What a great shop. Lots of different yarns and threads to choose from and samples of works. They even have same patterns and very helpful staff. A little off the beaten path for tourists and that adds to the charm. Come and check it out. You will be impressed! read more

Wildfiber Studio - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Local yarn stores have a reputation for being snobby and unhelpful and this one lives up to that reputation! If you are a new knitter you will be disappointed at Wildfibers. I have gone in four times obviously looking for a project. No one greets you, and the owners sit in the back and talk and knit. All four times I have felt like I was a bother. I am new to Santa Monica and was excited to find a local store but I guess I will drive to Ventura for my knitting needs and actually have fun doing it! read more

I've had a lovely experience working with this group of women. I was only in town for a few months, but decided to take a knitting class. I already knew the motion of knitting, but nothing else. Terri has been such a wonderful teacher! It's amazing to watch her knit with such grace and ease. In addition to being an excellent knitter, she also really knows how to teach, which is a different thing. I've knitted three hats (one is a baby hat for a friend which took a whole different skill AND has a scalloped edge which required me to learn how to crochet), learned different stitches, learned how to read a pattern, learned magic loop, etc. Also the other women in the knitting class are lovely and I enjoy the little community. Claudia and Jen are also lovely women. I haven't learned from them in a class setting, but they're fun to chat with while I'm in the store. I can't say much about their selection of yarn since I'm pretty new to knitting and don't have anything to compare it to. I guess same can be said for value. What I can speak to is having a lovely two month journey of learning how to knit! read more

Wildfiber Studio - A knitted baby hat with crocheted scalloped edges - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I was really excited to support a local yarn shop. Unfortunately within seconds of coming in with a registered service dog I was made to feel extremely uncomfortable. Despite confirming that I have a registered service dog with staff, it was a very uncomfortable experience within moments of waking in and I didn't feel comfortable shopping. Would not come in with kids either. read more

I was really looking forward to coming in here since I live out of town and I wanted to get some nice yarn. Two women working, no one greeted me. No one asked if I needed help and when I did ask for help, they weren't helpful. What a disappointment. read more

I came here looking for wool fiber for spinning and they had a fair bit available! I've never ordered roving by the yard before, but that's the method here. I got a couple of different colors, both really vibrant blue, to try spinning and turning into a two-ply yarn. I'd love to see them sell packs of fiber from other artists. The fact that they carry it at all is quite nice, since they're local, but it would be a welcome addition to include something hand-dyed or local. Contrary to other folks' experience, I was helped by a very friendly individual behind the counter who showed a lot of patience and kindness towards me, especially since I'm new to the hobby. There's a whole lot of awesome yarn for sale here, too. I don't know which I had been looking at, but it was remarkably soft and fluffy. Super downy and a pleasure to touch. Someone's gonna make an awesome piece of clothing out of it, no doubt! read more

So thankful to have this yarn store on the westside! Claudia and Terri are so incredibly helpful and their yarn selection is great.

Yarn selection seems nice but the staff was unwelcoming and not helpful. This was my third attempt to shop however I will not be making the trip back there ! Too many other places to shop that offer a personalized shopping experience! read more

Came here for yarn crawl 2024 and bought truly gorgeous trunk show yarn. Everyone who works there was super friendly, and it's very easy to find street parking around this location, which is nice for Santa Monica. Good place to find buttons as well! read more

I honestly can't say enough positive things about Wildfiber Studio. This has been my local yarn store for more than 20 years, and my crochet and knitting abilities would not be where they are today without the tutelage of Wildfiber Studio's warm, patient, and encouraging staff. I have taken part in an innumerable amoint of their classes over years and made priceless friendships in the process. Their store itself, with its walls of colorful fiber and plush couches, has a cozy quality that helps me relax even during stressful days. The space is nice and airy with natural light and doesn't have that claustrophobic feel that I sometimes get at other shopping establishments (not specifically yarn stores, just shops in general). read more

Unfriendly assistance,they treat you with disdain,I needed yarn and help on how to use etc,the woman looked at me almost with contempt and a tone of her voice is awful. I will not return. Asked for classes and was not given much information,di they want to do business? The selection of yarn it's ok,the energy when you walk in is not welcoming at all. Just as other reviews are accurate,just wanted to see for myself. Extremely disappointed. read more

I never feel particularly welcome at this store, which is odd for a small shop. Decided to go out of my way to shop elsewhere.

Rude & Unwelcoming unless you are part of thier "clique" Made NO effort to help me even though the store was empty apart from a lady sitting knitting and was obviously known by the staff When I did ask a specific question the lady would answer with "I cant answer that question" "I dont know" or "We dont have it". She made no effort to inquire about what it was that I was working on and at least try and help. As I said, unless your part of thier "clique" dont bother going there read more

Very surprised to see the number of people that felt unwelcome in the reviews. Then it happened to me. walked in with my 5 year old as I've wanted to try this place for so long. No hello, how are you, nothing. I walked around the store for 5 minutes while the 2 associates were helping 1 or 2 customers. Mind you they saw me and were watching me with no smile or hello. After the customers left I expected to be approached but nope. Nothing. I had to ask for help at the counter. In the interim my son started playing with these plastic measuring tapes at the front with me present. Sweet boy was whispering to me how much he liked the colors of the yarn because he knew how to use his inside voice quiet voice in an inside quiet place. Anyway, no hi nothing instead they scolded my child that the tapes break easily. My son mind you was picking one out. I advised I'm new to knitting and would like help so she pointed me over to the yarns. Thereafter my son, who picked out the tape i was going to buy started playing with it. Again, the other lady said across the counter "these break very easily I'm guessing you're going to be purchasing that?" I stopped dead in my tracks. I immediately paid for the measuring tape and walked out. And I was going to drop $$$$ to get a whole kit and pay for classes and privates. I legitimately have never experienced that level of customer avoidance and disdain for a legitimately well behaved child... a child. Very odd experience. Maybe if I walked in with a dog or cat they would have been nice. read more

Over priced products and poor selection of yarns. Rude associate and a hidden return policy. Michales has a much better selection of products and far better prices and customer service. An overrated shop. read more

Wildfiber is such a beautiful place, from the lovely layout to the rich and warm culture they've created. This has been my home store for nearly a decade now, and so much sweetness comes to mind as I reflect on that to write this up...  Walking in for the first time with that particular vulnerability that comes with doing so- Will the yarn selection match my excitement? Will I get the sort of support I'd like? Could this place end up feeling like a home?  How relieved and lucky I felt to hear about the re-opening after the ownership change. Jessica using my name to greet me, marking my first occasion of really feeling at home. And then Claudia asking me something (I forget what) that solidified my awareness of being known in this place. Jen teaching me how to make the Pussyhat. I kept the instructions she wrote up. Jessica knitting while she hula hooped on the sidewalk during one of the Yarn Crawls. Jessica referring a fellow customer to me for a commission because she knew I was crazy enough to try. Teri asking me which night would be good for an outing, because she wanted my yarn-working group to be able to attend. The delightful juxtaposition of Teri and Claudia fawning over pregnant me while Jen  Finding the yarn for the "receiving onesie" I made for my son. And just so much Teri. Her constant, warm, calm, fun, and supportive presence is infused into every bit of the shop. During the early days of the pandemic and again for the first few months after I gave birth when I couldn't visit Wildfiber in person, I became acutely aware of just how often I think about this place and these people. Every single day there's something brought to mind, because the yarn I bought there is everywhere in my home- in blankets, in clothing hanging in my closet, in goofy items I've made like an anatomical heart, in toys and clothing and burp cloths I made for my kid. One's LYS becomes a part of everyday life in such a sweet and intimate way, and I feel so very lucky that this place is mine. read more

Wildfiber Studio - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Santa Monica, California

The kindest, warmest, and most respectful woman works here. I felt so appreciated just browsing and had the best chat about different yarns and projects. They have the largest selection of non-superwash and organic wools that I've ever come across. They even have some really great exotic fibers! It is genuinely a pleasure to shop here, proud to call Wildfiber my new LYS. read more

I googled a knitting store near me, and this place came up close to me excited because I was going to buy some needles. I needed the lady helping ride as can be. I was going to purchase some labels that were on a rack. She grabbed them from my hand and said they were not in the system. She wanted me to be out of that store, never going in there again. RUDE read more

Several years ago I went to Wlldfiber and had a horrible experience. I've never been back. The other week I called and spoke to wonderful, sweet and kind person. They are under new management and it's apparent. I'm planning on visiting their new ownership yarn shop. read more

I took my sisters granddaughter, who is 10, to the store and asked for help in selecting the appropriate yarn, needles and project for a beginner. The yarn they sold us was much too slippery, and thin to work with for a novice. I spent over $200 and when I called this morning I spoke to Jennifer- who was convinced that they sold her the appropriate yarn and that we could come in for a different one. Jennifer offered no financial help- but she offered knitting lessons for $30/hr. I could just as soon take her to Joanne's fabric and spend 1/5 th and get the same help and advice. I would not recommend this store when there are so many better options to chose from. ester read more

I went Wildfiber to find a pandemic craft project. It was so safe! They did temperature checks, hand sanitizer, & had you sign in for contract tracing. I felt great venturing out. Jennifer helped me find a cross stitch project that was perfect for a beginner. I've been to Wildfiber many times since. And the staff is so kind & helpful!! Highly recommended!! read more

Adorable LYS less than a mile from the ocean. Locally dyed yarns and beautiful sunlight!

A fairly average selection of yarn, far below average customer service for a local yarn shop. I finally had a chance to visit the shop during the early afternoon hours on a Friday. Though there were a couple employees in the shop, no one offered to help or greeted my friend/co-worker and I. We are both textile designers and work on the West Side, so a great impression would have gotten us back in regularly. Unfortunately, the inventory was nothing like it must have been in the past, but I still managed to buy $90 worth of yarn and the items I purchased were beautiful. The check out experience was perfectly fine...but it all was just sort of, underwhelming as a whole. I'd go back but I'm not chomping at the bit. I'd recommend Wool Haus in Pasadena over Wildfiber. I'm going to check out The Knitting Tree, LA next. read more

Fave yarn store ever! I love Wildfiber. I so wish I didn't live so far from here. I would be here more often. If you want inexpensive yarn, THIS IS NOT AN CHEAP YARN STORE. Go to Michaels or Joanns. This store has a diverse selection of yarn brands, fibers, weights, colors and colorways. The lighting in this store is lovely, the yarns are well stocked. So many colors and fiber types to choose from! I'm in love with this store. I'm a beginning knitter/crocheter and this store is like being a kid in a candy store for me. Staff is very friendly and helpful. read more

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It's LA Yarn Crawl, but it's not the first time my friend and I have shopped at Wildfiber. It's the end of the day, this is our last stop of the day, I ask to use the bathroom, and the woman sitting in the cash wrap lies to me and says they don't have a bathroom. She tells me that I can go to the Co-op down the block or another business (I don't remember the name) around the corner. I know they have a bathroom in the store, I've used it (under different management). I could understand if it was out of order, but she didn't say that. She said "we don't have one." So they won't let their customers use their bathroom, but they'll send you outside, down the block, to use another business's bathroom, where you're NOT going to be shopping. The other two stores we visited on this day of the Yarn Crawl were both very friendly, welcoming and fun. One is in Redondo Beach, the other the other is just 15 minutes down the freeway, it's an LA address. They both have a bathroom available for customers, since they understand that yarn customers tend to spend a bit of time in the store selecting yarn. So we left Wildfiber without making any purchases and found a nice coffee & doughnut place, called Sidecar, on Wilshire; where the young employees were very nice, the coffee was good, and the bathrooms were hassle-free. I have shopped at Wildfiber since it was a fiber/spinning/weaving shop, maybe 25 years. I've shopped there through a few different iterations as a knitting/crochet yarn store. I don't know if I'll be going back. read more

This happened a while ago but I never forgot it. I picked out some yarn and went to pay and was ignored by the woman behind the register. I said excuse me and was still ignored even though she was looking right at me. I stood there awkwardly for a few more seconds before I finally realized this person just wasn't going to let me pay. I'm Black. Walking into this store was like walking back in time to the 1950s. I'm sure if they could put a "no coloreds" sign on the door they would. So scary to have someone be so open with their racism. I hope the next person sues them. read more

I once came to Wildfiber after a really strong joint about a year ago, (which I am not recommending btw), and the owners/workers here were so helpful and kind regardless. Way kinder than I deserved lol. If you're looking for an amazing selection of yarn and workers with plenty of fiber expertise, you've come to the right place. read more

Went here last weekend and was excited to be in an actual, non-virtual yarn shop. Entered the store. There were two shop people, one helping a customer and the other behind the register. The woman behind the register was waiting while a customer looked something up on her phone. I stood back about 8 feet. No one acknowledged me in any way. After a few minutes, I said "Excuse me, may I ask you a question?" And the gal behind the register said, "you can after I'm done, I'm busy." With attitude. I went in search of my intended purchase. Came back to the register, both shop lady and customer both not engaged with each other. I was ready to walk out, when the other employee came up and asked if she could help me. She was human! I don't know why on earth a store would employ someone who has a bad attitude. EVER. so sad, now I'll have to continue to shop elsewhere online. read more

Wildfiber Studio is in a beautiful old house. They have a nice selection of yarn and accessories. The employees are always courteous and helpful. read more

Although they have nice yarns the costumer service is horrid. One of the women who works there or owns the place has a terribly rude attitude. She acts as if she were giving charity. I will never go back I am an artist and use a lot of yarn. I send my students there too and most of them have complained about her I rather drive far to get good service She had issues. I think she needs to feel above people and does it by being rude read more

I really want to love this store. I always want to support local businesses but the customer service here is terrible. The ladies are just NEVER glad to see you. And they take the first oppty to snap at you. Don't even bother asking them about the wooden yarn winder....they will snap at you and let you know "you have to go really slow" every single time (who hurt you in the past?) you ask. And yes I understand but why the attitude? I've been in this store about 7 times and it's always the same. Such a shame because great yarn stores build community. I can easily buy all my products online (im trying Jennifer knits next). Good luck Wild Fiber.... read more

It felt safe from a Covid perspective- they were doing temp and symptom checks at the door and had hand sanitizer readily available. Teri (Terry?) was quite friendly and helpful. Some of the yarns are slightly more expensive than they are in other local yarn shops, but on the other hand, they had a good variety of brands/lines. read more

I have been to quite a few yarn shops since I started my knitting excursion, especially with Yarn Crawl in April. Wildfiber is by far my favorite. The employees know me when I come in, and they are all so helpful. My friend had a problem in a lace pattern, and one of the women who worked there sat with her and tried to figure out what had happened. We all cheered when the problem was solved. (Us newbie knitters make mistakes but we have no idea what we did) I love their button section! So much fun. I also love their more "interesting" yarns. I want to try knitting with the silk/ steel one! Would make such a good product. They are always organized and always friendly. They also have a nice sitting area where you can knit, or in my case, where my boyfriend can relax while I run around touching things. :) read more

Wildfiber Studio - Wildfiber Panorama from their website - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I belong to a knitting group and one of the members suggested Wildfiber. I attempted to go during the Yarn Crawl but didn't quite make it there. I had plans to be in Santa Monica for another event last night and decided to stop in. As a customer who enjoys browsing and not being pushed to purchase I was pleased. I was not pushed into buying anything and left alone to browse as I liked. I was not looking for anything in particular. I found a cowl on display I liked and purchase 1 skein of Koigu and received the free pattern. A low budget purchase but I was treated like any other customer which I appreciated. read more

I went there twice. The first time I was walking in the neighborhood and stopped in. Nothing thrilled me, and no one approached me to ask if I needed help. I went back when I had more time. Two people who were working there were behind the counter, and neither paid any attention to me. I was the only customer! Very unimpressed with the yarn selection also. This used to be a nice shop. read more

Haven't been here in a while, but from what I can recall, this is a large yarn store with a wide variety of yarns. They have the ultra-premium stuff here, including handspun designer cashmere yarns for $100/small skein. However, me being the bargain hunter that I am, happily dug through their large back room clearance section and got some white Cascade 128 thick yarn for over dyeing. It was 50% off. Most of the stuff on clearance was not versatile stuff, like novelty eyelash yarns, things in oddball colors, one or two balls of a dye lot, and acrylic needles. But if you dig, you can find deals. I drooled over their project samples and their wall of Koigu. Oh yeah, one of these days, I'll have a wall of Koigu in my house. Yeah, I'm a yarn addict. :) I also picked up some roving for spinning into yarn. They have a bin near the front of the store with roving bumps in assorted colors. Prices were fair, from what I remembered, and sold by the ounce. The roving I got was an autumn-shade warm orange variegated wool top. My friend picked up some yarn for a sweater and they helped her set it up on the swift & ball winder. The employees seemed pretty helpful, even though we didn't spend much in their store. read more

Nice pricer end of yarn selection Nice environment But the service is awful 1. Did not offer to wind the yarn I purchased into a ball ( or maybe It's on customer's request ) .. My first time to get twisted yarn so I am not aware of this step .. I ended up making a mess when I tried to unpack the yarn . 2. Did not give warning upon purchase that no item can be returned . When I went to make a return she ( one of the staff in a darker skin tone ) gave me a straight non friendly "NO" and claimed that it says in the receipt ..... I just don't think it's fair , because it means customers will not know about no-return Policy unless they have made the purchase and " happen to " read that info from the receipt . There is no sign at cashier either . I am not happy with the staff and service .. elegant store but low end service , lacking honesty. read more

While visiting the LA area recently and going on a mini-yarn crawl I stopped in at this location and was pleased with all the fun things they had for sale. The variety is decent, they have a really nice community area, a nice bathroom and helpful staff. They also carry wool-buddies figurines which are super delightful and whimsical felted wool creations by an artist who works (or worked) for Lucas Arts. I've known of them for a long time since Maker Faire up here in the bay area. I was really happy to find some for sale in their shop!! I found a few yarns I've not seen up in my usual yarn store here in town, and that I didn't see at the other yarn shops I visited so it was definitely worth it for me to stop in. parking is not fun though. If you can't find anything in front you need to look on the side streets around. Bring quarters too - because its a meter situation. Worth a yarn-crawl stop in for sure!! read more

Let me begin with the good: I like Wildfiber and wish I were a woman who made six figures (or was married to someone who made that much) so I could come and blow a ton of money here. The staff are generally nice, if a bit standoffish perhaps; the last time I went in, though, I had called ahead and the woman who helped me was really, really nice and attentive since I was actually looking for some guidance. She even suggested a Shibui yarn-a brand I'm not familiar with-as a more cost effective alternative to something else I was looking at. That said, like other yarn shops on the West Side, I've noticed that their prices tend to be a little higher than other retailers (both online and brick and mortar). As a young(er) person on a budget, unfortunately, that is a huge dealbreaker for me. If I need to buy, say, 6 skeins of something for a project and their prices are $4-$6 higher than MSRP/retail price most other places, I'm probably not going to buy from Wildfiber. The progressive in me wants to support local yarn stores, but my frugal lizard brain (and my bank account) is screaming "NoooOOOoooo! You need that $24 for food and stuff!!" Some of their prices seem to be right on the money for average retail, but not all of them. They do have a pretty nice selection, split between conservative/regular solid colors and some more funky stuff. That said, I would still put their selection a little on the conservative side compared to The Little Knittery (definitely on the funky-fresh side) or La Knitterie Parisienne (which has literally some of motherfucking everything). I chalk up the slightly more conservative selection to the fact that this is a Westside/Santa Monica store that, based on the clientele I've seen in there, mostly caters to older white ladies. Between here and Compatto, though, this place is much better. The big windows at the front give the shop a super airy feeling; they have a nice selection of needles and some project bags, and even a little corner of sale yarn. My only gripe is that, like many small boutiques, they really don't carry some of the cheap(er) lines, but I think that's a complaint I have about most brick and mortar stores; on the other hand, with big online yarn retailers dominating that part of the market, I can't really blame them for staying away, and for the fact that cheaper lines probably don't play as well to their client base. Overall, I like Wildfiber and will be back again, I'm sure! read more

If you have any inkling to knit, or tackle that half finished project, or get intimidated by a pattern, --don't walk, but run and sign up for a class at Wildfiber. It doesn't matter your level or your comfort with needles, the group classes will help! Terry is so incredibly helpful with her teaching technique - her tips really improved my knitting and made my project not just doable, but enjoyable as well. And all of us are working at different levels and on different projects and Terry walks around and helps whomever has a question or needs guidance. It's a win-win because you get a group price but it feels like a private lesson. Before I joined the class, I could knit but somehow always inadvertently I'd drop a stitch or end up with an extra one after doing 16 rows in a pattern and get so frustrated. When I started in class, she watched me knit and gave really impactful suggestions on what I could do to to improve and made it easier and my mistakes are much less frequent. And she has also helped me understand how to read a pattern which has always been a puzzling experience for me. And who doesn't love a three hour commitment each week to knit? It's relaxing and a great way to slow down my day. read more