Learn a craft, deepen one you already love, or just figure out what to buy next.
Whether you've never held a hook or you've got three sweaters behind you, we've laid out the path: what each tool actually does, what to buy first, and where a class can take you further.
However you learn best, this is how the shop is organized: pick the craft that fits how you want to spend your time, understand what each tool is for, gather what you need, then bring it to life on your own or with a teacher.
Choose your craft
Each craft uses different tools and rewards different kinds of patience. New to all of it, or just picking up a second one? Start here.
Knitting
Two needles, one loop at a time. Best for sweaters, socks, and projects you return to over weeks.
See the checklist →
Crochet
One hook, faster to pick up than knitting. Granny squares, amigurumi, and dense, sturdy fabric.
See the checklist →
Felting
No needles required for wet felting. Great for a hobbyist who wants sculptural, tactile results fast.
See the checklist →
Gifting
Not making it yourself, or short on time? Shop finished pieces and pre-planned kits.
See the checklist →Know your terms before you shop
Yarn weight and needle size decide how a project drapes, wears, and works up. Whether you're learning this for the first time or brushing up, here's the short version.
Thin, light yarn built for socks, shawls, and detail work. Slower to knit up, but the stitch definition shows.
A middle-weight yarn, forgiving for a first sweater and quick enough not to lose momentum.
The all-purpose weight. Most patterns and classes default here for a reason: it's easy to see your stitches.
Thick yarn, big needles, fast results. A good choice if you want to finish something in a weekend.
Your knitting checklist
The same four categories apply whether you're casting on for the first time or restocking for your next project. Here's what each one is for and what we'd point you toward.
Pick your fiber
Juniper Moon Farm – Patagonia
from $27.00
A DK-weight wool blend, forgiving for a first project and durable enough to wear often.
Match the needle to the yarn
KnitPro – Karbonz DPNs
from $15.50
Needle size is printed on the yarn label. Double-pointed needles like these are for socks and small tubes.
Small tools that save you time
CCK – Colored Stitch Markers
$9.50
Markers flag where a pattern changes, so you're not counting stitches from the beginning every row.
Get hands-on guidance
Intro to Knitting
$70.00
Covers casting on, the knit stitch, and reading a basic pattern, in a small group with a teacher.
Shop by what you need next
New projects usually start in one of these five categories. Browse by what you're missing, whether that's your first skein or your fiftieth.
Yarn
Our biggest category, and the place most projects start. Sorted here by what's moving fastest off the shelf.
Needles and hooks
Matched to the yarn weight you're working with. Not sure what size you need? Ask us or check the yarn label.
Notions
The small tools that make a project easier: markers, counters, and the things you'll reach for every session.
Accessories
Project bags, pins, and finishing touches for carrying your work between the shop and home.
Kits
Everything for one project bundled together, good for gifting or for trying a technique before committing further.
More than a yarn store
The Altered Stitch is a place to connect. We carry yarns at every price point, from beginner-friendly basics to indie-dyed treasures you won't find anywhere else. Shopping here means supporting a local business that loves fiber arts as much as you do.
A class for wherever you're starting from
You don't need a class to shop here. But a technique that takes an hour to explain in person can take weeks to puzzle out alone from a video. Start with the basics, or drop into something more advanced once you've got them down.
What our makers are creating in class
Every one of these started as someone's first try. Here's what a few classes actually turn into.
What our makers are saying
I took the Weekender sweater class and to my surprise, had a finished sweater at the end of it. The teacher made it stress free to book the class and is very patient and knowledgeable. This was my first sweater and I learned lots of great new techniques from her and even from some of my classmates. The every other week class schedule made it easy to attend.
I had a great time chatting and knitting this evening. Met an old internet friend and lovely others. Shared project info and felt very welcome too. Hope to come by again when I'm in the area again.
The store is very inviting and the owner Vanessa is very friendly and will take the time to make sure you find that perfect skein of yarn. I am happy to have found this community. I will definitely be back for more classes.
Start with what you already know you want to make
Or let us help you figure it out. Either way, we've got the checklist.
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