This store has an extensive collection of yarn. Buttons, magazines, and other knitting materials are also available. Kathryn, the owner, was extremely helpful and friendly. As a beginner to knitting, she was able to help me find the materials needed for the project I wanted to do. No frills, sales tricks, or gimmicks- just genuine guidance and honest advice which I really appreciated. read more

Came here on a whim and it did not disappoint! The owners were incredibly friendly and helpful! Biggest yarn selection I've seen EVER and at a very reasonable price! Will 100% be coming back! read more

I recently went to Cottage Yarns because I read that it was a warm and friendly place. Quite the opposite. While I was there, there was only one other customer, who came and went quickly. In spite of how quiet it was in the store, the woman who runs/owns (I'm not sure which) it could hardly give me the time of day. She practically answered my questions with a grunt. When I asked for clarification, she gave me the same answer. She could barely pick her head up from a piece of paper she was writing on. There was a man working there who helped me get some yarn out of a container, but he was not a knitter and could not answer any questions. He was extremely nice and I found myself hoping that he was not her husband. They have a large selection of good quality yarns, which is a positive (hence the three stars), but so do lots of other places. Their prices are the same as everywhere else. I do not plan to return there, although it is conveniently located for me. read more

A very nice and affable couple run this little shop, and it's open until 6PM!!! A yarn shop open that late on all days it's open is unthinkable in the bay (and I've looked). It's tucked at the edge of a residential street by a busy intersection in South San Francisco. Parking is not too difficult; street along the residential streets. The selection of yarn here is incredible, and the owner also makes all her own samples. They stock Addi as their primary metal needles as well as bamboo (I think Clover?). It's a small shop with a ton of inventory, so it is a little cramped, but the extreme upside is you will definitely find something that calls your name. They have a lovely selection of pattern books as well, but they are a bit dated (Debbie Bliss, Nicky Epstein). Come and support this local small business!! They are doing mystery grab bags for the holidays. Will be back! read more

Cottage yarns is my little pocket of heaven. I drove all the way from south San Jose to source a specific yarn I had just run out of. They don't have a big online presence but man you can find everything you can imagine in this little store. I called ahead and she set aside the yarn I wanted and a few more because she wanted me to pick which one. THIS WAS SO KIND. The owner was so sweet and gave me a tour of the whole store. We chatted for a fair amount and I have to say she made this experience so fun and special for me. They have the most beautiful yarns and all the walls and aisles are packed to the brim with anything you can imagine. I was in a rush this time around but I will definitely make the trek back to explore this store again! My favorite yarn store in the Bay Area!!! read more

Cottage Yarns - Front - Fabric Stores Near Me - South San Francisco, California

I'm new to the world of wool yarn post pandemic. I am doing a project of needlepoint and the owner was very helpful in finding me the type of wool I needed and helping me pick some good colors. The down side of the shop is the crammed space making it a tricky place to navigate - especially if you just want to ogle and browse. But for a quick trip to find exactly what I needed I'm happy to have found the place. There are a lot of bad customer service reviews but they're mostly from ten years ago. So take note that clearly the message was received because the owner was very helpful with me. read more

I found out about this place when I was first starting to knit. What a treasure trove. They have everything and the staff are so helpful. I went there to purpose some yarn to make a baby blanket for a friend and they give me suggestions on a yarn that would work better. I genuinely appreciated the time they took and they eventually gave me a free knitting pattern. Very nice selection of yarns read more

I loved walking in here as a beginner knitter! The family that owns this place was so nice and helped me out with exactly what I needed! It had a better selection of yarns than any big named stores. Everyone should shop local and come here! read more

This is an amazing independent shop with a surprisingly wide variety and helpful, lovely owners.

I found Cottage Yarns on Yelp. I didn't even know there was a yarn store in the Bay Area. I took a trip to see the store. Unfortunately, customers aren't allowed into the store because the owners have not received their second shot yet. However the owner was nice and asked me what I was looking for. I asked for sock yarn and she brought out several while I waited by the door. The yarn she recommended is gorgeous! Customer service is great. She went back and forth to show me her stock. Some here may not like the owner's demeanor but I'm fine with matter of fact service. They were nice enough. Will come back once they finally open for in person shopping. read more

Cottage Yarns - Inside is stuffed with wall to wall yarn - Fabric Stores Near Me - South San Francisco, California

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Friendly n very informative about their yarns. Got a thanksgiving gift bag. First time n will be back to get their beautiful yarn.

This store is amazing! The owners are lovely: kind, helpful, and knowledgable about everything in stock. The store is packed with and incredible variety of yarns: weights, color ways, materials! They have SO MUCH in stock, so you'll be able to find whatever you need. I would also like to add that everything is fairly priced. They have quality yarns from all over the world, and their prices are spot on. Please pay them a visit! This is the type of yarn store I have been searching for, and I'm so happy to have found them! read more

This is a mom & pop shop that's been there for decades!! So so rare. In my opinion anyone w/ a business in this present economic climate requires th care & compassion of its customers. This place sells yarn. It's not a hang out spot for touching all th yarn & leaving w/o buying anything. Respectfully th 1star reviews sound like a "Karen". So sad when reviews are abt a persons attitude rather than th actual service or product being sold. (It's a terrible use of Yelp). I went in w/ my mom this wk & th lady answered all my mom's questions & gave my mom what she asked for. My mom spent abt $90, & I was grateful my 78 yo. mom had a place she liked w/ so much wonderful selection of yarns. Unfortunately they don't offer knitting classes, but who cares, it's a yarn store, not a craft activity center. I'm saddened by how unkind people are to mom & pop shops. God bless them. read more

Tiny store with an incredible selection, I was utterly amazed! Super helpful owners. I got in and out quick with everything I needed. So many gorgeous yarns to choose from... read more

Welcoming and incredibly kind staff were there to help me find sock yarn. The shop is packed with so many options. Usually i shop in the South Bay but was at the airport so I'm happy i dropped by! I ended up going with Malabrigo for sock yarn just because i love the colors. Thank you for being so nice! Will be back again read more

Cottage yarns did not need another 5 star review since there are already so many but Kathryn is so genuine and kind! It is obvious that she is passionate about her business. In the fifteen or twenty minutes I spent in the store I learned more from Kathryn than I have learned from the endless hours at (big name fabric store). I recently started crocheting and did not feel intimidated at all. The selection is amazing and there are so many types of yarn i haven't seen before. They also have an incredible selection of buttons and tools. For my first but certainly not last visit i purchased four skeins of wool yarn that i found in the mark-down corner. Price lists are clearly displayed all over. This will be my go to whenever i have a project in mind! read more

I have relied on Cottage Yarns to keep me knitting since learning how to knit decades ago. Mary Lou got me started then and now Kathryn keeps me going. I usually come with a list of needs. She helps me find patterns, yarn, needles, and other notions. I think Kathryn is very patient and knowledgeable. Oh, and she occasionally helps me figure things out when I am stuck. They result in great finished projects! read more

Friendly and informative people. If you have questions they are there to answer them. I'm new to knitting and welcomed me in and helped me with the types of yarns they had. Huge selection of amazing kinds of yarn. I had a hard time not wanting all the pretty colors and styles of yarn. And their reasonably priced. read more

I went into Cottage Yarns the other day to pick up some yarn for a scarf I am making for my wife. I really liked this store. I must admit it is a little overwhelming walking in because they are so packed with so many different options, but the staff was very helpful and answered all of my questions. The master price list they have posted can he confusing, i wish they had the pricing directly on the bin instead of the end caps of isles, but I also dont mind asking if I get confused so not a huge negative. I really enjoyed how they have patterns hanging that you can look at with the item actually knitted up next to it so you have an idea what it will look/feel like instead of just relying on pictures. I will definately be back next time I need yarn! read more

This place was lovely and the people run it were very friendly and pointed out what the best yarn type would be for the project I am making. Amazing selection of hand dyed wools from many different shops. They even wound the hanks for me for free. Very nice place. Not sure why some people say the owners are rude. read more

This is absolutely THE best shop for yarns and your handicraft needs. If I can't find the yarn I'm looking for here, it just doesn't exist. There is a huge inventory of yarns, books, needles, and accessories so it's a one-stop shop. Catherine, the owner, is so knowledgeable that you just tell her what you need, and she has it at her fingertips. It is a pleasure to shop at Cottage Yarns. There is street parking and a free parking lot across the street, easily accessible by both 280 and 101 freeways, and El Camino Real. This is one of the best yarn shops in the Bay Area, if not the entire state. read more

Excellent yarn store! I've been to a couple in the area and this one is absolutely AMAZING in terms of yarn selection and fair pricing. I went in for yarn for one project and ended up buying two sweater quantities of yarn. The owner was really helpful with color selection, and knew inventory well. Please give this local business a chance! read more

Wow! You will not believe the variety of yarns, fibers, colors, patterns. The owners are very knowledgeable. The selection incredible. They also have a nice selection of notions. read more

I went to cottage yarn again.this is my second time visit. this time 15% sale going on ( today May /22/2020 ) lot of selection.owner( gentleman and lady) is very welcomed and kindness even thought I didn't buy lot of yarn same as last time. next time I will make my shopping list i love cottage yarn read more

Addendum after reading the other reviews: In all the years I've shopped here, with all the random browsing I've done, I've never had a bad experience with the owner. I have gotten the sense that she's kind of an introvert, and I've definitely gotten the sense that she's protective of her stock - which she needs to be, because this is a business. Books, especially, need to be handled carefully, and I've seen enough customers being less than careful with the books here, I don't blame her for being watchful. Also, for the reviewers who complained about the yarn being in bags and no space for projects - that's not what this store is about. There are plenty of the hang-out-and-knit stores around; this store is not one of them. I, personally, don't feel as comfortable walking in to a place with a group of people sitting around a table knitting when I'm just walking in to buy something. Not everyone wants that. This store has great variety of good quality yarns. I've never walked out without yarn to fill my needs. read more

I love this place. Floor to ceiling yarns of every type, color and size. I always want to see and feel yarn when I am imagining a project. The button selection is great also. Really fun to come select just the right button when the knitting is done! Thank you, Kathryn for being here and for all of your help over the years. read more

Well I went back to Cottage Yarns I really wanted to feel and see some yarns in person I think it's been about 3 years since I last came in looking for yarn I needed It's defiantly a different experience without children My feelings have softened a little after my last 2 visits I didn't get the hovered feelings today, they did have a few customers. It felt more relaxed and the 'lady' seemed a lot mellower I'm actually looking forward to going back read more

Such unwelcoming staff. I went in there because I grew up with my mom going there. The first time I went in, I immediately felt like pretty woman in Beverly hills. The lady followed me around but did not offer any help. The place is a bit overwhelming if you dont know what you are looking for. I did not, I just got back into crocheting and was just looking for some yarn to play with. I walked out empty handed because I felt like I wasnt welcomed. I should mention I went with my two kids. They weren't loud or anything and they stayed by my side the whole time. I went in a second time without the kids and still got the unwelcomed vibe. This time I knew at least the colors I was looking for. I happened to be on the phone when I went in and the lady (cant remember if it was the same lady) came up to me and asked if i needed help. I said I was just looking and went back to my phone conversation. She asked if I was looking g for anything in particular. I felt like it bothered her I was on the phone so I hung up and told her what I was looking for. She helped me find some nice colors. I then asked if she had any books with crocheting patterns; I dont know how to explain it, it was more the tone of voice she used, but it seemed like she was disappointed that I crocheted. She went on to say "no we dont really carry THAT in here." I felt kind of shamed for only crocheting. Could totally just be her rudeness tho. She did lead me to the smaller room in the back where I looked around. She did find two books with crocheting patterns. All in all, I cant say I enjoyed my two visits to this store without my mom. When i told my mom about my experiences she said that it was weird because she never got those vibes. Still, even tho this place is super convenient for me to get to, I'm looking for another store I can go to to get my yarn, other than Joanne's and Michael's. I gave two stars for their selection of yarn. You cant deny they have an amazing array of yarn. read more

STAY AWAY FROM THIS STORE! My initial visit to the store: I went into the store last week with my Mom. The store is very small and the aisles are super narrow so it makes browsing a bit challenging. We both selected some yarn and the gentleman in the store asked us both if we would like the yarn rewound into a smaller ball because they were both skeins that were very large. We agreed to have him rewind them for us. As she was paying, the lady behind the counter asked my Mom what she was planning to knit and she told her a scarf. A few days later: My Mom is half way through her scarf and she ran out of yarn! Why didn't the lady in the store tell her that she would not have enough yarn? The scarf she is knitting is slim, about 5.5", It is not unreasonable to expect the owner of the yarn store when asking a customer what they are knitting, to advise them that they have too much or not enough yarn. I had not started anything with the yarn I purchased so I decided to return mine to the store and exchange it for the one my Mom needed. The yarn was 100% merino wool. Expensive at $22.00 a skein. (The yarn I purchased was exactly the same but in a different color). Today: I went to the store to exchange the untouched skein of wool. The same lady behind the counter refused to exchange it. She said that because it had been rewound (at their suggestion) she would not take it back. I pointed out that when the gentleman in the store offered to rewind it he failed to advise us of this. I also pointed out that there is no mention of this on the receipt she gave us. This states that all returns or exchanges have to be accompanied by the receipt. That's it. I also reminded her that it was a brand new unused ball of wool and I simply wanted to exchange it. Not return it for a refund. Her answer was that they cannot resell it when it is rewound. What?!! There were rewound balls of wool on her shelves for sale!! I put the wool back in my bag and left. My Mom is left with half a knitted scarf and I am left with a skein of wool that will not knit anything. We could both go back to the store and buy the additional wool that we would need to finish even the smallest project but we won't. These guys are not honest, they are sleazy and dishonest. I work for an independent retailer and I know how hard everyone in the company works to make sure that the customer service provided is second to none. Cottage Yarn does not give a damn about their customers or about how they run their business. Stay away! read more

I loved cottage yarns until the owner took advantage of me. I was making a blanket and wasn't sure how much yarn I needed. She told me its better that I buy a whole bag (10 skeins) of each color (3 colors) so I would be guaranteed one lot. She assured me it would be no problem to return it if I purchased too much. She said as long as I return the extra yarn within 60 days I would get a full refund. I came back in 8 days after the purchase (with about $80 of yarn to return) and she said she doesn't give refunds. She gave me store credit. I just recently used the store credit and will never go back. Even when I told her how upset I was she didn't care. I would not have purchased that amount if she would have been honest and told me that all I would get is store credit. I feel that she was dishonest. read more

Absolutely RUDE. She (Kathryn, the owner) obviously just cares about MONEY. Don't think you're going to get much technical help from her, probably because she doesn't know much herself. She needs to go to customer service school and learn a few things if that's possible. Very rude and uninviting. In an economic time such as this when yarn is not a necessity but a luxury you would think she would wise up and realize that the people she snubs are the very people who could spend hundreds of dollars on yarns, like myself. I will continue to patronage Imagiknit in SF and Nine Rubies Kitting in San Mateo. Both store employee's and owners have been nothing but polite and respectful no matter what your skill level is. They also have people on hand to help if you need it. Well worth the trip! You lost a valuable $ customer Ms Kathryn. read more

I went here on suggestion from a knitting teacher at a local community center. I was very excited when I walked in--the rainbow of colors was gorgeous. The list of different types of yarns is pretty much endless--soy, silk, wool, bamboo, sugar cane.... I can't remember any of the others off hand. When I was approached by the worker I explained that I was a new knitter and was getting frustrated with cheaper yarn (and the way it frays if you stitch and restitch while you're learning), and would rather pay more for higher quality products. She looked annoyed. I explained that I wanted to knit a scarf for my child. She didn't even ask about my preference, and lead me to a section. My daughter grabbed a ball of yarn and we bought that one. I also selected a rather expensive yarn that made my heart skip a beat. She acted annoyed throughout my entire transaction. Over the next few days I discovered that I didn't have enough yarn and went back. It was then that she told me that reason it had not been stored neatly in a bag was because it was the last ball. I was bummed, but moved on quickly. She stood next to the door hovering over me, making me feel that she suspected I was going to run off with her supplies. This was when I smelled the odor of cigarette smoke. While I did not smell it in the store or on the yarn, I did find it offensive that someone who has been praised for being so helpful by others--smells so bad that I wouldn't want to get close to her. I purchased a different yarn, and another ball of the yarn I thought was so great. I asked her about a little technique issue, which for a beginner should open up to offering me some guidance (which I read they're generous with) and she acted like I was an annoyance. As I left I vowed to never return. They do have wonderful stuff and their selection is great. I would like to enjoy shopping, and I didn't. read more

Owner is not friendly. Yarn shopping is a very personal and delicate thing. You want to touch it, you want to hold it. You want to bring it close to your face to check the color. Sometimes you look for a specific yarn for a specific project and sometimes you just come to the store for the inspiration. This store, although it has a decent selection of yarns, is not a the place where you can do those things without feeling like a trespasser. Owner was checking up on me, and not in a helpful way - more like "what-are-you-doing-back-there? are-you-stealing-my-yarn? are-you-planning-to-buy-anything-or-just-wasting-my time" kind of way. Prices are higher then, for example, you can find on e-bay or Amazon, but I went to the store because I wanted to see the color in person and support the local store. I left without purchasing anything (because I did not find the color I liked) and I'll not be coming back (because of the owner). read more

Never in my life have I walked into a yarn store and not been allowed to swatch! I went in and explained the problem was I knit a sock years ago and I'm about to go on a trip and wanted to knit the second sock while on the trip, but for some reason (my gauge or the needles) wasn't the same as the first sock. I told her what needles I was using and what size I thought I needed, but she wouldn't let me swatch! I even told her I needed to in order to buy the needles, but nope. Also, you can't buy swatch, and then exchange needles while she is watching you! I've never had such service at a shop. Hell even Nine Rupees, with their high airs, will let you swatch to make sure you're getting the correct needles. Not to mention there was so much stuff in the aisles you can't see the yarn. I was ooggling some of the yarn but after the way I was treated and the look of the shop I just walked right out without buying anything. read more

This was a wonderful place to peruse through a beautiful selection of yarns. There were many lovely brands of yarn along with a fairly good selection of knitting and crocheting supplies and some reference materials. HOWEVER, the yarns were stocked and kept in large plastic bags. I had to pull a bag and pull the skein out of the bag, which made me feel intrusive. Pricing was not readily available either. Some plastic bags had pricing information but, for the most part, there was one price list for a wall of yarn. Most importantly, the staff is not very helpful or friendly. The three stars are, strictly, for the wonderful selection. read more

I like this store because they are typically really well stocked in yarn brands I like with a good range of colors. Some places I've been have a really low stock and it can be frustrating. Also prices seem very reasonable. I have felt rushed at times, but I think the owner is just trying to help me save time. I don't think it's a big deal as long as you communicate that you want more time to browse. read more

3.5 Seems like they had a decent selection, though fairly pricey. Didn't really guide me all that well on getting a friend started in crocheting, so you should either know what you're doing before you go, or take someone with you who does. Nice location, easy parking. read more

I've been going here for about 4 years, have seen the transition from Mary Lou to Kathryn, and it's just gotten better. Its small, but packed with whatever you think you might need or want. If she doesn't have it, she'll recommend a substitution. She talks to you about a new yarn, how is it to work with, etc. Kathryn not only uses the products she sells, she gets feed back from her regulars to find out as much as she can for others that are new to the store or to the craft. Her pricing is competitive with the other yarn shops, and I've checked them all out. Even when we go on vacation, I have to check out yarn shops. She's still competitive. As for having the yarn in the bags, it works for me, if I'm knitting a sweater then I just pull the whole bag :) It's never a problem to "pet" the yarn, we all know that this is a tactile craft, so it's important to know you'll like working with what you bought. For those that think Kathryn is rude, perhaps you need to look at yourself and your behavior first. I've been in there when some customers have pulled every single bag of yarn off the shelves and left it on the floor, tied up hours of Kathryn's time and then didn't buy a thing or storm in and demand Kathryn's attention when she was in the middle of helping someone else. I'm just saying, I've seen the way some people act, and I'm glad I don't work retail. read more

This place is AWESOME and one of a kind in this area. It's hard for me to go into the city and pay the matching prices. Kathryn, the owner, is kind, helpful and very attentive. It's sometimes hard to see yarns when they're in plastic, but she keeps it there to protect it and offer the best quality possible. While it's nice to walk around a shop and touch everything, greasy hands can have devastating effects on yarn, and this climate causes mildew in the best conditions. She's protecting her product. As a customer and an avid crocheter, I understand and appreciate that. I'd rather buy a mint product than some battered, abused tangle. Kathryn is always available for help and tips and is very knowledgeable without being intimidating. I don't mean to be rude, but I have to imagine anyone who finds her less than helpful might have done something to cause a reaction. There are a lot of rather abrupt crafters, and Kathryn is not at all like that and might not be receptive to that behavior. I know I don't like it. This is the best shop in the upper peninsula, and quite possibly one of the best in the greater Bay Area. If you like to knit and/or crochet and appreciate a range of excellent yarns, I highly recommend this shop. I feel lucky to have it so close. read more

I'm surprised at some of the other yelper's negative experience. I am Asian and was not treated any differently from the other customer's in the store. Granted, the yarn in plastic bags took some getting used to but I had no problem opening up bags to touch the yarn inside. The selection is very good and Katherine couldn't be nicer. SInce my visit last week, she has called me twice with follow up on my special order of ADDI TURBO lace needles and sock yarn and I am looking forward to my return to this yarn store. read more