I made a special trip to Uncommon Threads last Saturday from San Jose to check out their selection of yarn. Hadn't been there in well over 10 years. I was surprised to see they had moved. The new location is still in cute downtown Los Altos, but seemed smaller than I remember. Rent must be so high for shops downtown. It seemed like their inventory was reduced, too, but it could be that the new shop was arranged differently. Or I may be misremembering. The staff person greeted me immediately and came over to see if she could help me find anything. The store was busy while I was there, which was nice to see. The selection of yarn was good with many brands I'd never heard of before. They had some beautiful silk yarn I was tempted to buy but didn't because I wasn't sure what project I would use it on. They also had beautiful knit and crochet samples throughout the shop. read more

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What a lovely colorful shop to visit in downtown Los Altos. I followed a few recommendations for a beginner project and started on an easy cowl project. There are 1:1 lessons available and lots of group meeting times to knit and visit too. I'll be back soon for project #2. read more

Uncommon Threads - Knitting Supplies Near Me - Los Altos, California

While walking through downtown Los Altos with my aunt, we stumbled upon Uncommon Thread, a charming yarn store that instantly caught her eye especially since she had a knitted sweater she hoped to get repaired. When we stepped inside, we were greeted by a warm and bustling scene. A knitting workshop was in full swing with about 15 women attentively listening to a presentation. It felt like a true hub for knitters. The store was neatly organized, with shelves full of beautiful yarn in all colors and textures. Alongside the yarn were various hand-knitted items available for sale. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and for a Sunday afternoon, the store was packed which, judging by the atmosphere, is probably the norm for them. My aunt approached the front desk and spoke with a staff member about her sweater. The woman was kind, informative, and wrote down helpful details about when their repair expert would be in. She even provided a business card for follow-up. Although we didn't make any purchases this time, I was impressed by how well-stocked and inviting the store was. As someone who doesn't knit, I could still see how this would be a dream spot for any knitting enthusiast offering not just supplies, but community and expertise. 5 out of 5 - for the welcoming vibe, knowledgeable staff, and well-organized space. If I ever take up knitting, this is where I'd go. read more

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I stopped in to buy a quick item and was reminded of why I don't frequent Uncommon Threads anymore. The staff person was curt and presented herself as a know-it-all, so much attitude. I could not even fully finish a sentence before she cut me off several times, saying "Trust me..." instead of listening to what I was creating to ensure that she understood what would best serve my needs. I honestly could not wait to leave the store -- I see other comments about feeling like you're not the "right kind of knitter" and I wondered if I was not seen as good enough in some kind of respects by the staff person. I buy a fair amount of expensive yarns, but won't be making future purchases at this shop. read more

Yarn store pickings between San Mateo and San Jose are pretty slim, so Uncommon Threads has quite a bit of heavy lifting to do in that regard. As someone who loves to knit, I love going in just to browse and be in the presence of yarn. I've had somewhat hit or miss experiences here. Some days, I'm not greeted and the store feels both quiet and lonely (if I'm the only one there). Others, I'm greeted and checked in on throughout the visit by staff. Overall, the store can feel a little stiff, though the staff are always cordial and willing to help; you just have to ask. With that said, the variety here for the size of the store is lovely. Their Valhalla yarns (the undyed Cormo is to die for) are what keep me coming back, and they also have a sizeable La Bien Aimee collection. UT also has the most sizeable book collection (mostly Laine publications) that I have seen in neighboring stores. Overall, I love that they are around, and I will keep coming back :) Parking is easy (I've never had trouble finding parking in bordering lots 1-2 blocks away) and downtown Los Altos is very walkable. read more

My favorite yarn store in the Bay Area. The staff is very knowledgeable and eager to help with my questions. Stephanie, the owner, is often there and is very welcoming. Tuesday night knit-along is amazing, and the average age is refreshingly young. The store can even connect you to a fix-it specialist for finishing or when you need help. They have a selection of very nice yarn including a broad selection of Rowan. I love it there! read more

Friendly Sunday staff that really welcomes you. There have been some on staff that seemed not to care if you came by. But I don't think they work there anymore.I can afford to shop the more expensive yarns but can see how a younger person might not be able to pay $36 for a skein of designer yarn. Love their Crafternoon on Sunday, made some new friends this way. read more

The colorful selection, help with difficult patterns, open knitting, staff knowledge, etc.

What a happy surprise to find this little yarn store while strolling along downtown Los Altos. You can easily miss it because they are right next door to a popular bakery, who has a line that blocks the entrance to this store. As I was browsing around I was greeted twice by friendly ladies asking if I needed help. I noticed a sign that they are a Rowan flagship store, and they certainly have a good supply of Rowan yarns. What I really appreciate about this store is that they carry some luxury yarns, but also have common yarns like Encore and Bernat. I noticed they also have a good supply of knitting accessories like needles, winders, and weavers. Glad to have found this LYS, although they are not so local to me. read more

Uncommon Threads - Knitting Supplies Near Me - Los Altos, California

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staff has been incredibly helpful in helping with knitting and choosing yarn. relatively small store, but great staff.

Beautiful yarn and more important, a fabulous staff. I frequently elicit their input when choosing yarn for a particular pattern and I'm never disappointed with what they recommend. read more

Uncommon threads remains my favorite store ever. Stephanie has created a community of knitters who do so much together, all with love of fiber in mind! It's is so much more than a store - they are family. read more

Love this yarn shop! Everyone is super friendly and helpful. I love going to the Tuesday night knit night and the Sunday crafternoon. Also, the quarterly sweater KAL is great and super helpful when wanting to expand skills. read more

Uncommon Threads - A young lady wearing a dark pink sweater knit with yarn from uncommon threads. The sweater has lace detailing at the top and is full length. - Knitting Supplies Near Me - Los Altos, California

The store seemed nice enough, lots of yarns and fibers to chose from as well as a little sale selection. I would say though the yarn here is more expensive than what your general hobbiest is likely to pay. They staff didn't really seem interested in my presence but I think they were just busy doing stuff around the shop. This store seems to cater to the older generation or more experienced knitters/crocheters, which is fine - I just felt a little intimidated. read more

This store is amazing! It is a Rowan flagship store. Their yarns are luscious. Looking to make a tee, sweater, scarf... go to Uncommon Threads. They carry a very unique variety of yarns plus all the 'basics'. A must see store! read more

My go-to store for beautiful hand-dyed yarns such as Spincycle, Malabrigo, and La Bien Aimee. I can also find all the tools such as circular needles, stitch markers, double-pointed needles, etc. that I need. The staff have always been able to suggest yarns that work well for various patterns, and are always helpful. read more

I love Uncommon Threads. They have such a great selection of yarns. I've been trying to buy less acrylics and more sustainable yarn and it's possible when you come here. They have a wide selection of cotton, linen, silk, bamboo and wool. Personally wool is my favorite. They have needles, patterns, buttons and other knitting and crocheting tools for sale also. Tuesday evenings they have a knitting circle and it's amazing how many people show up to chat and show everyone what they are working on. The experts are also around to help if you make a mistake and need some help. Uncommon Threads is a great shop. read more

This yarn shop is one of a few dwindling local stores in the age of the internet. The people working here are always friendly and give assistance for items that the internet or a computer can't. The selection is large and well curated. If you're into fibre arts, stop here first. read more

This is a great yarn shop, with a nice selection of yarns and the requisite needles, notions, and pattern books to get you going. They always have lots of colors of my favorite yarn brand, Malabrigo! The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they hold great events, classes, and social knitting time. I am so glad that the shop has been able to operate virtually throughout the pandemic. They've made an effort to be really accommodating, offering shopfront pickup as well as shipping. read more

Unfortunately not dog friendly. And I will not leave my pup in a hot car to shop. If you are looking for a pup friendly shop check out Santa Cruz yarn shop or swift stitch read more

Uncommon Threads is new to me. I follow their Facebook page. Last Monday, I noticed a post about filling web orders on the day when they're normally closed, and a Cyber Monday offer for free shipping on purchases made that day only. Who can resist free shipping?! Not this knitter. I took a spin around the site, happy to see a variety of brands, weights, and price points. If you're working with a small budget or just want to try out one or two things, you can. If you're in search of higher-end items, they can accommodate you, too! In the end, I found three skeins of very pretty Berroco as well as a treat skein of Rowan's hemp yarn. Fun! Added bonus, all four were discounted, so I didn't break the bank. Two-day shipping via USPS was expedient as you'd hope. If I'm ever in the area, I'll definitely visit. Until then, online buying for the win. Thanks for the great experience. read more

I paid for a "group project help" session but the instructor was so impatient with me that I was almost in tears. Even after I followed her instruction, the pattern was not showing as instructed and she argued with me about the instruction. There were only 3 of us but the instructor spent most of the session helping one member. I'm feeling that I will need to find someplace else for help on this project even after purchasing the pattern and yarn from Uncommon Threads. read more

How did this place sneak by me without a review?! This is one of the LYS that's really close to where I live. I'm surprised that the old reviews are still around considering that there was an ownership change a several years ago. This is a LYS that has a really good stock of yarn. Malabrigo, MadTosh, Phydeaux, Jade Sapphire, Swans Island, Koigu, Shibui, Rowan, etc. Yarn is organized by weight around the store and they have a healthy and hefty selection of knitting tools and notions. Tuesdays are the knit nights and the store closes later at 8! One of the two stores around here on the Peninsula that's open 7 days a week to get your yarn fixation on! Owner is super friendly and the staff is pretty well trained! read more

Beautiful yarn shop at the heart of Los Altos. I am not a knitter but I value my friends who are (and always except their nice gifts in winter!). I was having coffee with a friend of mine in downtown Los Altos and chimed in when she decided to go get some fibers for her arts & crafts. We loved the colors, the shop itself, nice layout and easy to find everything. My friend asked several questions to the person working there and she received immediate attention. We were freely browsing all we wanted without having someone behind checking constantly on us (as it happens sometimes in small commerce). Very nice display too! read more

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This store has a great selection and they go above and beyond to help find the perfect yarn for your project. I recently made a purchase over the phone and they helped me put together a lovely palette. Their Covid practices are great- sanitizer at the door, limited customers at a time, everyone has to wear a mask, and they take appointments outside of walk-in hours. read more

This is my favorite local yarn store. They have an excellent selection of yarn and tools for knitting and crocheting. The staff is friendly and and knowledgeable. I find it hard to resist making a purchase every time I step into the shop. Well worth a visit! read more

This is my favorite yarn shop not only because of the wide assortment of high quality yarns/colors to choose from but also due to the help from exceptionally gifted staff! read more

First time visitor and really enjoyed this shop. They have nice displays of projects - we bought patterns. Yarn selection is good with a wide spectrum of pricing. And most excited that they carry Jul product which are the screw on buttons and screw on clasps. Will definitely be back when in this area!! read more

Lovely ladies helped me out today, can't thank them enough! I came in for some fine baby yarn for booties - what a selection, beautiful yarns from 100% cotton to fine hand-dyed wool. Found way too much yarn and even some 1.5 DP needles, love all of my purchases. As they were kindly balling my skeins I ask for a bit of help with a pattern. I've never made a pull over sweater before and I couldn't for the life of me get the st pickup count to work out. They both helped me understand that it was not only the stitch holder stitches but the bound off stitches as well...duh, makes perfect sense in hindsight! As silly as this confusion was they were both so kind and patient, I never for a moment felt silly. A wonderful store with awesome people to help you find what you need and graciously answer silly questions. Warm and welcoming! Thank you :) read more

Love the wide variety of yarns and very knowledgeable, friendly staff - however my service dog was denied access to the store today even though she has accompanied me there multiple times before. Surprising and sad. Every previous visit to the store has been wonderful and inspiring. Will continue to recommend it to fellow knitters. read more

I really like this shop. I love their window displays and store layout. They have super friendly staff and always have a pleasant thing to say. They have fun gift items, loads of different fibers and great samples. They also have a large selection of patterns, books and buttons. I attended a Trunk Show there and found it to be a great atmosphere. The team helped me wind my yarn after purchase, despite being so busy. They have great recommendations and always have a smile. As an added note, the neighborhood is darling, full of shops, restaurants and not-too-bad parking read more

I've been to Uncommon Threads in the past but it was many years ago, under different ownership. Yesterday I decided to go because of a particular yarn that was on their web site (it turned out that they no longer had any), but I was very happy to meet Stephanie, the wonderful owner, and look around at all the beautiful fibers and yarns and buttons and pattern books they carry. I parked in the alley behind the store and it was a short walk to their front door. I had a little trouble with the one step up into the store with my rollator walker (I need it sometimes so decided to bring it along), but that was it. The aisles between display areas are wide and it is well lit and cheerful throughout. The rear area has a large table which I assume is used for classes and for anyone to sit down and work away. As soon as I entered, Stephanie greeted me warmly and showed me the unusual and bulky yarns I wanted. She was pleased that I mentioned the yarn I saw on their web site but there was none left. I had no trouble finding a huge amount of the same type of yarn, and when I mentioned that I was especially interested in unusual yarns, she said it was good to know (I'm sure she'll let me know when more arrives). It was a pleasure to chat with her as she rang up my purchase, and she asked for my email address and phone number so she could keep in touch. I've taught knitting and crochet in the past when I lived in the midwest, so I know what qualities an outstanding store and its owner should possess - Stephanie definitely does! She makes a person feel right at home and welcomes you to return - and I will! If you're interested in wonderful products, outstanding customer service, and great ambiance, I highly recommend you visit Stephanie's Uncommon Threads store. read more

My first time visiting this yarn shop, when I arrived it was 15mins before closing and they were very irritated to have me there as they just wanted to close up shop. I had a very specific type of yarn I wanted and was quick about my purchase, but they refused to wind the hank into a ball for me since it was too close to closing. They said I could return tomorrow, but I was in a rush as I'm heading out of town first thing in the morning. I left with out purchasing as it would do me no good, guess I'll have to dip into some stash yarn for a trip knitting project. I was very disappointed in the acerbic service that I received and I will not be returning. Nine Rubies in San Mateo has much better customer service and from what I saw when I was in there Nine Rubies also has much better selection in yarns. read more

I've visited the store twice in the last month. Once to search for a pattern for some unusual yarn I already own. The store wasn't too busy and the clerk walked the pattern area of the store with me looking for a pattern that would suit the yarn. She eventually settled me down with several books to browse. At most the store would have sold only a pattern, book or magazine. I couldn't have asked for better attention. I didn't find what I wanted and left after looking for over an hour. While I was in the shop a woman sat next to me; she was in the store for the same reason as I -- to find a pattern. But this this lady expected the clerk to draft a pattern for her! She said loudly that her favorite store in LA would do that for her for free and perhaps she should go to LA for her pattern. Was I supposed to be impressed? She asked loudly "Is this the best yarn shop around?" I matched her volume and answered "It definitely is." Through this exchange the clerk kept her cool (didn't even roll her eyes) and tried to satisfy this demanding customer opening book after book and pulling patterns. Wish I had noted the clerk's name so I could commend her to the owner. The following week I returned to the shop with the front, back and sleeves of an Aran sweater I had knit -- hate to assemble the pieces. Stephanie, the owner was gracious, helpful and told me the finisher will call me if she had questions. I will be back, both to collect my sweater and to buy supplies for a future project. This store does its best to provide great customer service. Even to customers who don't deserve it. ' And to those who balk at the prices: Look at the location. Look at the products they carry. This is not a discount store. Walmart is waiting for you if you want rock-bottom prices and service to go with it. This is a specialty knitting shop. read more

I can't believe some of these reviews...it breaks my heart. I don't find the prices to be all that different from any other Local Yarn Store that carries finer quality yarns than the big box stores. They have a great selection of books, tools, and even a small display of needle felting roving. The staff has been so nice to me. Sometimes when I have been in there I am not greeted right away, that doesn't bother me....I just want help or friendliness when I have a question or am at the counter buying something. Well, last week... When I asked for a certain yarn that I didn't know the name of. The woman there looked it up on the store computer, even though they do not carry that brand. She then told me where I could get it locally from other stores in the area. I love that she did this because small businesses need to band together to survive in this economy. I didn't really need to buy anything. I did, because this is exactly the type of store I want to patronize. read more

The selection was nice but the customer service was not. I believe they have a new owner so maybe that's why.. but I asked for help twice and they ignored me the first time and then the second time (mind you, I am the only customer besides one other person in the store and I was in there first) the woman decided to help the other lady. I walked out since I was waiting for 2 staff to help me for 15 minutes with only one other customer. To sum up: they have uncommon thread, but you will also find customer service to be uncommon here. read more

Cool yarn... But the snootiest rudest staff EVER. This place is consistently NOT friendly to browsing and touching all the yarn- and I've come here quite a few times since I was young. I'd only come back if I knew exactly what I wanted so I could get it and get out. I don't get easily offended but ohh boy I was about to morph into some old-lady-stabbing-with-their-own-damn-knitting-needles-monster and bitch them a lesson on being rude. read more

Uncommon Threads is within walking distance of my home, and they have a fairly decent selection of yarn and tools, so I wish I could like them more. The people who run the shop are rarely friendly to you if you're under the age of 50, and are more likely to act as if they're surprised that you would be there at all. The first time I went, I and some other young women were browsing, and an elderly lady left the store with her purchases. On her way out, she exclaimed to her companion, "I guess knitting is becoming popular now!" I found her opinion of the situation amusing, but that about sums up the attitude at Uncommon Threads. I have never gone into the store and felt comfortable. I'd like to live as eco-friendly as possible, but given all the yarn shop options in South Bay, I'd rather drive somewhere else, and not feel like an alien species while shopping. read more

Uncommon Threads is a lovely yarn shop with a warm, helpful, friendly staff. Everyone who works there is always ready to help with yarn selection, finding a tool, or choosing a pattern. They also offer wonderful classes taught by knowledgeable teachers, and I recently attended an evening event to kick off the Winter Olympics -- it's a great place to meet other fiber enthusiasts and knit for a bit. I love following Uncommon Threads on Facebook because they always post fun pattern ideas that make their way into my Ravelry queue. They have a large selection of yarn, and it seems to change frequently as they get in new inventory. The new owner, Stephanie, is a great buyer and isn't afraid to bring new yarns and colors into the shop. Their Malabrigo selection is fabulous after they get a big shipment and pretty good the rest of the time, and their Madelinetosh always makes its way into my shopping bag -- they seem to get in new colors every couple of months. They also carry yarn from a wonderful local indie dyer, Handwerks. The Handwerks silky merino is divine, and the twisted sock is also delightful -- and the colors are just gorgeous. In an era where it's so easy to buy online, Uncommon Threads is a lovely little island where you can still get great help and hands-on experience with the merchandise (yarn petting! yay!). I'll go out of my way to buy from them so that they'll continue to be around for many years to come. read more

I was really dissapointed by the staff, very rude and occasionally condescending. (I've made four trips to the store, all with the same cold and unwelcoming attitude). On one trip, I was looking for non-standard (US) size knitting needles (7.0mm, I think). When I asked if they carried the size, the woman behind the register seemed annoyed and told me that SHE wasn't that picky. What kind of yarn store downplays the importance of gauge? Their book and pattern selection is quite good, if you are willing to pay full price/retail, and they carry choice yarn. If you have the budget, and can minimize your interaction with the staff, Uncommon Threads is adequate. read more