Where to buy inexpensive yarn? Also, free knitting patterns?

Question

I recently taught myself to knit and it's proven to be quite an addiction.. I recieved some free yarn from my boss but it's going quick, and looking at the price of yarn, it can be awfully expensive... does anyone know anywhere to buy cheap yarn? I'm not looking for wool, or anything like that, just decent quality.

Also, thus far, I have made quite a few scarves and more dishcloths than I really need... each have their own design, so I still enjoy making them, but I would like to learn to knit something else.. so, does anyone know where I can find free, easy to understand knitting patterns?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Ooooh, you make me want to pick up my needles just reading this question!

I am not a big fan of "cheap" so much as I am of VALUE. I want good yarn at a good price. Cheap makes me think of fire-engine red acrylic yarn - which has it's place, I'm sure, it's just not good for everything!

If you really want cheap, then go to WalMart, Michaels, JoAnn, etc. (they almost all send out 40 or 50% off coupons regularly.)

My favorite value yarn shop is knitpicks.com. They have great needles (I am on a sock frenzy and have their nickle-plated DPNs and circulars) It sometimes takes a minute to figure out how many balls you need to order, but I've had great success with all of their yarns.

For decadent luxury, find a local yarn shop - google "yarn shop" plus the name of your city. Then visit, touch, and ask questions if they're as friendly as most knitters - they'll love having you stop by!

Lion Bran yarn has tons of free patterns. I have found that I really like the specialty books like "Sensational Knitted Socks" or "Getting Started Knitting Socks." I search Amazon and see which ones look good, then request them from my library!

Also, added value at that local yarn shop - many of them have "home-grown" patterns with samples worked up. You can see/ touch/ feel the finished product AND get a free pattern PLUS appropriate yarn all in one stop. See how wonderful those expert knitters are!!

Have fun! Welcome to the Knitting Adventure! (Go ahead ... read a bit at www.yarnharlot.ca while you're at it. She's the best. With Crazy Aunt Purl!) (google - you'll be glad you did!)

Happy Knitting!

Answer 2

I have TONS of free knitting (and crocheting) patterns on my website.  

http://www.bevscountrycottage.com

You may want to see if your local hospital can use things like baby or preemie hats as those are easy to make and fun!!

http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/baby.h...

or

http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/preemi...

And cheap yarn...

I get most of mine from Walmart or Joann.com.  Also, look at yard sales this summer... if they advertise 'crafts', they often have yarn.

Also, thrift shops sometime have it.

Another idea I have done is to buy old sweaters that are in pretty good shape still, of course, and then unravel the yarn/wool from the and rewind that.  It can be used again.

There is even a link from this page that tells you how to do that:

http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/how-to...

Hope this helps

Bev

Answer 3

i don't know about the cheap yarns but this website has lots of free patterns: http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/

idk if you can, but could you help me with mine please?

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

hope this helps

xx

Answer 4

I keep my eyes open for clearance priced yarn  at Joann's and even Walmart,  also Big Lots stores have close out yarns occasionally priced at only $1 a skein..  Joann's Fabric offer coupons from a monthly sale flyer you'll need to get on their mailing list through the store.  On line I frequently shop at Herreschner's yarn sale site.  http://yarnsale.herrschners.com/   Here you can sign up for a email alert to their weekly sales and they offer free shipping every so often which makes it the time to buy.  

For patterns try http://lionbrand.com/  click on free patterns

you'll need to sign up for their free membership to access them.  It is so totally worth it.  They rate their patterns easy, beginner etc...  Hope this helps.:)  I too love to knit and crochet.

Answer 5

Locate a freecycle group in your area and ask if anyone is getting rid of any yarn.  www.freecycle.org

Usually, you can get a good deal from Walmart, but if A.C. Moore has a 40 or 50 % off coupon, you can get the yarn cheaper there.  Sign up for their emails on their site. www.acmoore.com

As far as patterns, the internet will provide you with many free patterns.  Just type what you're looking for in your keyword search box and you will find a ton of hits.  Lion Brand Yarn has a site with free patterns, so you could start there.  You can also hook up with a knitting group through Yahoo.  The groups are great not only for help, but you can get patterns and make new friends.