting — but it can also be frustrating when shelves are empty or your favorite brand is out of stock.

If you are just starting out, choose an affordable, medium-weight yarn in a color you love and begin there. As your skills grow, you will naturally develop preferences for certain brands and fibers.

Whether you shop in-store or online, the key is finding yarn that feels good in your hands and works well for your project.

That’s what truly makes it the best place to buy yarn for crochet.