The Bay Area Yarn Crawl
The folks at CrawlSF love a good crawl. While we tend to focus on the party crawls filled with drinking, dancing and the perfect hint of debauchery, the crawl concept can extend to pretty much anything. You can find food crawls, wine crawls and, in the Bay Area, you can even find a yarn crawl. If you are looking for a way to spark your creative side, the Bay Area Yarn Crawl offers 10 days of events, contest and more. If you still haven’t fulfilled your “try something new” New Year’s resolution, then this just may help you check that off the list.
Bay Area Yarn Crawl Details
Dates: March 14 to 23
Where: Takes place at over 22 Yarn Shops throughout the Bay Area
Enjoy a 10 day odyssey through the San Francisco Bay Area, winding from the sun-soaked hills of Morgan Hill to the breezy shores of San Rafael, all in pursuit of the perfect skein of yarn. The second annual Bay Area Yarn Crawl is a celebration of creativity, community & the tactile joys of knitting and crocheting that kicks off March 14 and runs through March 23.
After a successful debut last year, the 2025 edition promises to be bigger and bolder, inviting fiber enthusiasts to explore 22 local yarn shops across the region. From the moment you cross the threshold of each store, you’re greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors, like quality wools, silky cottons and plush blends, alongside the hum of shared passion from fellow crafters. It’s a chance to lose yourself in the textures, discover unique patterns, and maybe even stumble upon a new favorite shop that feels just right.
The crawl isn’t just about yarn, though. It’s a treasure hunt, too. Participants can pick up a bingo card at any of the stops (or download one online) and collect stamps with each visit. No purchase required, just a willingness to explore. Fill five squares in a row for a shot at a prize-filled bingo basket, or go all in for an X-pattern (nine diagonal stamps) or a blackout (all 25 squares) to unlock even grander rewards. This year, every bingo winner scores an exclusive sticker designed by Amy Snell, while the first 150 to hit X-pattern or blackout snag hand-dyed goodies from Urth Yarns or Seismic Butter Puff, a luscious merino-nylon blend custom-dyed for the event.
Each shop brings its own flavor to the crawl. From Livermore’s In Between Stitches to Pacifica’s Royal Bee Yarn Company, the stops double as mini-festivals with games, prizes, and the chance to swap stories with newfound friends.
“It’s not just about the yarn,” says one organizer. “It’s about the people you meet along the way.”
The crawl’s roots trace back to spring 2023, born from a post-pandemic desire to spotlight Northern California’s fiber arts scene. Organized by the Northern California Fiber Arts Business Association, the event reflects a set of guiding principles: inclusivity, local pride, and a zero-tolerance stance on hate or harassment. “We want everyone to feel they belong,” the group’s mission statement declares, emphasizing a space where creativity thrives across all backgrounds and identities.
For those plotting their route, the Bay Area’s iconic backdrop adds to the allure. You might start in Morgan Hill, surrounded by rolling vineyards, then head west to Pacifica for a sunset over the Pacific, skeins in tow. The official website (bayareayarncrawl.com) offers suggested day trips to ease the planning, though a quick check of shop hours is advised before setting out. And don’t forget the signature tote — adorned with Octavia, the crafty octopus — to carry your haul.
Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or a curious beginner, the Bay Area Yarn Crawl offers a rare blend of adventure and inspiration. Sign up for the newsletter to stay in the loop, grab your map, and dive into a world where every stitch tells a story. Where will the crawl take you? With 22 stops and 10 days to explore, the possibilities are as endless as the patterns you’ll find along the way.
Participating Businesses
A Pop of Color Yarns
16375 Monterey Road, Suite J
Morgan Hill, Ca. 95037
A Verb For Keeping Warm
6328 San Pablo Avenue
Oakland, Ca. 94608
Aranea Craft Studio
943 C Street
Hayward, Ca. 94541
Atelier Yarns
1818 Divisadero Street
San Francisco, Ca. 94115
Atelier Marin
1707 4th Street
San Rafael, CA 94901
Avenue Yarns
1325 Solano Avenue,
Albany, Ca. 94706
Black Squirrel Yarns
651 Addison Street, Suite B
Berkeley, Ca. 94710
Busy Stix
3409 Mount Diablo Blvd, Suite D
Lafayette, Ca. 94549
Busywork Craft Supply
605 Main Street
Martinez, Ca. 94553
Coven of Stitches
1062 Webster Street
Alameda, Ca. 94501
Dharma Trading Co.
1604 4th Street
San Rafael, Ca. 94901
Fengari Fiber Arts
415 Main Street
Half Moon Bay, Ca. 94019
Filory Yarn
1702 Meridian Ave, Suite H
San Jose, Ca. 95128
Firebird Yarns
1322 Haight Street
San Francisco, Ca. 94117
ImagiKnit
3897 18th Street
San Francisco, Ca. 94114
ImagiKnit Berkeley
2921 College Ave
Berkeley, CA 94705
In Between Stitches
167 N. Livermore Ave.
Livermore, Ca. 94550
Knit This, Purl That
474 Lindbergh Avenue
Livermore, Ca. 94550
Love Fest Fibers
3300 Judah Street
San Francisco, Ca. 94122
Nordic Nest
781 Laurel St
San Carlos, CA 94070
The Royal Bee Yarn Company
1922 Palmetto Avenue
Pacifica, Ca. 94044
Uncommon Threads
293 State Street
Los Altos, Ca. 94022
