Where to Buy Yarn and Knitting Supplies in Singapore

Finding a good yarn shop in Singapore takes a little more effort than in colder countries, where knitting shops sit on every high street. Here, yarn is spread across specialist craft stores, haberdashery counters, online sellers and independent dyers. The bigger challenge is choosing yarn that makes sense in a city where it is hot and humid all year, but freezing inside an air-conditioned office. This guide covers where to shop, which fibres suit the tropics, and how to buy supplies without wasting money.

If you have not picked up needles yet, start with our beginner’s guide to knitting and crochet, then come back here when you are ready to shop.

Where to Buy Yarn in Singapore

There is no single “yarn district”, so most knitters use a mix of the following:

• Independent yarn and craft shops. These usually carry a curated range of natural fibres, imported brands and hand-dyed skeins, along with good needles and notions. The real value is the staff, who are often knitters themselves and can help you match yarn to a pattern. Some also run classes or knit-together sessions.
• Craft and hobby chains. Larger craft stores and stationery-and-hobby chains in malls tend to stock affordable acrylic and cotton yarn, beginner kits and basic tools. Good for first projects and kids’ crafts.
• Haberdashery and fabric shops. Older shopping centres and fabric areas often have shops selling buttons, trims, sewing thread and a shelf of yarn. Worth a browse for cotton and practical acrylics, plus notions such as buttons for finishing.
• Online marketplaces. E-commerce platforms offer huge choice and low prices, but quality varies. Read reviews carefully and be wary of colour differences between photos and the real thing.
• Independent dyers and overseas shops. Many local and regional dyers sell online through social media or their own websites. Ordering from overseas widens your options, but factor in shipping costs and delivery time, and check whether any goods and services tax (GST) applies on imported purchases.
• Craft fairs and markets. Weekend makers’ markets sometimes include yarn dyers and fibre artists. A good chance to touch the yarn before buying.

Opening hours, stock and prices change, so check a shop’s website or social media before travelling across the island for a specific yarn.

Choosing Fibres That Suit the Tropics

This is where knitting in Singapore differs from the advice in most pattern books. A chunky wool jumper may be a lovely project, but you will rarely wear it outdoors here. Think about what you will actually use.

Fibre	Feel in Singapore’s climate	Best for
Cotton	Cool, breathable, absorbs sweat; little stretch	Tops, dishcloths, bags, baby items
Linen or linen blends	Very cool and crisp, softens with washing	Summer tops, shawls, market bags
Bamboo or viscose blends	Silky, drapey, cool against skin	Light tops, scarves, drapey garments
Acrylic	Cheap, easy care, can feel warm and less breathable	Practice pieces, toys, blankets, kids’ crafts
Wool and wool blends	Warm; great in air-conditioning or for travel	Office cardigans, travel wear, gifts for colder places
Silk blends	Light, lustrous, comfortable in heat	Lightweight shawls and special pieces

A few practical points:

• Plant fibres are kinder in the heat but have less elasticity than wool, so knitted fabric can feel stiff and your tension may look uneven. Blends with a little wool or a synthetic can help.
• Wool still has a place. Air-conditioned offices, cinemas and long-haul flights are cold. A light merino cardigan or shawl gets more use than you might expect. Superwash wool is easier to machine wash, but always follow the label.
• Think about the end use. Amigurumi toys, bags, coasters and home décor work in any fibre, so they are popular local projects.

How to Read a Yarn Label Before You Buy

Every ball band tells you what you need. Before paying, check:

1. Fibre content. The percentage of each fibre.
2. Weight. Terms such as lace, fingering, sport, DK, worsted and bulky describe thickness. Match the weight your pattern asks for.
3. Length per ball. Compare length, not just ball weight, when working out how many balls you need. Two 50g balls can have very different lengths.
4. Suggested needle or hook size and gauge (stitches per 10cm).
5. Care instructions. Hand wash, machine wash, or dry flat.
6. Dye lot number. Buy enough yarn from the same dye lot for the whole project, as colours can vary between lots. Buy one extra ball if you are unsure.

Needles, Hooks and Other Supplies

You do not need a big kit to begin. A sensible starter list:

• One pair of needles or one hook in the size your first pattern calls for. Bamboo and wooden needles are less slippery and good for beginners; metal is faster once you are confident.
• Circular needles if you plan to knit hats or larger pieces, since they can also be used for flat knitting.
• Stitch markers, a tapestry needle and small scissors.
• A tape measure for checking gauge and size.
• A project bag to keep yarn clean.

Interchangeable needle sets are useful later, but they are a bigger investment, so buy them once you know which sizes and materials you like. For crafts that use similar supplies, see our guide to punch needling supplies.

Storing Yarn in Singapore’s Humidity

Humidity is the enemy of a yarn stash. Natural fibres can develop mould or a musty smell, and wool can attract moths and other pests.

• Use airtight containers or zip bags, and add a few silica gel packs or a moisture absorber. Replace or recharge them regularly.
• Keep yarn out of direct sun, which fades colours, and away from damp walls or bathrooms.
• Check wool every few months for moth damage. Cedar blocks or lavender sachets are popular deterrents, though they are not a guarantee.
• Air new yarn that smells of dye or storage before using it.
• Do not overbuy. A smaller stash that you actually use is easier to keep in good condition.

Tips for Buying Yarn on a Budget

• Start with mid-range cotton or a cotton blend. It is affordable, easy to see stitches in, and suits the climate.
• Watch for sales and bundle offers from shops you trust, but do not stock up on yarn you have no plan for.
• Swap with other knitters. Community knitting groups often trade leftover yarn.
• Learn from a class. Many workshops include materials, so you can try a fibre before committing. Our guide to knitting and crochet workshops explains what to look for.

Explore more: Hand-Spinning Yarn: Make Your Own Thread From Raw Fibre

Further reading: Art and Craft Supply Shops in Singapore Worth Knowing