Knitters in and around San Francisco are very, very lucky – they can shop for yarn at Imagiknit. This local yarn store, one of the biggest in the state, is chockablock full of crafterly delights. You’ll leave with a fraction of what you wanted to buy, and possibly a seriously lighter wallet.

When you enter the store, you’ll be surrounded by amazing fibers of every ilk. Wool and cotton are well represented, but so are angora, alpaca, hemp, soy, and even stainless steel. The proprietors hard to find brands such as Elsebeth Lavold, Blue Heron, Freia Fine Handpaints, and LoveFest Fibers. Mirasol, Malabrigo, and Manos del Uruguay are all available, an unusual feat for an independent store. Whether you have a specific project in mind or simply want to create a small whatever with luxurious fiber, you’ll find what you’re looking for (or what you want to be surprised by!)

In addition to exquisite yarns, the store offers a vast selection of “readables”. The magazine selection is particularly extensive; in addition to every title offered by Interweave and Vogue, you’ll find Pom Pom Quarterly, Interpretations, and other independent titles. Books are not as well represented (and with good reason, as most shoppers prefer to save money and buy them online), but there is an incredible selection of independent patterns by Knitbot, Ann Norling, Joji Locatelli, and other names you didn’t know you needed in your life. It’s possible to spend an entire afternoon browsing through the patterns and stocking up for future projects.

Imagiknits offers classes as well for those wishing to knit and learn in a group atmosphere. Prices run from seventy to two hundred dollars, ranging in length from two hours to several sessions over a period of weeks. Topics include top-down raglan knitting, sock knitting, Fair Isle, and other foci in addition to Knitting and Crochet 101.

The shop is easy to get to from the 16th St Mission BART station. Simply walk west on Mission Street and make a right onto Church. From there, you’ll stroll roughly eight and half blocks, past Mission Dolores Park. The store is on the corner of Church and Sanchez. As is true for all of San Francisco, parking is difficult to find, so if you’re driving, be prepared to walk a few blocks from your spot to the store.

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Imagiknits, and have paid for my purchases with my own funds.


Imagiknits, 3879 18th Street, San Francisco, 94114 (415) 621-6642