On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.

ImagiKnit

4.5 star rating
based on 103 reviews

Category: Arts & Crafts  [Edit]

Neighborhood: Castro
3897 18th St
(between Church St & Sanchez St)
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 621-6642
  • Hours:
    Mon-Sat 11:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
    Sun 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
  • Price Range: $$
  • Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
  • Parking: Street
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Sponsored Result You Might Also Consider
Beyond Beads

4.5 star rating 22 reviews

Neighborhood: SOMA

"So ..yeah I have an addictive personality, as I have mention in other reviews. I find something I like and have to do it all the time!  Meet…" read more »

103 Reviews for ImagiKnit

Sort by: Recent + Votes | Time | Rating
Photo of Lisa N.

Elite '08

48

283

Lisa N.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
04/30/2008

This place is cozy and welcoming to all.  I really appreciate the extremely knowledgeable staff they have working here.  I also appreciate them showing cost-conscience materials for a first-time knitter like me.  I wish I could name all that were so wonderfully helpful to me.  Thank you ImagiKnit for a great experience and beautiful yarn!

p.s. All sales are final so choose wisely!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of miss c.

 

0

16

miss c.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
05/06/2008

Oh, yes... I'd love to roll around in the yarns they sell there.

I think I go to Imagiknit at least once a week, just to check out the stuff they've got. Yes, I do end up leaving with at least two skeins of yarn that I don't need or know what to do with, but who cares? I love it...

The people that work there are super nice and extremely helpful. They know just what you need if you tell them what you want to make.

Oh, and all of the hand knits they have there on sale and as samples are just super fun to look at.  When I go in there, I wish I could just get everything! The selection of yarns there is just amazing...

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Cat K.

 

32

68

Cat K.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
04/22/2008

I yelped this place before stepping foot inside, and I have to say, thank you fellow Yelpers!

I walked in not knowing what to expect... I'm a beginning stage knitter (I can knit, purl, yo, ktog, but that's about it) and walked in just wanting to peruse the shelves.  

The girl (JR I think?) was SOOOO helpful.  I think at one point I just looked like I wanted to give up and she felt so bad for me and really kind of stuck with me throughout the whole process from picking a pattern, the yarn and the needles.  She even told me to come in anytime during the week if I needed help completing a project.

Also, she helped me ball the yarn, which ended up being way more fun than I anticipated.  It is a bit pricey, but the quality is SO nice that it's worth it!

Thank you so much ImagiKnit for all your help!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

People thought this was:

Useful  (2)

Funny  (2)

Cool  (1)

Photo of Sean O.

 

28

112

Sean O.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
04/21/2008

"Oh, my girlfriend Karolyn and I love us some knittin'. We took a knitting class there and it was all sorts of fun. It could have been that we always met for cocktails beforehand, but honestly it was a good group. Our second class was crochet and, well, that didn't work for us. The teacher was about as friendly as sitting on cactus. Didn't learn much that time.

The shop in general is lovely and they have everything you need to fulfill your knitting project fantasy. While it will cost you, the staff is also there to help you with any questions you may have. Despite my bummer of a crochet class, I still give them five stars."

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Funny  (1)

Cool  (1)

Photo of alli D.

 

0

3

alli D.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
04/13/2008

I agree with so many of the reviews I've read here. I've been knitting for over 20 years and I've been in a lot of yarn stores. I always go in there and want to love it too. The store itself is beautiful and the selection is amazing! They have everything. I also get the feeling that the staff is super experienced (if they'd just talk to me...).

I gave Imagiknit three stars because I guess I can't get over the fact that they just aren't that friendly. Nobody has ever been mean to me, but I can say with certainty they've just never been that nice. One day the salesperson and I were the only two people in the store. Not only did she ignore me, when I spoke to her she was cold and snotty. Sorry, but that means something to me. Shopping for yarn is part of the knitting experience for me and I enjoy talking to people about yarn and the various projects I'm working on. And yes, sometimes I need advice or a little help. I know they have work to do, but jeez is it too much to smile and show a little interest in your fellow knitters?

The other staff I've encountered haven't been very friendly or even helpful either.

I think if you're an experienced knitter and know exactly what you need and don't have any big questions you'll be fine. New knitters or social friendly knitters (..like me) beware.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Photo of Denise M.

Elite '08

49

257

Denise M.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
04/19/2008

The first time I visited this store, I was a fairly beginner knitter.  Way back when, if a pattern told me to use a certain type/brand of yarn, I thought it was best not to take a chance and stick to what was recommended.  

This was my first visit to a non-chain store like Michael's - and within minutes, I taught myself that you don't need to spend $8 for a 50g ball of yarn.

So, while I didn't end up paying $70+ for a potential baby sweater that could only be dry cleaned (who designs these patterns anyway?), I still have to say that the variety of yarns available in this store blew me away.  I was overwhelmed.  What was to be a quick 5 minute purchase became a 30 minute 'ooh and ah" session.  Such textures, quality, and colors!  So many cubbies to poke my hands into and feel the cool feather soft yarns of future wearable goodness.

Too much to select from for a beginner.  It was wonderful.  I chose a couple of novelty yarns to play with and a couple of notions, and walked away with some good advice from their friendly staff.  I couldn't NOT buy anything.

While I'm no where near expert in my knitting, I do know that this store will have what I need for those projects that I want to splurge on.  Of the few times I've been there, I've never been made to feel like I don't belong - regardless of my knitting expertise (or lack of).  I can browse all I want and not feel obligated to buy - which only makes me want to go back those times I do want to break out the credit card.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of shazzy c.

 

2

5

shazzy c.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
05/04/2008

A great yarn store in so many ways!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Julie A.

 

6

20

Julie A.

Berkeley, CA

4 star rating
04/16/2008

I'm a loyal East Bay girl and so I normally spend my yarn $$ at Article Pract, but when I happen to be in the city and in a cheating mood I go to ImaginKnit.  They have a huge selection, including great buttons and sock yarns.  A couple of times I've found the help a little snooty but generally they are friendly and helpful (they warm up once they see you're a good knitter -- which is silly, given that the noobs are more likely to spend too much, but whatever).  I like the way they have yarn arranged by gauge and fiber content, even if the prices can be a little hard to track down sometimes.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Jane L.

Elite '08

131

551

Jane L.

Santa Clara, CA

4 star rating
03/07/2008

Walls from top to bottom from every color of the rainbow greet me as I walk in.  I spot some Twinkle by Wenlan yarn.  Why hello luuuuver!

Combing through the shelves was a feat in itself even though skeins are organized by label and weight.  I drift into the other large room, find a baby section, small table in the back, books, buttons, and some sale yarn - seems like there's a whole dedicated section for it!

There are some display scarves and hats up for sale, you know when you are crunched for time and want to give a handknit present and pass it off as your own.  

I would've liked to give 5 stars, but I had high expectations.  There were two small couches, one in each room, and I just didn't get the feel that people hang out to knit there.  Maybe my timing was off.  

The classes offered were really basic and few.  And I didn't see many knit pieces on display.  Or maybe the ones that were on the racks weren't that inspiring.  I guess that's where your imagiknation comes in.

Still, if I lived in the neighborhood, it would be my favorite LYS.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Funny  (1)

Cool  (2)

Photo of Melissa G.

 

7

23

Melissa G.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
03/30/2008

I love Imagiknit!  A good majority of my ever expanding yarn stash comes from this great shop.  I have been here many, many times, and I think the staff is fab - they always have time to help me find something or ponder the 8000 buttons they have for the perfect choice for my new cardigan.  The selection is amazing too.  It is so comfortable and cute, it fuels my creativity every time I shop there.  My favorite yarn barn to date!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of leah p.

 

0

8

leah p.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
04/26/2008

imagiknit is my favorite place to supply my knitting needs.  the people who work there are overall very knowledgeable, helpful and nice, there is an amazing selection of goodies and they always have things in stock that I am looking for.  their recommendations on yarn substitutions are right on and they are very patient with beginners who need a lot of extra help.  it ain't cheap, but if I'm spending x number of hours making something for myself or a loved one, I want the good stuff.  

oh, and thank you to the lovely girl whose name I have forgotten who turned me on to the magic that is malabrigo.  putting down the lamb's pride in favor of the malabrigo was definitely a good call.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Monster C.

 

2

6

Monster C.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
03/19/2008

I love love love them!
At ImagiKnit you will always find something perfect with the help of someone as kind and creative as yourself.  
If I could move in and sleep on the couch surrounded by all those yarns and knit up love. . .if only.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Judy K.

Elite '08

42

132

Judy K.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
02/22/2008

I've been knitting on and off throughout my lifetime but was always disappointed with the outcome.  I never wore any of the many scarves that I have made.  Little did I know that I was using all the wrong yarns that were doing my many projects no justice!  Leslie took me to ImaginKnit and soon as I walked into the store, and then began my many OOHs and AHHS...I had to touch everything...everything was soft and luscious!  Leslie made a believer outta me and I am on my way to knitting my first pair of socks!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

People thought this was:

Funny  (1)

Photo of Kirsten Q.

Elite '08

86

119

Kirsten Q.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
01/29/2008

I'm not a crafty girl. I see other women, you know, those women who bake vegan cupcakes and do leathercrafting, women who throw together little slips of something fabulous on their sewing machines 30 minutes before going out, women who bead their own wedding dresses and knit bikinis and bind their own books. I'm not one of those awesome creative creatures that make places like Portland and SF so great.

In fact, I am a total spaz.

But Amy -- the Great Goddess of Patience Incarnate -- has taught me how to knit!

It is because of her (and Imagiknit, and my husband who bought me the knitting lessons for Christmas) that I have something to do with my hands while I slack away my pregnancy, atop the pillow nest on my couch and --hooray!-- no longer snacking on anything that isn't nailed down.

This store is well-stocked, easy to navigate, and staffed with very nice people. Plus-- a cute little dog!

Cozy, happy, five stars. I will be back for the hat class in February. Baby needs a woolly new lid!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

People thought this was:

Useful  (4)

Funny  (3)

Cool  (3)

Photo of Fonz Z.

 

4

10

Fonz Z.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
03/08/2008

Sigh... I really want to like it there, but sometimes I leave there feeling more wound up than my ball of yarn...It's like grandma's house, when grandma is a repressed, her patience is thin, and she's jonesing for valium. There's gay man grandma and regular lady grandma; it still runs tense.

I've been praying to the Yarn Gods asking for a miracle... help me find  peace in this otherwise charming store. Here's what beamed down from above: they have a great selection and are in an easy breezy location. And answering annoying, banal knitting questions again and again will prickle even the most saintly of grandmas. (I know, because I teach knitting myself!) The place is freezing, especially in the winter,  because one room is like a converted garage. You'd think with all those balls of yarn lining the walls it'd serve as some kind of insulation. Maybe they're edgy cause they're freezing.

I'd say I've gotten friendly service there about half the time. It depends on who's helping you or what kind of mood they're  in.  Best to ask the underlings; newer people who work there, who haven't lost their bright eyed, bushy tailed spark.  It's the other half that makes me want to take a bath afterwards.  Even the way they talk to each other is tense in a subtle, waspy way, like they're just barely keeping their annoyance under yarny wraps.  Ideally, I wouldn't have to ask a question, ever. If I ask  more than one or two questions; i'm pushing it; I definitely think twice before asking.  (the questions I was asking were about special ordering yarn...)

I'm thinking I should succumb to the wasp  factor and  take a valium before shopping there.  I'd feel better about spending my  money when i'm numbed up. I really want to like it, but I mostly just feel uncomfortable when I'm there.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of amanda v.

Elite '08

53

101

amanda v.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
02/05/2008

It was 2 min to 4 pm (closing time on sunday afternoon) and I was running to the door.  Huffing and puffing, worried that I wouldn't be able to get the bamboo needles that I needed.  I was greeted with smiles and a helpful staff.  
The walls are covered from top to bottom with the highest quality yarns.  I didn't have time to look at the whole store.  I love the homey feel of it.  It feels like my grandma is in the room ready to help me with my seed stitch.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Funny  (1)

Cool  (1)

Photo of Aleks K.

 

26

109

Aleks K.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
02/21/2008

dude, the ball-winder alone is a treat to bestow.  I became a dowdy old lady or a gay man today b/c of this store.  I am reborn.  I will unabashedly knit in plain view!  I am not ashamed.

I have to admit that I was a knit virgin until my yarn was balled today at ImaginKnit and I will still respect the merino wool in the morning.

Emily was very helpful when my friend had her yarnies in a bunch.   And I'm terribly in love with my long, eye-poking wooden knit needles that I purchased here-my very first pair.

My newly knitted beanie hat (thanks Genevieve) is off to this store!  When I finish knitting my sweater vest (every lezzie should have one), I'll take that off in salute too!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Sirima S.

Elite '08

39

71

Sirima S.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
02/13/2008

This place is like 'crack heaven' for knitters and non-knitters. Admittedly, I've developed a small yarn 'habit'. How can one walk by the hanks and skeins of sumptuous technicolor yarns, beautifully knitted scarves, hats, afghans, booties, and gloves without touching them. Its impossible. They even have a do-it-yourself baller. (I mean really. How does one pass that up.) The staff is super friendly and helpful. The prices and selection are better than the other 3 stores I've been to in SF.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Terry M.

 

0

15

Terry M.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
02/24/2008

I hadn't been to ImagiKnit for quite awhile because of several experiences of horrible customer service which was really hard to swallow because I was spending so much $$$$$$

I went today to get a specific yarn that my friend had bought there and Kurt was so pleasant, so helpful and just so great that my past memories of wanting to impale the clerk with my knitting needles floated away. I will be back so five stars each and evevy one of them for Kurt.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Liz P.

Elite '08

22

104

Liz P.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
01/06/2008

The selection here is phenomenal.  It's by far the best yarn store for selection I've encountered on the East or West Coast.  I've been to way more yarn stores than I care to admit.  If you could see the stash in my closet it's absurd.

The are where Imagiknit could improve is service.  Some staff is friendly and helpful, others are really not.  I've seen them get impatient with beginner knitters with lots of questions.  That's disappointing given knitters by nature are a helpful sort of folk.  Yeah, it can get annoying sometimes, but this is a business.  Knitting can be overwhelming for a beginner.  It's good business to be patient

This isn't an issue for me since I'm a seasoned knitter.  But I feel like they could try a little harder.  This place would earn five stars on selection alone.  But I can't ignore the service aspect.  I find the folks at Noe Knit and Atelier sweeter than pie with patience.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

People thought this was:

Useful  (2)

Cool  (2)

Photo of Lolia S.

Elite '08

274

586

Lolia S.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
12/09/2007

The largest yarn store in SF and the best (in terms of selection).  They expanded a few years ago, knocking down a wall in the process.  The place is organized by yarn type (wool, synthetics, cotton, etc.)  They carry the best yarn brands (Noro, Debbie Bliss, Manos, Jo Sharp, etc.) and always have a sale section.  

The main room has wool yarns and needles, while the other room has knitting books, non-wool yarns, and knitting cases.  There are some cute knitting related gifts like greeting cards with knitted squares, fancy knitting needles, tags to sew onto your knitted pieces (e.g., hand knit with love by...), and knitted animal ornaments.  The staff might not greet you but they are helpful and knowledgeable once approached.

They also have sample squares for most yarns with clear signage that tells you more about the yarn.  Plus they have knitting and crochet classes and a blog, http://www.imagiknit.c...

You earn a stamp on the frequent buyer program card for every $25 spent.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

People thought this was:

Useful  (5)

Cool  (3)

Photo of Elle K.

 

0

8

Elle K.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
02/18/2008

Warning to knitters:  If you walk into this store without a set list of what  to buy then be prepared to walk out with bags and bags full of yarn and supplies!  On second thought, doesn't matter if you walk in prepared.  It's dangerous either way.  Imagiknit is your one and only store for all your knitting and crocheting needs.  The variety and selection of yarn that they carry is quite extensive and very impressive.  The staff is always friendly and helpful in that not-trying-to-sell-more-stuff-to-you kind of way.  I've been to other great knitting stores in the city and this is my #1 favorite by far.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Rachel B.

Elite '08

15

147

Rachel B.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
01/16/2008

I first came here when I was just learning to knit, and at the time I found the outstanding selection to be simply terrifying and overwhelming.  I ran out without a single purchase, thinking that it was the store's fault that I caved in front of such an awesome display of woolly goodness.

Now I am wiser and with sorer wrists from knitting, and Imagiknit is my new favorite place in the city.  The selection is incredible, the people who work there are really nice and helpful, and the prices aren't even too bad for chichi knitting goods.  Plus they have a frequent buyer card that keeps bringing me back to spend more.  Three blocks from my house, it is both a blessing and a curse.  Damn you Imagiknit.  This is a cruel love.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Katie H.

 

2

53

Katie H.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
12/15/2007

Knitting/crocheting is next on the list of things I want to learn (I'm getting a head start on those New Years resolutions).  When I walked in, some ladies glared at me like I had a giant zit on my forehead but I didn't let it bother me.  Quickly they could tell I was a bit lost and offered some suggestion as to where to start my learning journey.  I grabbed some pink wool-ish yarn then had the dilemma of picking needles and hooks...ok..got some help here too.  Went to the register, got my little stamp card and now I learn I have to wind a ball of yarn.  I went back into the other room and another girl helped me figure that out.   She said "welcome to my world you'll become addicted."  If I become addicted, then I'll be broke. This shit is muchas pricier then JoAnn.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Photo of Irene Z.

 

5

158

Irene Z.

San Francisco, CA

1 star rating
03/16/2008

I cannot get past the snarky, rude, arrogant attitude of the owner and her staff.   I brought a very talented knitter here and they were so rude, that this usually tolerate soul told me we were leaving.  

Fonz describes them as "waspy"   ha  ha !!
Yeah, I wouldn't have thought of that word myself, but Fonz is right.  They are uptight waspy gals who should go back to Connecticut.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Heather O.

 

0

2

Heather O.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
02/05/2008

I absolutely and completely LOVE ImagiKnit.
I wish they would allow me to live in the store.
Although many of the reviews have stated that the staff isn't friendly, I have never experienced anything but smiles.  Each time I'm in the store, an employee helps me out with picking the right yarn, shows me where to find what I'm looking for, re-teaches me how to wind a ball of yarn on the wooden winder, and is always friendly.  They were once out of a specific yarn that I love, so they wrote down my name & number and called me shortly thereafter to let me know that my yarn had arrived.  Some people have also posted comments about the prices, but come on...you pay for what you get, and at ImagiKnit, what you get is the best.  My friends get me gift certificates to ImagiKnit for my birthday, because it's all I could ever ask for.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Brandy H.

 

6

25

Brandy H.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
11/16/2007

The staff at Imagiknit are like the bartenders at Toronado. They know they've got the best thing around so they're not going to be bothered with anything like being nice to a customer. Like any true addict... I routinely go back and spend large amounts of money here no matter how bad my last experience was.

And I am addicted... best yarn and book selection in the city and the only place I've found a good amount of wool roving for sale. So even though I kinda hate you, I will be back.

One additional star because of the new frequent buyer discount card. They don't have those at Toronado.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

People thought this was:

Useful  (2)

Funny  (1)

Cool  (2)

Photo of Colleen B.

 

3

5

Colleen B.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
01/17/2008

This place is excellent.  No knitting snobs here.  I'm a beginner knitter and the folks working at ImagiKnit are very patient and friendly.  The first time I went to the shop, I learned how to bolt my own yarn on the spindle thing.  I may not know the lingo, but nobody here cares.  The staff was sincerely invested in helping me find the right yarn for my project while working within my budget.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Nicolas H.

Elite '08

46

190

Nicolas H.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
12/12/2007

I had high hopes for this place.

They are much better than Art Fibers, only for the fact that they are mounds amount of cheaper. Yes, Art Fibers is all special made...but it's yarn, ya know?

Parking is kinda crazy to get here. Luckily, we found rock-star parking right outside. SCORE!

The only thing that was a little offsetting was that everyone there was a yarn-ie. They wanted to talk about it, the guy was asking me what I was doing with it (and while that's fine, you should train your voice to sound not so inquisitive when you ask questions...like I was gonna steal it or something.)

But, it was a nice store. Just somewhat hard to locate things. No one was really helpful throughout the process. It's good for multiple reasons, but not good for other reasons. Oh well.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of slayerela b.

 

57

48

slayerela b.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
09/30/2007

I was walking home from the Castro and the door just popped open.  No fucking joke.  So in I go and I am in Candyland.  I am riding the rainbow trail, on the fast track through the Lollipop Woods, skipping over every one of those menacing black-dotted spaces to the open arms of King Candy at the Castle!

I don't even know how to knit, but I am so going to learn.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

People thought this was:

Useful  (2)

Funny  (5)

Cool  (5)

Photo of lyla a.

 

3

11

lyla a.

South San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
10/25/2007

I love this place!  Everyone there is so helpful and welcoming.  I had a pattern that I got completely stuck on and one of the young ladies actually sat down with me and patiently showed me how to continue.  They even have a sale section and  my motto is......Sale yarn doesn't really count!  Coz technically I'm saving money!!!!!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Photo of Sarah H.

 

6

12

Sarah H.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
11/09/2007

I have a love-hate relationship with this store.  I love it.  Deeply.  And, I hate it.  Fiercely.  I cannot enter this store without spending at least forty-five minutes touching and squeezing all the yarn.  I also cannot enter this store if my bank account is low because I will inevitably find yarn I must have and I need three or four skeins please...and well, if you love your wool, you know what I'm talking about.  Fantastic selection.  Amazing colors, textures, wools and non-wools...this store is a knitter's wet-dream.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

People thought this was:

Cool  (1)

Photo of Nicole C.

 

2

6

Nicole C.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
11/01/2007

Great yarn store, in fact I think the best in SF!  They have a huge selection with helpful but not pushy salepeople.  The yarns are organized by fiber and they have a great selection of pattern books. Everyone there is excited about knitting and crochet.  They even have a girl there that is really into crochet which is great because we "Hookers" often get treated like the bastard stepchildren by the knitting elite.  

They always have a great selection of yarn on sale all year 'round too!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

People thought this was:

Cool  (1)

Photo of Tatjana G.

Elite '08

25

98

Tatjana G.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
10/12/2007

I wish I was a pothead, because then I'd get stoned, go to Imagiknit and happily play around with all the soft, beautiful yarns.

Excellent selection. Good sales bins that lessen the pain inflicted by the fancy yarn splurges. Helpful and friendly staff who never make fun of my knitting experiments gone awry.

Four homemaking, plush stars.

Oh, and knitting is the new black. So hip.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Amy L.

 

8

21

Amy L.

San Diego, CA

5 star rating
12/19/2007

ImagiKnit is like crack for knitters. They have two rooms filled with yarn, with natural fibers (like wool. angora, mohair, and alpaca) in the main room and synthetic fibers (like cotton, silk, seacell, and acrylic) in the other. Further, they are sorted by weight, from laceweight and fingering weight to bulky and superbulky. It's mindblowing, really. Sometimes, it's so mindblowing that my mind does this:

"Well, let's see, I"ll just go into the other room to look at what I need to get my friend for Christmas ... hey wait, isn't that ... yeah it is! Ooh, it's so soft, and squishy, and it's called "Smooshy"! How cute! Well, what about this ... ooh, and that, and I need these, well I don't really need them, but why shouldn't I get them ..."

This tends to go on as long as I'm in the store, which is never less than an hour, unless I focus really hard. Surrounded by yarn, focus just isn't an option. There have been some complaints about the price, but the truth is: yarn is expensive. Just as quilting fabric is expensive, just as any other crafting material is expensive. You pay for what you get. This may make me seem like a total yarn snob, but I knit on both ends .... I just like to splurge every once in a while, and ImagiKnit's pricing is competitive in today's yarnie world. That, and how could you beat the sheer amount of yarn in a single location. The ability to compare and contrast is a huge plus, not to mention the specialty yarns they carry. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful, but I think you have to know what you want to get the most out of their assistance. However, they're all incredibly experienced, and don't be afraid to ask them questions, despite all of the crazy they may exude. As far as I can tell, it's all in good fun. :) There are good reasons to keep coming home, and I wonder if this may be one of them.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

People thought this was:

Useful  (2)

Funny  (1)

Cool  (1)

Photo of Kristina R.

Elite '08

894

1906

Kristina R.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
06/07/2007

Holy Mother of God.  I want to sleep in the cashmere section and snuggle the angora...and I totally would, if I didn't know I would balloon up like a blimpy and break out into a horrific and somewhat nauseating rash all over my allergy prone body.  

Yes, I'm the geek on the playground with the inhaler, neck and head gear attached firmly to my braces with mini florescent pink rubber bands on them, a bad Korean perm, and Sophia Loren-esque rose colored glasses that are three sizes too big.

Throw into the mix a Hunter's Club "polo" shirt, a bitchin' pair of Gloria Vanderbilt jeans with the cool white side stitch, and a snazzy pair of Top Siders with the curly laces and you've got ME in the eighties...aka: the human dodge ball moving target...

My head is the size of Sputnik.  You can hardly blame the bullies for wanting to bean my giant noggin with that kind of enticement bobbing like a buoy on the ocean in front of them.  I forgive you, Billy Joe Barker...you friggin' psycho, you.

And so, with my allergies still an albatross on my back, I hold my breath when I enter ImagiKnit.  I've gotten quite good at it, and can now peruse the merino wool section, bulk yarns, and Lorna's Laces without turning blue and passing out.

Not so eight months ago, when I nearly passed out when I got over-excited about some lambswool on sale.  

ImaginKnit makes me risk my life for a ball of yarn.  That's FIVE ITCHY STARS for a fabulous store of knitted temptation!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

People thought this was:

Useful  (17)

Funny  (29)

Cool  (25)

Photo of yayoi s.

 

2

16

yayoi s.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
02/01/2008

hiya.  the reason why i am contributing to input on this place is
because every knitter should visit here.  the atmosphere is like a living room with yarn as walls.  
so so many great yarns to offer, that are available NO WHERE else nearby.  malabrigo forever!!!
it is just a bit snotty snooty elite here.  just come on in and pay no mind to the elite knitters that work here.  the lil asian dude is the most patient, understanding, and helpful guy there.  ok that's it.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Pirate M.

 

3

27

Pirate M.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
12/26/2007

wall-to-wall yarn.  

(I think i'm in textile heaven.)  not cheap, but sweet and knowledgable.  usually there's a sale section in the back.  lots of supplies and the people are really friendly and helpful.  i've been coming here for a couple of years and it's still my favorite yarn place.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

People thought this was:

Cool  (1)

Photo of Natalie G.

Elite '08

49

189

Natalie G.

Larkspur, CA

5 star rating
04/17/2007

This shop is PACKED with yarn..like floor to ceiling everywhere you look - YARN. They have way more than several gorgeous artisan skeins that would be a months rent if you decided to turn them into a sweater but they have some very affordable yarns as well. They have a fantastic selection of books to browse if you aren't quite sure what project you should be getting into as well as kits for scarves and the like. They also have a manual machine you can use to create the perfect ball of yarn with your purchase.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

People thought this was:

Useful  (5)

Funny  (1)

Cool  (5)

Photo of Susan W.

 

3

6

Susan W.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
05/30/2007

Oh, how I love this store. I realize that I am biased because A) I learned how to knit in one of their classes and B) the shop is just a block away from my house (hello, convenience - goodbye, money!), but after having been to a few other San Francisco knitting stores I know why Imagiknit is the one I keep going back to. Here's why :

The Staff: AWESOME! Patient, knowledgeable, friendly and a great help to beginners. Everyone I have ever encountered working there has always been pleasant  (including the owner). Amy and Dee are especially nice and helpful, as are Kurt and Jenn. They are always available to answer questions, make suggestions and even help you out with a project ( believe me, I've brought back many a hat/ scarf/ whatever with what I'm sure has been a dumb question, and they have always had time to show me how to fix it ). Also, unlike some other yarn stores where there is one employee for the whole store, there are always at least three people working here - one stays behind the counter to ring people up and the other two are on the floor helping customers.

Selection : Huge, varied and extremely well organized. You can find all the beautiful wool, silk, cotton and other fibers you have ever wanted in their two big rooms of yarn, which are stocked in order by yarn weight  (sport, bulky, etc.)  The prices are comparable to most other yarn stores and they have some great sales. There is a large selection of books and magazines, as well as an impressive collection of binders full of patterns for just about anything you could conceive of making. The only thing they are lacking is much of a selection of the much cheaper, mostly 100% acrylic yarns, but that's why God made Joann Fabrics and Michael's.

Classes / Lessons : I have taken three classes here and found them to be helpful and informative. Amy was the instructor for two of them, and she is patient and doesn't make you feel stupid for making a mistake. The class sizes are on the small side ( the "Hats" class I was in had the most students, about eight) and there is time to ask questions and receive individual help.

As far as lessons go, there are two choices. If you have a favorite staff member you can request them ( ie. "I'd like to have a lesson with Dee where we do nothing but make buttonholes for 60 minutes"), or you just tell them what you want to work on ( ie. "I want to learn to do cables") and then they will hook you up with the staff person who is best at the skill you want to learn. I have had one lesson so far and it was totally worth the $, as you have the whole time to work on exactly what you want. They also offer semi-private lessons, where you can come in with a friend for a lesser charge.

Lastly, if the owner is working you will probably catch a glimpse of her whippet, George, snoozing in his bed under the cash register. I am a total sucker for any kind of establishment with a resident dog, especially one who has his likeness in crochet (!) displayed in the store's window.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

People thought this was:

Useful  (2)

Funny  (1)

Cool  (2)

1 to 40 of 103 |  
Page: 1 2 3
Write a review

People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...

  • Photo of Noe Knit
    Noe Knit
    4 star rating 40 reviews
    Neighborhood: Noe Valley
    Category: Art Supplies
  • business image
    Greenwich Yarn
    4.5 star rating 10 reviews
    Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow
    Category: Arts & Crafts
  • business image
    Urban Knitting Studio
    4 star rating 22 reviews
    Neighborhood: Hayes Valley
    Category: Arts & Crafts
  • Photo of Art Fibers Gallery
    Art Fibers Gallery
    4 star rating 30 reviews
    Neighborhood: Financial District
    Category: Shopping