Six Independent Craft Stores to Visit in and around Boston
Itching to get your craft on? Stop into these local craft stores for all the supplies—and classes—you need.
Fabric, thread, and ribbon for sale at Somerville’s Make & Mend. / Courtesy photo
While you can always head to the big-box craft stores that shall not be named (or worse, Amazon), why not buy local? From yarn stores that offer classes to storefronts that sell secondhand supplies, these local shops ensure that any craft you can dream up is yours for the making—and they’re all just a short drive from Boston and Camberville.
Boston Fiber Company in the South End. / Courtesy photo
Boston Fiber Company
With more than a dozen how-to classes—ranging from felting to Tunisian crochet to candle-making—there’s no shortage of opportunities to get crafting at Boston Fiber Company. The majority of the South End store’s inventory (which includes all the crafting materials for embroidery, knitting, needlepointing and so much more) is sourced from queer- or BIPOC-owned businesses, and the space itself is welcoming to all.
61 Thayer St., Boston, 857-327-1960, bostonfibercompany.com.
Gather Here
Dubbed Cambridge’s only “stitch lounge,” this Inman Square gem is part sewing studio and part supply shop. Gather Here offers expert-led workshops in a wide array of crafts, plus three maker spaces, tons of materials, and a knowledgeable team to help with any and all questions. We suggest trying out one of their kits to get started—then we guarantee you’ll be back for more supplies once you’re hooked (pun intended).
1343 Cambridge St., Cambridge, 617-714-4880, gatherhereonline.com.
The secondhand and discounted craft supplies at Make & Mend. / Courtesy photo
Make & Mend
Hobbies, particularly the creative kind, can be expensive. So in 2018, Make & Mend found a solution. Artist Emily Tirella started the store to make art supplies more accessible and affordable—accepting donations of gently used materials to sell at a discount, both online and at this brick-and-mortar shop—while also keeping unused supplies out of landfills. Stop in for everything from fibers and fabrics to paints and stationery. The store also offers starter kits to help newbies learn to crochet, knit, needlepoint, mend, and more. Learn how to donate your extra craft supplies here.
21 Hawkins St., Somerville, makeandmendshop.com.
Play Time
Play Time has been selling discounted supplies in Arlington Center for over five decades. There’re paints, canvases, and notebooks, yarn, thread, and every bead imaginable, trims, ribbons, embellishments, and more—the list goes on and on. Plus, don’t forget design books and how-to guides to help you get started, and frames to display your projects once they’re finished.
283 Broadway, Arlington, 781-648-3230, playtimecrafts.com.
Yarn at Sit ‘ Knit. / Courtesy photo
Sit ‘n Knit
For knitters of all skill levels, Sit ‘n Knit in Melrose is a dream. With walls of yarns, needles and hooks, and buttons galore (not to mention the cute accessories like woodland creature tape measures and smiley-face row counters), even the pickiest of customers will want for nothing. Plus, if you’re interested in knitting but don’t know where or how to start, the friendly staff is happy to guide you on your knitting journey.
167 W. Emerson St., Melrose, 781-590-4940, sitnknit.com.
Stitch House
Run by former Boston city councilor Annissa Essaibi George and her staff of expert knitters and crocheters, this Dorchester yarn boutique is a one-stop-shop for patterns, tool, and materials—from adorable animal-printed fabric to beautifully colored yarn. Sign up for weekly classes, monthly knitting meet-ups, or finishing services to help you put the final touches on your projects.
846 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, 617-265-8013, stitchhousedorchester.com.
