The 5 Best Retail Store Yarns

Retail store yarns aren’t just inxpensive, they’re also soft and versatile. Here are the best retail store yarns you can (probably) find near you!

When did you learn to knit or crochet?

When I began knitting, there was no YouTube. I learned from craft store pamphlets, magazines, library books, and a ton of trial and error. My yarn, needles, and notions came from the closest retail store that carried them.

Two decades have passed. I’ve grown as a knitter, learning skills from YouTube and classes and incorporating new fibers and hand-dyed yarns. The beauty of indie yarns and expertise of local yarn shop staff cannot be denied. I purchase from both frequently.

Still, I frequently find myself wandering the aisles of those big retail stores. I appreciate the possibilities that line the shelves. Retail store yarn is versatile, durable, and affordable!

In no particular order, here are my favorite retail store yarns.

1. Caron Simply Soft

Simply Soft yarn by Caron is a standout in the world of acrylics because of its softness and its sheen. It’s also strong, able to withstand a machine wash and dry. It’s used often in garments for babies because of this softness and durability.

To date, Caron Simply Soft yarn has been used in over 215,000 projects on Ravelry! It’s available in over 100 shades, including pastel, bright, stripes, ombre, speckles, and tweed. You can find the perfect shade for everything from cardigans to amigurumi. My favorite shade is Cobalt Blue.

Caron Simply Soft
Fiber: 100% acrylic
Weight: 6 ounces/170 grams per skein
Yardage: 315 yards/288 meters per skein
Recommended Needle/Hook: US #8/5.00 mm, US H/8
Featured Pattern: Summer Stitch Sampler KAL

2. Impeccable Loops & Threads

Loops & Threads is the Michaels in-house yarn brand. Impeccable yarn is available in 62 solids, plus speckles, stripes, tweed, and ombre. My favorite is Newspaper, a monochromatic colorway with stripes.

While Impeccable isn’t known for its softness, it’s an extremely durable yarn that is available at an excellent price point, especially if you factor in the frequent coupons and sales available at Michaels. (Consider that the price point will be driven up by the cost of shipping if you don’t live near a Michaels store.)

Impeccable Loops & Threads
Fiber: 100% acrylic
Weight: 4.5 ounces/127.5 grams per skein
Yardage: 285 yards/260 meters per skein
Recommended Needle/Hook: US #8/5.00 mm, US H/8
Featured Pattern: Sugar Baby Pumpkin Hat

3. Lily Sugar ‘n Cream

Lily Sugar ‘n Cream yarn is the most popular cotton yarn in the country. It is made of US-grown cotton and manufactured in Canada and is a staple of North American home knitting. It’s absorbent, too, which is why it is often used to create items for the kitchen or bathroom. It’s also useful for lightweight summer garments.

Sugar ‘n Cream is available in a variety of colors, including a line of natural shades, stripes, and twists. There are even a few colorways that are scented! My favorite is an unscented solid, Sage.

Lily Sugar ‘n Cream
Fiber: 100% cotton
Weight: 2.5 ounces/70.9 grams per skein
Yardage: 120 yards/109 meters per skein
Recommended Needle/Hook: US #7/4.50 mm, US H/8
Featured Pattern: Sea Spray Tea Towel

4. Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick

Wool-Ease Thick & Quick yarn lives up to its name. It’s a thick yarn that works up quickly and easily. With an average makeup of 20% wool, it is also quite warm! It’s a winter knitting staple, frequently used to make sweaters, scarves, hats, and mittens.

Wool-Ease Thick & Quick yarn is available in solids, variegated colorways, heathers, prints, stripes, and even metallics! My favorite is Seaglass, which features stripes of ice blue, bark brown, navy, and jade on an oatmeal base.

Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
Fiber: 80% acrylic, 20% wool (some skeins contain rayon)
Weight: 6 ounces/170 grams per skein
Yardage: 106 yards/97 meters per skein
Recommended Needle/Hook: US #13/9.0 mm, US N/13
Featured Pattern: Boardwalk Beach Bag

5. Red Heart Super Saver

Red Heart Super Saver yarn is an easy-care, durable yarn. It’s machine washable and doesn’t shrink! It’s often written off by knitters for being “scratchy,” though it definitely softens after a wash. Crocheters seem less likely to notice.

Red Heart Super Saver yarn is available in over 125 colorways, including stripes, prints, multis, and ombres. A few colorways are available in a striped pattern designed especially for planned pooling! My favorite colorway is a non-pooling variegated, Monet.

Red Heart Super Saver
Fiber: 100% acrylic
Weight: 7 ounces/198 grams per skein
Yardage: 364 yards/333 meters per skein
Recommended Needle/Hook: US #8/5.00 mm, US I/9
Featured Pattern: Spring Stitch Sampler Afghan

What’s your favorite retail store yarn?