Update on my previous review. I am astonished at the way my complaint was handled. Allison cancelled my previously ordered yarn, and sent a note on the receipt (see picture of receipt uploaded on Yelp photos). Because of her, I was unable to finish the vest I was making my husband for Christmas. I cannot believe this woman thinks that this is the way to resolve a conflict with a loyal customer. Yet another reason to never give your money to this store. There are much better prices online, and you will avoid the horrible treatment I endured. So incredibly disappointed. read more

ImagiKnit - Arts & Crafts Near Me - San Francisco, California

How it's taken me this long to write a review for this place, I'll never know. I've bought yarn from Imagiknit for many years now, and they have a great selection and reasonable price. Their staff is knowledgeable and patient. In fact, I recently (when working on a sweater) dropped many stitches. I was freaking out, and I came into the store. One of the staff, Lisle, was really kind and generous. She helped me pick up my stitches, and gave me some tips. I was self-deprecating the whole time, and she was very encouraging. I'll always go to Imagiknit for all my knitting needs. read more

Great spot to check out, even as a beginning knitter! Came on a Saturday afternoon 30 min before they were going to close and immediately was greeted by the owners. I explained that I was looking to knit scarves for my grandmas, that I had basic knitting experience and needed help with the yarn selection. The owner was very helpful in helping me pick out the right yarn, telling pros and cons of each type (merino wool, polyester, cotton, etc.) and recommended thickness of the yarn. She also asked about how tight my stitches were, as these can play into the type of yarn best used and thickness of the needles. As I described to her what I was looking for, she was very helpful in providing suggestions on the color, length, etc. that would help me get started. I would also highlight that I came close to their closing time, but in no way did I feel rushed to make a purchase - the owner kept telling me to take my time and that I can look as long as I wanted to. Things did come out a tad on the expensive side ($126 for 4 rolls of yarn and 2 pairs of knitting needles), but I would have no problem coming back here due to the service / help from the employees here! read more

This is honestly probably my favorite yarn store in the US that I've been to. Not only are there two rooms filled wall to wall with yarn but the have an amazing selection ranging from cheaper acrylics to super scrumptious cashmere and angora. And they never try to push expensive yarns at you either unlike some places. They've done some rearranging so theres couch space to sit and knit in between browsing which is a plus. read more

Love this store! I took knitting 101 with Judy last month. She is such a great instructor and makes knitting more fun than it already is! Highly recommend taking a class with Judy! The store is also lovely with a huge selection of quality goods. read more

ImagiKnit - Judy, an amazing instructor. So talented and humorous! - Arts & Crafts Near Me - San Francisco, California

Oh ImagiKnit, how I love thee! I first came here with a pattern I'd gotten off the internet and no clue as how to pick the right yarn for it. Not only did the sales folks help me learn how to read the gage of the yarn, they explained which yarn fibers would drape best for my pattern AND helped me pick a pretty color, to boot! Now that I have more experience, I always go to ImagiKnit when I need friendly advice on yarn. Recently, I was making a sweater out of some random blue tweed yarn I had in my stash and I needed to find a complementary yarn to blend in with it so I could make the complete garment. ImagiKnit to the rescue! I came in with my yarn and the staff helped me find exactly the right yarn to go with it, a soft gray wool that matched the gray in the tweed. They taught me to use their yarn winder, and they always have the answers to get me out of a knitting jam. I too, would like it if I could bring my pooch into the store with me--then it would be a perfect dog walk/knitting excursion. read more

ImagiKnit - Finished sweater with gray sleeves, yarn from ImagiKnit. - Arts & Crafts Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Nice selection of yarn but do not plan on winding any you buy there!! We purchased sweater quantity and told we could wind it ourselves. When we started trying wind the yarn the winder arm would not engage. When we asked for help with the winder, the salesperson's comment was "Oh, sometimes you have to push the arm in". Another salesperson came in and said "this is on its last leg". Not sure why another winder would not be purchased if your business is selling yarn and people want to wind their yarn before they go home. read more

Sweet dreams are made of ImagiKnit! One day I woke up and decided that I wanted to learn how to crochet. I really wanted to learn basic stitches so that I can one day create little amigurumis (the Japanese art of crocheting or knitting little cute things, like animals, food, whatever your heart desires--so "kawaii"). Also, my friend was having a baby and I needed to crochet a baby blanket like...ASAP! I had no idea where to begin. When I searched crochet into the trusty "find" engine on yelp, ImagiKnit was the first shop to come up, with raving reviews. Yelp has never let me down before, so I gave ImagiKnit a shot. I'll admit I was actually super nervous to enter the realms of the knitting and crochet world that is ImagiKnit. I didn't know who or what I would encounter... conceited crocheters? Narcissistic knitters? A yarn-asaurous-rex?! Thankfully I found none of the above. I must have looked like a nudist in the financial district, because immediately one of the customer service reps greeted me and genuinely wanted to help me. I was so relieved that someone offered assistance right away. ImagiKnit is the willy wonka's chocolate factory of yarn and all things fibres. Beautiful, amazing quality yarns, everything ranging from moderately pricey merino wool to super pricey cashmere/mohair blends and everything in between. I proceeded to explain my dilemma to the customer service rep: ".....HELP I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I'M DOING." Thankfully, she didn't laugh at me. Instead, she set me up with everything I could possibly need to crochet on my own. I was attempting to teach myself through youtube and online references. I left with a few sizes of crochet hooks, new beautiful yarn for the baby's blanket, and a new found confidence in the art of crochet. I even signed up to take a private class with an instructor, Judy Sakaguchi , a week later, who was extremely nice and helpful during our lesson. Judy tailored the lesson around new techniques that I had not already taught myself, which was really helpful and worthwhile. I would definitely take a class again! ImagiKnit offers so many cool classes. Four days after my first visit, i'm back at ImagiKnit, and to everyone's surprise at the shop I bring my COMPLETED baby blanket along! It's official, I'm an addict and I am so proud. I leave with beautiful, new hand dyed peruvian merino wool for a scarf that I end up crocheting my mother for Christmas. ImagiKnit is one of the cutest shops I have ever been in. It reminds me of a room inside the little old lady that lived in a shoe's shoe home. Complete with the cutest little greyhound shop dog, Mochi! I could spend hours in ImagiKnit, learning, creating, browsing. I would recommend a visit to anyone. This is going to sound sappy, but if you have the smallest inclination of wanted to learn to crochet or knit, that is enough to be able to learn and create. DO IT! read more

ImagiKnit - Love the retro, vintage vibe that ImagiKnit gives off. - Arts & Crafts Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

It is clear from the moment you walk into Imagiknit that it's all about the knitting - from the employees to the customers, the focus and dedication is clear. So, naturally, not being knitters ourselves my favorite Washingtonian and I felt a touch out of place here but not for long. I explained to a woman who worked there that a fantastic friend of mine was having a birthday and that I wanted to buy her some very exceptional hand-dyed yarn. After performing some reconnaissance with said friend's husband, I came armed with two brands; Lorna's Laces and Claudia Hand Painted Yarns. The woman at the store guided me to these yarns and helped me pick out the perfect skeins. As she rung me up she said, "You are a good friend." Truth be known, I could have bought all the yarn in the shop and I wouldn't even be half as good as my favorite knitter is to me! Imagiknit - it's a special place for special people and a fun shopping experience even if you don't knit! read more

I enjoyed my visit at this place, staff were friendly , owner was very kind, my only complain is yarn prices, a bit expensive, but the color selection was very nice, however the yarns if we're cheaper I would spend more, I purchased 100 bucks worth of yarn and Love the colors. Plus I enjoyed seeing the famous purple bench and sat on it. I am a professional crochet artist, have my school and page and site, so it was nice to be in this atmosphere for me. Owner needs to wash the outside window and make the store a bit more attractive from outside. Also there is need for more seating space. The place is big time hoarded with yarn, a bit hard to go thorough things. The presence of 2 dogs in store without leash was ok for me but what if someone hates dogs??? Or is scared of dogs ??? read more

See all

Overwhelming knitting/crochet paradise for people who love to stash beautiful yarns . Every nook and cranny is filled with cubbies of reasonable to luxury fibers. They organize according to yarn weight, but to their method, the higher number is a finer gauge. There are also completed accessories for sale, albeit a trifle pricey, due to use of premium yarn. However, they have a great method of finding you the pattern ( I paid 5 bucks for a Plymouth scarf or shawl pattern with a ruffled edge) which is convenient. Also, Imaginknits has a website or online store, which makes it even more accessible. Prices are typical of other yarn shops. read more

I am from the SoCal area and stopped by this cute yarn shop with my cousin! Needless to say, this store did not disappoint. They have a wide array of yarns and you can pretty much find anything you need in terms of yarn. I met up with my friend and we sat and knit for a couple of hours. Could have stayed all day but I had a 2 year old with me and her attention span is well she's 2! In any case, the yarns were amazing and the owner was very nice and helpful. My cousin bought a sweater that was made for the shop specifically as a sample but my cousin loved it so much, she talked the owner into selling it. I would absolutely come back again next time I'm in SF. And they have weekly newsletters to update on products and includes a free patter design for the week! Can't wait to come back to visit! read more

A wonderful place for a knitter to visit. They have a huge selection of yarn as well as a friendly and knowledgeable staff that can help you with everything you need for your project. They also offer classes. Parking can be tough, but there are several public transportation options. read more

I wanted to learn how to crochet during quarantine, and ImagiKnit helped make it happen! It has been such a gift to order for curbside pickup. They respond to their emails quickly, and they've been able to answer questions about the best beginner books and materials to buy. I even took a Zoom class with Judy, and I was so impressed with her patience and ability to help me, even though we weren't in the same room. It's been a gift to learn a fun new hobby during this stressful time, and ImaginKint has been a treasure! read more

I've been twice so far, once to sign up and buy materials for the Crochet 101 series, and the second time for class. What stands out to me is that the place is sooooo chiiiiill. Yes, you might wait a minute or three before being helped, or just being acknowledged. Yet, rather than any condescending test of (im)patience, it's more like a loosening up of the gears of some great cosmic clock. I think if a motorcycle were to crash through the display window, hurling some leather bear clear to the back of the store, the tranquility in the place wouldn't so much as ripple. P.S. Kurt = awesome. read more

Helpful, friendly staff. Incredible selection. What don't they have? I spent a while browsing their store on a Thursday afternoon. It was pretty busy, but I did get greeted and given a brief "tour". I walked here from the 16th St Mission BART station...it's about 10 minutes and not too sketchy during daylight hours. One side of the store is mainly wool and the other side is plant fiber and blends. They sort it this way because the plant fiber blends are better for summer knitting and the wool yarns are better for winter knits. I drooled over their selection of Madelinetosh yarns. They seriously have every colorway imaginable. I picked up a skein of Madelinetosh sock weight yarn and it was about $30 with tax. A super helpful young gentleman working there helped me set up the skein winder. They do have an old couch and tables, but no one is just hanging out to knit there. The walls are packed with yarn up to the ceiling. Not too inviting of a space, unfortunately. They have a small selection of spinning fibers, mostly solid color merino. I saw a lot of new knitters asking for yarn & needles for their projects. They seemed overwhelmed. The staff tried to help them out without being too pushy. If you're a new knitter, I strongly suggest you bring a knitting friend with you. read more

Imagiknit definitely deserves 4-stars! They have a great selection of yarns and I can spend hours and hours just browsing at this place. The staff were really nice and helpful. Imagiknit is currently having their Annual Sale so a lot of the yarns are on sale :-)! read more

Rude, stuck up employees, expensive yarn and selection is crappy. You can find a comparable selection at Michaels for so much less. Look elesewhere for higher end yarn. Unfortunately a lot of yarn stores have closed down but no need to go to this place unless you feel like being bullied and end up buying a bunch of crappy yarn at premium prices. I bought thousands of dollars of yarn there in the past and they used to have a way better selection and more amiable employees. read more

After many years, I finally have time for crochet, knit, and other string adventures. Busy hands are happy hands. Thank you for the lovely crochet set from Lykke - the hooks are really comfortable and have excellent point, so the yarn works easily. And the recommended yarns are excellent! read more

Yarn galore and they will have supplies for the beginner to the experienced but with the added bonus of getting an experienced sales person to help shop. From cheap cotton to very expensive angora wool, to best knitting and crochet supplies, books and magazines, and for sale many completed items. Spent about 2 hours looking for yarns and appreciated the comfy chairs that allowed my 'not so excited to be here' partner to yawn in a corner. Overheard the most amazing conversation of this old seasoned gentleman chatting the young lady at the register. Help is there when needed, but not in an intrusive way and they show you the layout of the store, which I really recommend. A lot of fun for everyone regardless of gender; a great place to take a preteen or teen that has shows interest in knitting or crochet. Street parking was not bad. read more

I've been buying patterns and yarn here for many years and always love being in the store. Yesterday I stopped in with a project that had me confused and unable to carry on with a toddler sweater. Several people on the staff were very generous with their time and knowledge and helped me get past the sticky part. I sat there for over an hour knitting away with them patiently guiding me and checking in periodically. The employees never made me feel like I was a bother or getting in their way. It was a free, very long, hands on knitting tutorial! read more

When I first Googled knit stores SF this store came up. Walked 2 miles up and down these awesome crazy streets of SF. The shop's owner, Allison, was really sweet. Bought this beautiful Noro yarn. So excited to create! read more

ImagiKnit - Arts & Crafts Near Me - San Francisco, California

Best Online Customer Service I've had in MONTHS! These guys are awesome - I sent a question in using their website and 2 people responded in minutes. I was able to get everything shipping within an hour of purchase - AMAZING! Love this place and have been to the storefront too, awesome place. read more

used to love this place and came every week to get a big batch of yarns and items for any project I could think of. After I moved farther away I went 6-8 months without going there and had a few beautiful yarns that I did not need anymore with the packaging and tags still on. They would not return or anything for it. After even talking to them for awhile asking them that these yarn are just going to waste and are still being sold in store please do something with them, be sustainable. Alas they did not and now it's going to go to waste especially for a costumer that went weekly for a year. I was so dissappointed with them and could now believe that they would do that. If you are going to go here just know the costumer service is not great at all unless they see you will buy a lot from them. read more

Yes, I RIDE A MOTORCYCLE Yes, I HAVE BEEN ARRESTED Yes, I AM A PASTOR Yes, I am an ASIAN MALE and YES I KNIT! Just try to figure me out . . . and while you are doing so head on down to the best knitting store in SF and make a hat! Let me pile on to and affirm the praise that has already been given! 2 Stars - Staff is great (helpful, quirky, diverse) 2 Stars - Selection is fantabuloso (Anything you would want) 1 Star - Prices decent, but great sales! I think that equals a big 5'er for this yelper! read more

Lots of yarn--but order online at your own risk. Unlike other LYS who consider the order their responsibility until the customer receives the product, this store considers it the customer's responsibility once the product is shipped. When my order was lost by the USPS, Allison informed me that the problem was between the post office and me. No refund. No replacement product. No apology. Too bad. I purchase a lot of yarn and will no longer trust this retailer to value my business. read more

Yarns, yarns, everywhere, and not a place to knit. Well, probably you can. If you know how to knit. Me, I was just an innocent bystander during a recent "yarn run" here in search of high-quality threads to make into things useful for the home. What we found was impressive: wool from Norway, alpaca and organic cotton from Peru ... and literally hundreds of other choices made from fibers animal and plant-based. It's soft. It's smooth. It's sexy. It's superior to your standard yarn. It's Ueberwool, basically. The space itself is cool: a former record store and adjacent garage, with high ceilings and cubby holes stuffed with all colors of the rainbow. It's an avalanche of alpaca, a cornucopia of cotton, a bevy of bamboo (yes they have a yarn for that), a symphony of silk, a mélange of merino, a riot of rayon. It's yarn for the next generation of knitters: men, women, old and new, the hat makers and the hash smokers, the baby sock sisters and the beanie brothers, the scarf scalawags and sweater spinsters. It's a fibrous free-for-all, that's what I'm driving at. Knitting is fun. Especially when viewed from the perspective of total and complete ignorance. Here, even as an interloper, you can't help but feel the rhythm of the needle. Can you hear it? The call of the yarn? I love the smell of cashmere in the morning ... read more

I have to create. It's my passion and my joy to make things armed with whatever components I need and my imagination. But I can't stand projects that I can't conveniently complete within a short time frame. So that means that I love baking adorable little cupcakes with swirly frosting for my kids, designing and making sparkly baubles to adorn my body and that of my gal pals, and writing Yelp reviews. And I can get almost instant gratification of a job begun and completed in two or three shakes of a rat's tail. You can imagine that when I have an urge to create something from yarn, I'm going to look for a beautiful, soft yarn that's nice and BULKY. ImagiKnit had just what I wanted. Organized by weight, you'll find the "thinner" yarns in the back of the store, and the bulkier one's as you come in. And the quality and selection are so yummy. I get so excited when I'm surrounded by raw products that promise so many gorgeous, completed projects. You know how you walk into a place like Flax with all those art supplies and your mind goes crazy with limitless possibilities? I felt like that here, except it was yarn heaven. Lots of luscious, imported yarns in all textures and colors and price ranges. This is not a cheap place, but the selection is awesome and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. So what did I end up getting? I picked up some super bulky yarn from Italy...the softest virgin merino wool for a scarf that I crocheted with a scary, humungous hook. I started it during the episode of Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations," when he ate his way through Laos and finished it before he had his last tapas in Barcelona...heehee! read more

Great store! Helpful staff! Great selection of yarns and ideas! I really wish people would stop commenting on things being "pricey" if you want cheap yarn go to Walmart! They have beautiful yarn here set up in a way that makes sense and stimulates your creativity. I even got feedback from a staff member on the use of the POS system something I was working on for my own business. Truly community and welcoming experience. Thanks from a traveler from Ecuador. read more

ImagiKnit - Arts & Crafts Near Me - San Francisco, California

I am a long-time knittter, knitting instructor, and soon-to-be pattern designer. I'm in town from NYC, I heard about ImagiKnit, and decided to visit. I walked into the store, and was greeted with "Can I help you?" Not "Hello," "How are you?" or "Nice sweater" (trust me, the sweater was gorgeous). First, if I walk in with said sweater, lovingly made by me with super-fancy Neighborhood Fiber Co. sport weight yarn, then it should be obvious that I'm here to buy yarn. After that short "greeting," I was pretty much ignored the entire time I was there (though a young woman came out from the back of the store, and complimented me on my sweater, but that was the only interaction I received). For the most part, local yarn stores are populated by friendly beings who realize that, while customers could buy yarn online, at much cheaper prices, we choose to support the LYS, because they (usually) provide a service we can't get from a web store. I'm sure ImagiKnit has some great qualities - and lots of beautiful yarn, by the way - but customer service for *everyone* who walks in, should be a given. I decided to take myself, and my money, elsewhere. read more

It's just an okay yarn shop. Pros: selection and the location, except at times when parking is difficult. You can grab a coffee at the cafe across the street and have a nice yarn crawl while you drink it (carefully in a covered cup, of course). Cons: it's a cold place run by cold people. Prices are exact retail. Little effort is made to cushion the blow: the bargain bins have really shopworn weird stuff (pilly opossum yarn, blotchy pooly paints, catastrophically garish novelties) that should be marked down a LOT more, so it's not that helpful to dig in them. I leave feeling disappointed, every time. Yarn shops are having a hard time staying in business, now that the knitting boom is waning, and I think this place would be a more attractive option for a rainy Saturday afternoon if they cultivated more warmth and gregariousness in their employees (who are actually much nicer when the boss is out. When she's in, they are perceptibly heads-down and rushing the customers along, just like her). Don't try to ask questions or be chatty when they're ringing you up, with nobody else in line. A perfectly good attitude for a busy New York donut shop at morning rush hour. Not here. Given the tepid welcome, the snippy boss, and the lack of community, I'd rather shop online. Yeah, heresy. But seriously, why bother to drive to SF when I can get it cheaper from Jimmy Bean's if I am willing to wait a day? Artfibers, I miss you. So. Much. read more

Bought yarn today there! Good thing I decided I needed the yarn because by the time I took it to the register, the cashier (not the owner) was SO RUDE I wanted to change my mind. She did not want to print a pattern for me unless I knew I wanted it because she didn't want to waste paper. She did not offer the ball winder....I had to ask. She acted very preoccupied. We were almost the only customers in the store. My friends had to help me (I am a beginner) and tell me what to buy. A very large selection!! Their ball winder was being cleaned so they set up a manual one for ME to wind. They would not assist me except to untangle the beginning. So, go into this store to see the wonderful selection but don't expect good service. I did notice they were nice to a few people ...particularly a male who needed help, but they were very rude to me and my friends. read more

I have a few secret passions that i willfully expose here on yelp today... 1) Jockstraps 2) Food cooked in dutch ovens 3) German cars 4) Knitting jockstraps and disgustingly cute sweaters for my dog in hopes that it will get me laid... in said jockstrap. Well the fourth one isnt much a passion.... woolen jockstraps tend to be itchy and require dry cleaning... BUT! I love this place. Let me stage the scene: It was a very chilly day when I found myself opening the door to what i thought was a quaint little shop selling a small amount of soft animal hair twisted in strands dyed in some horrendous colors. But i was wrong... there are WALLS of wool, alpaca, and cashmere, and if it were available, back hair from the castro bears! All the employees are very helpful and even have their favorite yarns picked out (in fact i bought a few skeins of an italian merino yarn just because an employee with my name suggested it, thanks kurt!!!...) The choices in yarn are mind-boggling and range in price from very comfortable to poop-your-granny-panties expensive but if your a knitting freak like me, a super soft cashmere blend is well worth making into socks or nipple clamp warmers. They also carry a very wide array of knitting needles, including very rare 9 inch circular needles (im gonna be an uncle soon and that means baby booties!!!! *screams and giggles*) My suggestion, go to this store and look at everything, but devote a lazy saturday or sunday for it... Oh and if you see a blazingly handsome brown dude obscured in a uni-bomber type sweater and aviators trying to go incognito, go up to him and say hi... chances are i may show you the jockstrap i just knit! read more

Sigh... I really want to like it there, but sometimes I leave feeling more wound up than a ball of yarn...It's like grandma's house, when grandma is a repressed, her patience is thin, and she's jonesing for valium. There's gay man grandma and regular lady grandma; it all runs tense. I've been praying to the Yarn Gods asking for a miracle... help me find peace in this otherwise charming store. Here's what beamed down from above: they have a great selection and an easy breezy location. And answering annoying, banal knitting questions again and again will prickle even the most saintly of grandmas. (I know, because I teach knitting myself!) The place is freezing, especially in the winter, because one room is like a converted garage. You'd think with all those balls of yarn lining the walls it'd serve as some kind of insulation. Maybe they're edgy because they're freezing. I'd say I've gotten friendly service there about half the time. It depends on who's helping you or what kind of mood they're in. Best to ask the underlings; newer people who work there, who haven't lost their bright eyed, bushy tailed spark. It's the other half that makes me want to take a bath afterwards. Even the way they talk to each other is tense in a subtle, waspy way, like they're just barely keeping their annoyance under yarny wraps. Ideally, I wouldn't have to ask a question, ever. If I ask more than one or two questions; i'm pushing it; I always think twice before asking. (the questions I was asking were about special ordering yarn...) I'm thinking I should succumb to the wasp factor and take a valium before shopping there. I'd feel better about spending my money when i'm numbed up. I really want to like it, but I mostly just feel uncomfortable when I'm there. read more

I have to admit this -- I'm still a beginner. I learned how to crochet and knit way back when I was in Girl Scouts. Now that I'm in college, I decided to pick it back up and in my sudden crochet craze, I went here with my mom to check out the yarn selection. As a poor student who just wants to make cute amigurumi, the yarn is just for looking at. I love the colors and looking at the variety really opened up my eyes, but I don't think I'll be doing any projects that involve the types of fibers they have. Since I arrived there early in the evening, there was a woman waiting for a crochet class to start. She approached me and my mom instead of the staff for a refresher on the stitches, which made me wonder why she asked us instead of the people at the counter... Then I found out why. My mom strained to look at the hooks behind the counter, and when she managed to catch the attention of one guy he treated her like an idiot. She took offense, of course, since she's been knitting and crocheting before that guy was even born. So it might be just me, but they seem to be awfully snooty with their homemade spun yarns. Maybe in the future when I actually work on a project that requires higher end yarn they'll be nicer. read more

ImagiKnit is the best, and I love everything about this store. It's just amazing-- like getting a tour of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. All those yummy, soft, beautiful, colorful yarns... I often go through every shelf of yarn and touch the yarn. I don't need any chunky alpaca... but I like to pet it. * sigh * The only drawback to going to ImagiKnit is that I can't afford to buy everything I want. Whenever I go there, I think about what it would take for me to have an Etsy store and sell my handknit items. * sighs again * Oh well, it's good to have dreams... I will remain an amateur and work on my craft until I win the lottery. read more

I've bought here a couple of times, and as an intermediate knitter, am disappointed by the attitude. They have lovely fibers and a good selection. It's expensive, but when I can, I like supporting local, independent business. I don't expect to be greeted when I walk into a place, but I do like not being patronized or being condescended to, which has happened both times I've been and dropped some serious cash (for me at least...because it's yarn, you know?). I pretty much know what I'm looking for when I go in, but want to browse in case there's something new that might be better. Sorry that I don't just pick it up, pay, and scurry out again. I'm a quiet, polite kind of gal who puts things back where she finds them, so I really don't understand snootiness from employees. And I swear, I bathe! To be fair, I've never been ignored here, although that might be preferable. Maybe 40% more selection than Article Pract in Oakland, but *much* better service over there. Guess who gets my premium fiber business? (Hint: it's not the place that's closest to me!) read more

During my week in San Fransisco, I stopped into ImagiKnit today after hearing about it for years. Honestly, I wish I had skipped it. The selection is wide, and it's largely more common/well known yarns, but the way it's shelved makes it hard to browse. The individual yarn cubes are small and run high up the wall--about six feet up--which means a lot of inventory is out of reach. The two rooms that the store takes up are just the right amount of open, but one is considerably darker than the other. The lack of light in addition to the small shelves just made it really hard to see what I was looking at unless I pulled it off of the shelf. What upset me most is that I noticed about four people working (they wear name tags!), but none of them bothered to say hi to me or ask me if I was finding everything okay. The store wasn't particularly busy at the time and I had a few questions, but I couldn't manage to catch the eye of any employees. Maybe ImagiKnit is nice if you live in the neighborhood, but it's hardly a destination shop and not the kind of place I'd suggest going out of your way for. read more

I admit that I am a terrible knitter. I learned this about myself while taking an introductory class at Imaginknit. I signed up with 3 of my bestest girl friends for a few weeks of bonding, knitting and purling. I excelled at the bonding part. The knitting and purling, not so much. They made lovely scarves with rib stitches and multi-colored yarns. I made a few rows of something not pretty, got distracted and had to start over again, oh, about 50 times. Our teacher, Brandi, was excellent. She was patient and informative, and very cool. It must be exasperating to have people like me in class, who pay their fee and never, ever get better. She didn't seem to mind, and she was charming in other ways as well. My friends went on to make ponchos, cardigans, and baby hats. My knitting bag spends time in the back of various people's cars, full of the $80 worth of yarn I bought in hopes of making a scarf, and I am forever hopeful that someone will finish it for me, so it gets passed from friend to friend. Sad, isn't it? Now, I don't know squat about knitting, but I know beautiful yarn. Imaginknit has a large selection of yarns, nicely organized and in various price ranges. You can find basic wools and cottons, eyelash, tape, and beautiful slubby things that must have been spun by angels. I also know about service, and the folks at Imaginknit are very nice. There are a few yarn stores in the city that have a very snotty attitude, and Imaginknit is not one of those. So if you are considering taking up knitting, give Imaginknit a try. No matter if you end up with a shaker sweater or a crooked sock, you are sure to enjoy your experience. If you are already a seasoned knitter, go to check out their selection. And don't worry, I will never copy any of your original ideas. Because, well, I can't. read more

The largest yarn store in SF and the best (in terms of selection). They expanded a few years ago, knocking down a wall in the process. The place is organized by yarn type (wool, synthetics, cotton, etc.) They carry the best yarn brands (Noro, Debbie Bliss, Manos, Jo Sharp, etc.) and always have a sale section. The main room has wool yarns and needles, while the other room has knitting books, non-wool yarns, and knitting cases. There are some cute knitting related gifts like greeting cards with knitted squares, fancy knitting needles, tags to sew onto your knitted pieces (e.g., hand knit with love by...), and knitted animal ornaments. The staff might not greet you but they are helpful and knowledgeable once approached. They also have sample squares for most yarns with clear signage that tells you more about the yarn. Plus they have knitting and crochet classes and a blog, http://www.imagiknit.com/blog/ You earn a stamp on the frequent buyer program card for every $25 spent. read more