There are other places to support. I came in for a free class. I bought supplies. They were very expensive. I was told that they were the supplies needed for the class. However, others, who came after me, were told they could use less expensive supplies. The class started late. The instructor rapidly went through each step. I left with supplies I do not know how to use. I will not go back. read more

This is my favorite knitting store in Santa Cruz! It's small, but has a fantastic and varied selection of yarns and an incredibly knowledgeable and friendly staff. If you're a knitter/crocheter/crafter this is a must go to! read more

This place is super cute! I was really uncertain coming here because google was listing them as sewing and alteration but they are indeed a yarn shop. They have a huge variety of felting and amigurumi kits, lots of little knitting kits, and a huge variety of yarn for such a small shop. It's very cute and good variety, and in one of the cutest little shopping centers I've seen, including a coffee shop a couple doors down. read more

Friendly, knowledgeable, & helpful staff, wonderful instructor for those new to yarn crafts. Cute space, with a good selection of yards.

Very nice yarn shop in Santa Cruz. I always stop in when we visit family there. Nice, knowledgeable staff. Lovely yarn. Check out the other shops in this charming little center. read more

As soon as I had entered the shop, I was greeted by two extremely unfriendly saleswomen who shot my friend and I dirty looks as soon as we stepped through the door. I asked a simple question on where to find washable yarns suitable for baby clothes and they pretended to not understand me and told me that question doesn't make any sense. I believe that asking for this type of yarn is a very common question so that response seemed completely condescending and unwarranted. Given that my friend and I are people of color and the other reviews I am seeing, I got the sense that there is a racist attitude in this shop. I would recommend taking your business elsewhere to an establishment committed to providing a welcoming environment to all customers, not just folks of a particular race. read more

My house burnt down in the forest fires and we were living in a rental in Santa Cruz. My husband bought me a $100 gift certificate to Swift Stitch. They're never open and do not answer the phone. Now I'm back in Boulder Creek, yelp says they are open, but do I trek all the way out there when they can't be bothered to answer the phone? Or respond to my facebook inquiry? read more

Looking for Fisherman knit wool yarn. They have a variety of yarns . This particular type of yarn they didn't it in stock and ordered it. read more

I came here after visiting Golden Fleece and nearly having an anxiety attack from the stuffiness of the other store. Swift Stitch was beautiful. Nice tall ceilings and the staff that was working that day was pleasant to talk to. They carried some great yarn brands and had plenty of stock in the colorways. Anzula in almost all the lines! Tons of Malabrigo! Tons of MadTosh! Shibui! Manos! Great selections of notions/tools/knitting bags. read more

Small shop with great yarn--they have a limited selection (it's quite the tiny store) but what they have is nice and the staff are very friendly. I have found them nice about trying to order or find a particular yarn for me, as well. read more

It was five years ago when I said I wouldn't come back. I should have listened to myself. I thought after 5 years, the shop might have had some improvements. I was wrong and this time I mean it-not going back. Lighting sucks-you have to go up to an area where the light is shining or to the window to see the true colors of the yarn. Staff-she was not interested in the fact we were there. We asked questions between us and she could have chimed in with her help. The store is very small so she had to have heard us but she was so concentrated on her own thing. This was the same thing as last time but a different sales person. Must be the theme of this place. Decent inventory of yarn choice and some notions but I didn't notice many needle selections. They did have quite a few colorful mesh yarn holders and zip cases. But this isn't enough to excite me about trying them again. read more

I've always had great experiences here. On my most recent trip, I leashed my dog to the fence outside and popped in to browse some yarn for a hat. Six or seven ladies were sitting on the cozy couches inside for social knitting hour, and they and the two employees looked up, smiled, and said hello to me. The employees offered their help, but I was happy to browse on my own while everyone went about their business. The yarn selection was great. They have really great quality stuff, everything from $8 to $25 skeins, and it's all gorgeous and soft. They have lots of equipment too - every type and size of needle and accessory you could need. I settled on a less expensive skein - the clerk even gave me a 10% discount because she's a regular at my job! :) - and walked away happy. read more

Because they opened after I moved from Santa Cruz and I've only been once, they don't get to be my favorite SC yarn shop. In my opinion they do have the best selection of higher end yarns including rowan & debbie bliss, which can't be found in other local shops. They are a bit more expensive, but no more so than other shops with similar yarn. The staff seemed nice, with a variety of ages and styles. read more

This store came highly recommended when I was visiting Santa Cruz... And let me just tell you it did not disappoint. They had my favorite selection of yarn from Madeline Tosh to Malabrigo (the colors... oh the colors!) and the prices were pretty reasonable. I was in wooly heaven. And make sure to ask for Alan he was great! read more

The store is small, not very helpful or knowledgeable. No plans on returning. The supplies were adequate , but poor lighting. Don't see how they will stay open. read more

I am a bonefida yarn fondler. Swift Stich is a great place to go and find wonderful yarn from basic baby blends to exotic silk yarn made from recycled sari's. They have Great classes - free advice on any project. Patterns idea's and like minded souls Weekly classes inside the store upstairs in a cozy comfy place and groups and communities meeting around a table in the courtyard. I Always love the bargin $4 rack - however the strength of this store is the genuine interest at the love of the craft. They helped me order a particular pattern of Collette Yarn. And have helped me find a color batch of a yarn I have run out of. They recently helped me make a beautiful bonnet for a newborn. the color we chose was So perfect that I commissioned someone to make an awesome set of clothes..... and blanket with the same yarn. I also know friends who have found in the weekly stitch and bitch groups. Lifelong friends - prayers and healing for illness - and a community If you are on the westside and want to find similar minded souls this is a great place. There are quite a few yarn stories (which I think are the knitters version of TALL fish tales") I can't think of a bad thing to say unless you live far away. read more

On their website is says, "We also believe in top-notch customer service...." Shopped here the very first time on Thursday, November 2nd. Spent nearly $150 in yarn. The gal working was not so helpful. My friend (and she bought, too) asked if the yarn I just bought could get wound and the gal discouraged us. Saying she could only do it if we left it and came back in a few hours. Please note, there was no one in the store but us. Clearly, she did not want to do any or part of them. Finally she agreed to wind one skein. Really? I live on the Monterey Peninsula and this tells me to continue to shop at my local knit store, Monarch Knitting. Monarch is the best!! Incredible customer service. Don't know if I will ever go back to Swift Stitch. UPDATE: I spoke with the owner and she was horrified that the clerk did not wind my yarn. She said I could bring the yarn back in, but I live too far away. Bottom line, she apologized and offered me a coupon, wanting to make it right. Thank You Kristine. We will visit your store again. read more

Nice little place with a decent but not extensive selection. Prices seemed average but no sale bin or anything :( The guy working here when I went was awesome. He was friendly and helpful and did not try to push the expensive yarns. This would not be a go-to place for me (because of the small space and limited selection), but the setting is just so nice. On a sunny day you can sit on the patio or hang out at the bakery next door. read more

I was sooooooo disappointed in this place. The lady behind the counter was busy talking to two other ladies, which is pretty typical of yarn stores. But it continued while I was being rung up. They laughed at a question I asked and then corrected one of my kids who was just trying to be helpful. My kids were very well behaved while we were there and certainly had not deserved three women yelling at them. I would rather drive an hour to another store than go back to this place. I'm too spoiled with the yarn stores in Portland, Or. read more

Knit your ass off, Stitch and Bitch, Ladies home terrrrorists and knitters- whatever your book or group, this is a great place to learn how to knit or crochet and pick up beautiful supplies. read more

I wandered into this lovely shop to fulfill my new year's resolution to learn to knit. They were very friendly, and will give you a free knitting lesson (which I didn't end up taking cuz I managed to teach myself from a book before my lesson which was scheduled a week away). My only beef is that they tried to sell me $45 worth of yarn to knit my first scarf (when I'd never knitted before in my life). I though that was a bit excessive, and said so....then, they directed me to some cheaper yarn. I ended up spending $25 for needles and yarn which was more reasonable. The more expensive yarn was undeniably beautiful, but still a little much for a total beginner. read more

Walking into the warm, cozy Swift Stitch reminds me of walking into a shop that would exist in a Harry Potter book. Shelves bursting with a beautiful array of cotton, wool, alpaca, acrylic and mixed blends. A cozy couch where someone is always chatting and knitting away. I live on the East Side and driving to the Swift Stitch is a special treat. I also can't wait to try one of their knitting or crocheting classes to learn more about the hobbies I love. read more

Great place. The owner was super friendly. I enjoyed milling about and bought a great skien.

Visiting Santa Cruz for the weekend, I needed help with a knitting pattern I'm working on. The owner couldn't have been more patient and helpful! I truly appreciated her taking the time to teach me. The other knitters in the shop that morning were also kind and helpful and I didn't want to leave. But my husband was waiting ... before I left, I had to explore all of the bins of yarn, and ended up buying just what I was looking for for my next project. Great shop! read more

I really really want to like this place. It's location is the most convenient out of all the yarn shops in Santa Cruz, and it's right next to Kelley's (and who can turn down the smell of freshly baked pastries?) But as many times as I go here, I just never find what I'm looking for. Sure I've bought a few projects worth of yarn, but always as "I guess this will work" or "I'll find something to do with this" but never when I have something specific in mind that I want. Not to mention, they don't carry my favorite yarn, the cult classic malabrigo. On the bright side, the do have a good selection of skacel circulars. I want to like this place because despite it's poor selection the staff have always been friendly and helpful. read more

This is hands-down my favorite yarn shop in Santa Cruz. Staff members are always incredibly friendly and willing to help -- even if I need assistance finding a yarn in my price range. They are knowledgeable, available for knitting advice, and provide excellent customer service without being pushy. The store has a wide variety of yarns, including less-expensive ones, in an excellent range of colors. I also love their sock yarn selection! Unlike other yarn stores, I have never once experienced any snobbishness from their employees because I am a younger (but by no means inexperienced) knitter, or because I don't always have a lot of money to spend; I always feel like my satisfaction as a customer is important to them. Their yarns are priced comparably with other yarn stores (frequently beating prices I can find online). Swift Stitch is, in my opinion, everything a local yarn store should be: friendly and welcoming, fully stocked with a wide range of yarns, and comfortable to peruse. read more

They have a really good selection of high-end yarns and good variety of books. It was incredibly quiet when I went in and I felt like I needed to tiptoe and whisper. I only bought one skein of yarn at the time, because it really isn't the place to just pick up random bits of yarn. I will definitely go again, when I have a specific type of yarn for a specific project in mind. read more

I challenge you to find a friendlier yarn shop in Santa Cruz. Just does not exist. For such a small business they really pack it in and it's always neat and tidy. The employees are very helpful and so are the customers! Considering how small the store is their selection in great. read more

Pros - Very friendly, helpful staff. Decent selection. Great location. Offers customer appreciation sales (though some manufacturers are excluded). Allows customers to take yarn outdoors to view in natural light. Cons - Small space, so, even though selection is decent, quantities are limited. Staff could be better educated about the inventory. Lighting in the store isn't great, but this is offset by one of the pros above. Combined effect . . . . . I will definitely return when I'm in the area, but I wouldn't make a special trip to SC just to visit the shop. read more

Funky yarn shop. I want to move in so I can plop down on some of that mod furniture and knit hedgehogs all day. You have to see these hedgehogs. They do a whole class devoted to the knitted hedgehog. I think I'm going to have to take it. Along with a gorgeus selection of yarns, they also carry the nicest knitting bags I've seen. The location is great too. I recommend grabbing your yarn and then get yourself a cold beverage at Kelly's and sit outside in the shade and knit yourself silly. The staff I encountered on my recent visit were so cool and so friendly. read more

Beautiful store in a beautiful location. I found the perfect yarn for my project, and more. So many beautiful yarns of all varieties. The customer service was wonderful, just helpful enough with project tips and checking my purchases over to ensure I had matching batches. read more

I love this yarn shop. After visitng I leave feeling high and elated. There's a fabulous selection of yarns and there is a very friendly atmosphere amongst staff and customers. I'm very impressed with their customer service. I inadvertently picked up a skein with a different lot # and the shop kindly mailed me a new skein free of any shipping and handling fees and it arrived the following day. read more

Marginal stop at best. I was eventually greeted - there seemed to be 2 employees in the shop- , no other customers. The lighting was Horrible!!! so not sure what the yarn colors would look like outside the shop. read more

A great little knitting shop full of polite and helpful people. Inviting atmosphere with something to tempt your knitting or crochet habit. Even little felting kits and supplies to satisfy an urge to complete a weekend projects. Owner and workers were a delight to talk with. Little bakery next door that sells sweets and coffee. Wine tasting for a minimal cost of $5 and other clothing and little shops to browse. A must see if in the area. read more

I've been to this store a couple of times, I've had nothing but wonderful service and friendly staff to interact with. I bought quite a few skeins on my first visit and the wonderful woman who helped me tirelessly turned my hanks of stunning wool into workable balls of yarn to work from, even though it was about 10 minutes until closing she still finished winding my hanks. She even brought all the yarn to me at Kelley's French Bakery next door while I was ordering dinner to take home. What a wonderful store, While it is a smaller store, what it lacks i size it makes up for in well organized displays and unwavering customer service. They have lovely Malabrigo and Manos yarns, not a huge selection of weights that I saw but lovely colorways in stock. I'm also obsessed with the Crystal Palace Mochi yarns and they have quite a nice selection. read more

Lovely little yarn shop! Nice selection and very helpful, knowledgeable staff. We were there on vacation but this would be a regular if I lived near there. read more

Found the lace no problem. I am from LA area where we have a ton of yarn places to shop. Not here in Santa Cruz. The lady in the store was so nice and helpful. A great selections of various nice yards. I highly recommend this place! read more

Love this store. Great variety of yarn. Helpful staff. Really pleasant environment overall. Highly recommend.

I came across this shop by complete accident and was delighted with it! I was given a tour of the yarn selections by a very knowledgeable and friendly staff. The selection was great as were the prices. I was ready to abscond with the entire $4 tower! I am not overly familiar with the area, but the shop seemed a bit tucked away. I encourage any yarn lover to seek this shop out! read more

I love this place and have been going here for years! I have taken knitting classes from Marina who is a fantastic and patient teacher. The staff is very nice and helpful. They have a really cute shop, with lots of beautiful finished projects to look at. I like that they carry a wide variety of yarns, ranging in price, so you can shop here even if you're on a budget. read more