The Ultimate Guide to Yarn at Joann Fabrics - Joann Fabrics (2024)

Everything You Need to Know About Joann’s Impressive Selection of Yarns

As an avid knitter and crocheter, I’m always on the lookout for great places to buy quality yarn at affordable prices. Over the years, I’ve discovered thatJoann Fabricsis one of the best all-around sources for all of my yarn needs. Their selection is incredible – way more than just the basic acrylic yarns.Joann’shas everything from premium wools and alpaca blends to novelty and seasonal yarns. I can always find exactly what I need for any project at my local Joann store or on their website.

In this post, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about the amazing array ofyarns at Joann Fabrics. Whether you’re a beginner looking for the perfect starter yarn or an experienced maker searching for a special fiber for an advanced project, Joann has got you covered. Read on for all the details on fiber types and brands, prices, sales, discounts, and more!

Types of Yarn Available at Joann

The yarn selection at Joann is organized by fiber type. This makes it really easy to shop for a specific variety of yarn. Here are some of the main types of yarn you’ll find:

Acrylic Yarn– Joann has a massive assortment of acrylic yarns which are synthetic, budget-friendly, and great for beginners. There are hundreds of colors in worsted weight which is a medium thickness that’s perfect for a variety of projects. They also carry lighter or chunky acrylic yarns for different looks. I recommendLoops & Threads Impeccablewhich comes in beautiful solids and variegated hues.

Cotton Yarn– For spring and summer knits with breathability, Joann has lots of cotton yarns which are also very easy to care for. The selection includes everything from lightweight crochet thread to bulky weight yarns. I love working withLily Sugar’n Creamfor dishcloths and washcloths orLoops & Threads Cozy Cottonfor blankets and garments.

Wool Yarn– For luxuriously soft yarn with great stitch definition, Joann stocks plenty of wool varieties. From chunky to superfine, there are wool yarns suited for any project here. I adore their line of classicRed Heart Woolwhich comes in worsted weight solids and heathers. For more premium wools, check outCascade Yarnswhich are pricier but absolutely gorgeous!

Novelty Yarn– One of my favorite things about Joann’s yarn selection is all the fun novelty and specialty yarns. There’s faux fur yarn, ladder yarn, frilly pompom yarn, and ombre color-changing yarns. These take any project up a notch! Around the holidays, they always get new festive yarns too. I can’t wait to work with theirRed Heart Boutique Midnightombre yarn soon.

Alpaca Yarn– For a luxuriously soft, warm, and silky yarn, the alpaca options at Joann are outstanding. Made from alpaca fiber, they have a halo-like glow which makes amazing finished fabric. I’ve used theirPremier Yarns Alpaca Rovingfor ultra-cozy cowls and hats. For lighter weight alpaca, check outBerroco PunaorPlymouth Baby Alpaca DK.

Acrylic Blends– Many of Joann’s yarns blend acrylic with wool, cotton, alpaca, or other natural fibers. These provide durability and stretch with the benefits of natural fibers too. For baby items, I loveBernat Softee Babywhich is an acrylic and nylon blend that’s incredibly soft. TheirKaren Big Swirlchunky yarn is a cotton acrylic blend that works up into trendy chunky knits.

Organic Yarn– For the most eco-conscious crafters, Joann stocks some nice options for organic yarns as well. Look for fibers like organic cotton and recycled wool/acrylic blends. I’ve used theirLB Collection Organic Cottonwhich comes in great earthy shades. For kids’ items, tryLily Sugar’n Cream Organic Cotton.

Joann Brand and Exclusive Yarns

In addition to all the major national yarn brands, Joann also has some amazing house brands and exclusives. Here are some of their topin-house yarn lines:

• Loops & Threads– This is Joann’s premium house brand with excellent quality and value. They have a huge range from wool and cotton to acrylic, alpaca and blends. TheLoops & Threads Woolikeis one of my favorites – it’s a wool acrylic blend that’s so snuggly!
• Big Twist– The Big Twist value yarns come in every color imaginable. They’re 100% acrylic, super washable, and great for beginners. I leaned onBig Twist Classicyarn for everything when I was starting out.
• Karen Cuddle Clouds Baby Yarn– Exclusive to Joann, this specialty super-soft baby yarn is perfect for infant accessories and clothing. It’s a soft acrylic and nylon blend that comes in cute pastels and prints.
• Craftsmart– For craft projects beyond just knitting, Joann has their Craftsmart value brand. Look for Craftsmart yarns for rope, tassels, wrapping and more. It’s great for embellishments on handmade items beyond your standard yarn crafts.

Yarn Prices at Joann

From value acrylic yarns under $5 to premium wools over $20, there’s something for every budget at Joann. Here’s what you can expect:

• Basic acrylic yarns– $2.99 – $5.99 per skein
• Mid-range wool and cotton blends– $6.99 – $12.99 per skein
• Alpaca and specialty yarns– $14.99 – $19.99 per skein
• High-end, premium luxury yarns– $20+ per skein

To save the most money, I watch for sales, coupons, and craft club discounts which can take 50% or more off the original prices. Sign up for Joann’s emails to get notified about promotions.

Sales and Discounts on Yarn

Speaking of saving money, Joann offers tons of great ways to score discounts on yarn:

• Download the Joann app for mobile coupons like 25% to 50% off total regular price purchase yarns. They often have mobile app exclusives.
• Check the weekly ad circular online and watch for sitewide yarn sales like 10 for $10 on all yarn brands or 5 for $5 on their Big Twist Value yarn.
• Sign up for the JoannCraft Club membership.The basic membership is just $4.99 per year and gets you 15% off all yarn purchases year-round among other perks.
• Take advantage of coupons for either a % or $ amount off one regular price item that you can use on more pricey yarn skeins. Target these coupons on the splurge-worthy yarns.
• Shop seasonal clearance sales after holidays and change of seasons when they deeply discount yarn for as low as $1 per skein. The selection will be random so get there early!
• Buy during theNational Yarn Shop Daysale in April for major deals sitewide or theAnniversary Eventin June. Yarn price drops peak during these, so stock up!

Finding Yarn Deals Online

Another great way to save money on yarn from Joann’s is to keep an eye out for their online deals:

• Check the website’sweekly WOW dealsfor special limited-time offers on yarn bundles and kits. I once scored a set of 5 Cozy Cotton skeins for $10 which was 50% off.
• Watch for site-wideflash saleswhich often discount yarn. They run these sales events for 24-48 hours so you have to hop on them fast.
• Shop theClearance Yarnsection online. You can sort by price low-to-high to see the best bargains.
• Take advantage of free shipping offers to avoid paying extra shipping costs on yarn purchases. They often provide free shipping thresholds or codes available.
• Earn 6% back online through theirJoann Rewardsprogram that you can redeem on future yarn purchases.

Buying Yarn in Bulk for Big Projects

If you’re working on a large project like an adult-sized blanket that calls for lots of yarn, Joann has you covered for buying in bulk. Here are some of my favorite ways to get yarn for big projects:

• Check for jumbo skeins or super value packs in their Big Twist Value yarn line. You can often get 1000+ yards of acrylic yarn for under $20.
• Shop the commercial spool options meant for production knitting. One of my go-tos is Red Heart Super Saver Commercial which comes on a 5lb spool in basic colors for around $30.
• Look for jumbo cones of yarn rather than standard balls. These have 350g or more per cone and pull from the center so you don’t have to keep winding balls. They’re super cost-effective for making chunky blankets.
• Take advantage of frequent sales on yarn packs and bundles. I’ll stock up when they do the 5 for $5 or 10 for $10 promotions on all yarn brands.
• Check remnants and mill ends bundles which allow you to get a ton of yarn in random colors at steep discounts. You can find treasures in these bargain bins!
• Don’t forget to use coupons and membership discounts on those bulk purchases whenever possible to maximize savings on big projects. A 50% off coupon on a $100 bulk yarn purchase adds up fast!

New and Seasonal Yarn Options

One of my favorite things about Joann’s yarn selection is that they’re always rolling out fun new options and colors. Here are some of the latest yarns I’m excited about:

• Anti-Pill DK Acrylic– This new Loops & Threads yarn has an anti-pill finish that helps items stay looking new after many wears. Perfect for sweaters and kids’ clothes that get a lot of use!
• Unforgettable Tweed– From Red Heart, this mélange yarn with flecks of color and texture is so interesting for accessories like cowls and scarves. I can’t wait to work with it!
• Cozy Stripes– Bernat’s new Cozy Stripes yarn lives up to its name with self-striping flecked bands of color. It will make adorable striped baby blankets.
• Sparkle Hollows– For a fun pop of shine, Loops & Threads new Sparkle Hollows acrylic yarn has a metallic threaded tinsel effect running through it. I’ll make some glittery holiday knits with it!
• Velvet Chromes– Premier Yarns new velvet chrome yarns have a luxurious velvet finish that almost looks wet. The rich jewel tones will be perfect for winter accessories and formal wear.
• Brushworks Tonal– This Lion Brand wool and acrylic yarn has an awesome tweedy flecked look in sophisticated neutral and earth tones. Can’t wait to use it in the fall!

In addition to these new releases, Joann stocks tons of vibrant seasonal yarns for holidays and changing weather. It’s so fun to see all the innovative new yarns they’re carrying lately!

Organic and Eco-Friendly Yarn Selection

For crafters like me who are concerned about sustainability, Joann offers some good natural fiber and eco-friendly yarn options:

• Lily Sugar’n Cream Organic Cotton– Available in both solids and hand-dyed shades, this classic 100% organic cotton is ideal for washcloths, dish cloths, and even amigurumi toys. The price is great too.
• LB Collection Organic Wool– They carry a nice array of organic wool choices like sport weight and chunky bulky weights. It’s awesome for accessories and kids’ garments.
• Ella Rae Recycled Wool– Made using repurposed wool, this yarn has fun flecks and marling. Perfect for reducing waste while keeping apparel extra cozy.
• Karen Save the Planet Recycled Cotton– For a thick and thin textured yarn sustainably made from recycled cotton, try this great option from Karen Yarns. I love making market bags with it.
• Premier Yarns Serenity Garden– This unique blend contains no less than 55% recycled content from fabrics, plastic bottles, and more. The rich colorways make for chic accessories.

While the selection is still quite limited, I’m thrilled to see Joann adding more and more eco-friendly yarns. As demand for sustainability grows, I hope to see the selection expand even more in the future.

Specialty and Luxury Fibers

Beyond the basics, Joann also provides crafters access to more unusual specialty yarns:

Wool and Blends– You can find 100% wool along with wool blended with alpaca, acrylic, nylon, and more for warm and breathable yarns. I love Cascade’s superwash wools infused with bamboo or silk.

Alpaca– Silky soft alpaca yarn like the Berroco Puna line has a beautiful halo and fluid drape. It works up into the most luxurious cowls and shawls.

Cashmere– For ultimate luxury, splurge on a cashmere blend like Blue Sky Fibers’ Baby Cashmere that contains delicate, decadent cashmere.

Mohair– Fuzzy mohair yarns like Lion Brand’s Wool-Ease Thick & Quick work up into trendy chunky blankets. A little goes a long way to add flair.

Boucle– This knobby, textured looped yarn like Bernat’s Blanket yarn makes super thick and cozy blankets and throws with built-in texture.

Metallic– Shimmery metallic yarns include glow in the dark options, holographic strands, and glitter flecks too for showstopping accents.

While not cheap, it’s awesome to have access to these more unusual specialty yarns locally. Whenever possible, I’ll use a coupon to lessen the dent in my wallet for splurge-worthy fibers.

Yarn Project Kits

For beginners or times when I’m seeking inspiration, Joann has some fantastic yarn kits available:

• Bernat Maker Home Dec Kits– These include everything needed to complete a home project like a knit pillow, pouf, or rug. Having the materials pre-selected takes the guesswork out.
• Yarn Bee Bright Bag Kits– Fun tote bag kits come with pre-wound yarn balls and a bamboo hook so you can learn to crochet a useful item.
• Bernat Blanket Squares– For creating patchwork blankets, get perfectly coordinated yarn squares to stitch up into a scrappy design.
• Premier Yarns Hat Kits– These include the yarn, pattern, and pompom or other embellishments needed to complete a trendy beanie hat.
• Needle & Thread DIY Embroidery Kits– Beyond yarn, you can get embroidery floss and pattern kits for decorating apparel, totes and more.

Having everything you need in one bundle takes so much of the hassle out of starting and completing projects. I wish they offered even more project kits!

Best Yarns for Beginners

As a teacher who enjoys helping new crafters get started, I always recommend a few go-to yarns for beginners available at Joann:

• Red Heart Super Saver– The gold standard acrylic yarn that comes in every color imaginable. It’s forgiving to work with and great value for high quantity.
• Caron Simply Soft– Excellent for garments and accessories with great drape and tons of colors. The sheen gives finished pieces a luxurious look and feel.
• Lion Brand Heartland– This chunky wool and acrylic blend works up quickly into cozy cowls, hats, and more. The bulky weight helps beginners see results faster!
• Big Twist Value– Joann’s affordable house brand comes in every color and feels nice to work with. Great for learning without breaking the bank.
• Bernat Blanket– This extra bulky chenille-style yarn makes instant chunky blankets. The thickness helps hide any imperfections.

I always suggest new makers invest in a few skeins across weights and fibers to get a feel for what they like best before committing to larger projects.

Color Matching and Planning Tools

One thing that sets Joann apart from other yarn stores is the amazing tools they offer for color planning and matching:

• Yarn Skein Cards– Storage cards for winding yarn keeps the labels visible so you can easily coordinate colors across projects.
• Row Counter Rings– Use these clicker rings to track your rows and repeats to prevent errors in complex patterns.
• Stitch Markers– Plastic markers like those from Loops & Threads keep track of key points in patterns like increase and decrease points.
• Row Counters– Electronic counters make it easy to track rows and stitches for consistency in shaping.
• Yarn Bobbins– Wind small amounts of yarn onto these for easier colorwork. Keep the colors you’re using on hand.
• Pompom Makers– Creating pompoms is a breeze with these plastic shapers. Make flawless pompoms to embellish your projects.

Having these notions on hand is so valuable for keeping complex patterns on track and coordinating colors.

Yarn Craft Classes at Joann

Get hands-on help and tips from Joann’s craft class offerings:

In-Store Classes

• Beginner Knitting & Crochet– Learn all the basics from casting on to basic stitches in knit and crochet. Small class sizes allow for individual attention.
• Knitting Help– Get assistance with current WIPs or refresh long dormant skills. Teachers can troubleshoot tricky techniques.
• Crochet Techniques– Advance your crochet skills with classes dedicated to lace, cables, colorwork and more. Learn popular stitches like the moss and ripple stitches.
• Tunisian & Entrelac Crochet– Try your hand at fascinating techniques like reversable Tunisian crochet and entrelac’s woven look through detailed classes.
• Kids & Teens Classes– Get crafty kids started with beginner skills then advance them to making their own clothes and toys.

Online Knit & Crochet Classes

Joann also offers both free and paid virtual knit and crochet classes through their Creativebug partnership. Learn on your schedule from the comfort of home!

Shopping for Yarn Online

As much as I love wandering around the stores and pawing through the plush yarns, Joann makes the process easy by allowing you to shop its full yarn selection online.

Benefits of Online Yarn Shopping:

• Browse at home on your own time without dealing with traffic and parking
• Search for specific brands or types easily rather than searching the shelves
• Check online inventory for availability instead of making a wasted trip
• Take advantage of online-only coupons, deals and free shipping offers
• Earn rewards cash back to redeem later through their loyalty program
• Convenient in-store pickup and ship to store options
• Automatic reminders when favorite yarns are back in stock

While I still suggest viewing colors in person when possible, shopping online is a great perk for finding what you need from Joann!

Return and Exchange Policies

Joann offers fairly flexible return policies in case you need to bring yarn back for any reason:

• Unopened skeins– Return for a full refund or exchange within 90 days of purchase as long as you have the receipt.
• Ongoing Projects– Return partially used yarn within 60 days if you have enough remaining to respool into a full skein.
• Major defects– Return damaged, defective or poor quality yarn at any time. May require manager approval.
• Color matching– Exchange if yarn doesn’t match the color represented after working a swatch.
• Color lots– Return if color lot variations prevent batching skeins into one project.
• Unused gift yarn– Unopened gift yarn can be returned up to 90 days past the gift receipt date.

Knowing they stand behind the products gives me confidence to invest in pricier specialty yarns and large batch purchases. Check receipts for exact policies.

Yarn and Pattern Pairings

One thing that takes the guesswork out of projects is when yarns come paired with suggested patterns:

• Yarn Bee Colorworks– Each colorway includes a custom card with crochet patterns designed specifically for that gradient or ombre yarn. Takes the guesswork out of color placement!
• Caron X Pantone Collab– These premium yarns are displayed alongside recommended patterns that highlight the sophisticated color palettes.
• Red Heart Pattern Ball Bands– Printed right on the yarn wrapper, find simple patterns perfectly suited for that individual yarn line and yardage.
• Bernat Alize Blanket-EZ– Designed to coordinate with the Blanket EZ jumbo skeins, these patterns maximize yardage and minimize waste.
• Lion Brand Pattern Cards– Hang tag cards on the shelves display recommended pattern pairings with yardage requirements for Lion Brand yarns.

With so many options, you could easily mix and match to find the perfect pattern match for any yarn purchase.

Loyalty Perks and Savings

The Joann rewards program is totally worth joining for serious crafters:

• Earn 1 point for every $1 spent that you can redeem on money off future purchases. Pro members earn points faster.
• Get coupons and exclusive offers sent to your email for extra savings. Pro members get special coupons.
• Receive free birthday and loyalty gifts throughout the year like yarn and other merchandise.
• Gain access to VIP shopping events to score limited-time deals.
• Level up for more rewards by spending more each year (Bronze, Silver, Gold tiers).
• Get early access to sales, flash deals, and sneak peeks at upcoming offerings.

Saving on future yarn purchases by earning rewards makes buying in bulk when sales pop up even more worthwhile. Joining has paid for itself in savings many times over.

Regular Restocking of Popular Yarns

I used to get so frustrated when my favorite yarns would constantly be out of stock. But Joann has really improved their inventory management. Now they restock the top yarns multiple times a week.

Some bestselling yarns I can almost always count on finding now:

• Red Heart Super Saver– They keep shelves stocked with all 300+ colors in the vast Rainbow Collection of this acrylic staple.
• Caron Simply Soft– The #1 worsted weight acrylic for garments is always well-stocked in popular neutrals like grey, cream, and navy.
• Lion Brand Mandala– This trendy color-changing yarn sells out instantly but keeps coming back in phases. Don’t pay marked up secondhand prices!
• Loops & Threads Impeccable– This great basic at an even better price is continually replenished in staple colors year-round due to high demand.
• Big Twist Value– Joann’s budget workhorse acrylic can always be found in the top 20 colors. Great to have on hand for impromptu projects.

Checking back periodically yields the best chances of finding those high rotation yarns ready to purchase with no backorders or wait.

Seasonal and Holiday Yarns

Along with keeping the everyday basics well-stocked, Joann has an awesome selection of yarns for seasonal projects.

Spring & Summer

• Pastel acrylics and cottons in Easter egg brights and sherbets
• Flowery novelty yarns perfect for making feminine lace shawls and tanks
• Lightweight cotton blends like Cool Cotton and Seduction for hot weather wears

Fall & Winter

• Warm wools and wool blends in rich fall hues like burgundy, hunter green, and golden brown
• Bulky yarns for instant chunky sweaters, cowls, and ruffled scarves
• Sparkly metallic specialty yarns for glamorous holiday party knits
• Festive pompom and faux fur yarns for themed gifts and ornaments

Holiday Yarns

• Traditional red and green for Christmas plus shimmery golds and silvers too
• Vibrant orange and purple for Halloween accessories and decor
• Red, white and blue classic colors for 4th of July apparel and afghans
• Pastel yellows, pinks and blues for Easter basket stuffers and baby shower knits

Planning seasonal projects, I always find festive yarns to set the right mood!

Complementary Notions and Tools

To complete your yarn shopping, Joann has all the essential knit and crochet notions you need:

• Hooks and needles in every size and material like ergonomic sets for comfort
• Stitch markers, row counters, scissors, seam rippers and all the handy gadgets
• Knitting accessories like needle cases, pom pom makers, blocking boards, and yarn bowls
• Crochet notions like hairpin lace looms, Tunisian hooks, needle threaders, and more
• Books with beginner tutorials, stitch dictionaries, and patterns for inspiration
• Kits for felting, weaving, embroidering and other fabric arts beyond standard knitting

I appreciate being able to easily add tools, accessories, and pattern books to my basket alongside yarn. It’s a true one-stop shop for all crafting needs!

Why I Recommend Joann for Yarn Lovers

After many years and many, many skeins of yarn from Joann Fabrics, I confidently recommend them as a fantastic source for all your knitting and crochet needs. Here’s why:

Huge Selection– They carry yarn from all the top brands plus great exclusives covering every fiber, weight and style. Whatever your project calls for, Joann’s selection delivers.

Affordable Prices– With value acrylics under $5 and cotten blends around $7, Joann hits the sweet spot on pricing. Even the luxurious fibers stay reasonably priced for the quality.

Frequent Sales– The regular promos and coupons make building a yarn stash very budget-friendly. I never pay full price!

Convenience– With over 800 stores nationwide and robust ecommerce capabilities, convenience is built into the Joann experience. Easy to shop whenever and however you like.

Classes and Expertise– From in-store classes to online tutorials, Joann provides tons of learning opportunities from passionate teachers.

Color Tools– Beyond just yarn, Joann equips you with all the notions needed for successful colorwork and complex patterns.

Keep It Local– I love being able to shop small and support local crafters when buying my yarn rather than big box retailers.

For an always exciting, ever-evolving yarn selection with unbeatable convenience and value, Joann has earned my loyal business. I hope this overview of all they offer has inspired you to check them out for your next yarn purchase!