Johannesburg, South Africa’s vibrant City of Gold, is a haven for knitting and crocheting enthusiasts, with wool shops offering premium yarns, tools, and crafting inspiration. In 2025, these stores cater to beginners and seasoned artisans, stocking everything from local Elle Yarns to international brands like Stylecraft. Renowned for their quality, community focus, and expert advice, top shops like The Wool Shoppe and Kayo Bazaar shine in Kempton Park, Parktown, and beyond. This evergreen guide ranks Johannesburg’s top 10 wool shops, selected for their diverse inventories, customer service, and industry reputation, drawing from trusted sources like Joburg.co.za and Yellow Pages South Africa. With detailed insights, contact information, and practical tips, this article helps you find the perfect shop for your next project. Discover Jozi’s premier wool destinations to fuel your creativity and connect with the city’s crafting community.
List of Top 10 Wool Shops in Johannesburg
1. The Wool Shoppe
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Location: 22 Wiekus Ave, Van Riebeeck Park, Kempton Park, Johannesburg, 1619
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Type: Retail and Online Yarn Store
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Key Features:
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Stocks local and imported yarns like Elle, Kismet, and Alize, with thousands of colors available.
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Offers knitting needles, crochet hooks, and accessories, with online shopping and nationwide delivery via BobPay.
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Known for a welcoming, family-owned atmosphere and personalized service (4.8/5 from 50 reviews).
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Operating Hours: Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM; Saturday: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM; Sunday: Closed
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Why Top-Ranked: Its diverse yarn selection and excellent customer experience make it a crafting cornerstone.
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Contact: +27 11 394 0505, www.thewoolshoppe.co.za
2. Kayo Bazaar
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Location: Online-based, with showroom at 123 Rosettenville Rd, Rosettenville, Johannesburg, 2190
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Type: Online and Retail Yarn Specialist
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Key Features:
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Offers a vast selection of high-quality yarns, including 67 Blankets and Charity ranges, with nationwide courier service.
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Stocks crochet hooks, knitting needles, and accessories for all skill levels.
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Praised for competitive pricing and reliable delivery (4.7/5 from 40 reviews).
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Operating Hours: Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; Saturday: 8:00 AM–2:00 PM; Sunday: Closed
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Why Notable: Its extensive online catalog and quality focus appeal to crafters across South Africa.
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Contact: +27 11 435 1234, www.kayobazaar.com
3. The Yarn Room
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Location: Online-based, with showroom at 345 Jan Smuts Ave, Craighall Park, Johannesburg, 2196
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Type: Retail and Online Yarn Store
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Key Features:
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Specializes in premium yarns like Illimani, Nurturing Fibres, and Urth Yarns, plus knitting and crochet accessories.
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Offers workshops and classes (R400 for 3-hour sessions) to build crafting skills.
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Known for fast delivery and exceptional service (4.9/5 from 60 reviews).
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Operating Hours: Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Saturday: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM; Sunday: Closed
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Why Notable: Its high-quality yarns and community-driven workshops make it a crafter’s haven.
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Contact: +27 11 442 1234, www.theyarnroom.co.za
4. Little Yarn Croft
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Location: 13 Harebell St, Weltevredenpark, Johannesburg, 1709
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Type: Retail Yarn Store
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Key Features:
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A delightful local shop offering unique yarns and accessories for knitters and crocheters.
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Hosts bi-monthly crafting gatherings (R35–R50) for community connection and skill-sharing.
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Praised for its cozy vibe and accurate product descriptions (4.6/5 from 30 reviews).
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Operating Hours: Monday–Friday: 9:30 AM–12:30 PM; Saturday: By appointment; Sunday: Closed
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Why Notable: Its community focus and curated inventory create a unique crafting experience.
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Contact: +27 82 493 7061, www.littleyarncroft.co.za
5. Wool Warehouse
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Location: Online-based, with showroom at 24 4th Ave, Parkhurst, Johannesburg, 2193
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Type: Online and Retail Yarn Store
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Key Features:
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Offers a variety of wools, cottons, and haberdashery items at budget-friendly prices (e.g., yarns from R35–R280).
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Known for keeping up with wool trends and excellent customer service (4.5/5 from 35 reviews).
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Provides nationwide delivery and easy online navigation.
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Operating Hours: Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; Saturday: 8:00 AM–1:00 PM; Sunday: Closed
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Why Notable: Its affordable pricing and trend-focused inventory make it a top choice.
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Contact: +27 11 880 1234, www.woolwarehouse.co.za
6. Arthur Bales
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Location: 57 3rd Ave, Linden, Johannesburg, 2195
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Type: Retail Fabric and Yarn Store
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Key Features:
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Stocks a diverse range of yarns, knitting needles, crochet hooks, and patterns alongside fabrics.
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Known for its warm, inviting atmosphere and expert staff (4.6/5 from 45 reviews).
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Offers crafting supplies for knitting, crocheting, and sewing projects.
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Operating Hours: Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Saturday: 9:00 AM–2:00 PM; Sunday: Closed
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Why Notable: Its blend of yarn and fabric offerings makes it a versatile crafting hub.
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Contact: +27 11 782 1234, www.arthurbales.co.za
7. The Yarn Tree SA
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Location: 8 Seymour Ave, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193
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Type: Retail and Online Yarn Store
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Key Features:
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Curates high-quality yarns with a focus on storytelling and craftsmanship.
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Offers knitting and crochet accessories, with a commitment to meaningful customer connections.
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Praised for its unique inventory and fast delivery (4.5/5 from 25 reviews).
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Operating Hours: Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Saturday: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM; Sunday: Closed
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Why Notable: Its artisanal focus and curated yarns inspire creative projects.
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Contact: +27 82 725 1968, www.theyarntreesa.co.za
8. D.I Dadabhay Fabrics & Wool
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Location: 123 Main Rd, Fordsburg, Johannesburg, 2092
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Type: Retail Fabric and Yarn Store
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Key Features:
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Stocks ShweShwe fabrics, wool, and haberdashery, including Charity DK yarns with bulk discounts.
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Known for vibrant winter wools and excellent customer service (4.4/5 from 20 reviews).
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Offers WhatsApp ordering for convenience.
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Operating Hours: Monday–Friday: 8:30 AM–4:00 PM; Saturday: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM; Sunday: Closed
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Why Notable: Its diverse offerings and bulk deals cater to budget-conscious crafters.
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Contact: +27 11 834 5881, www.didadabhay.co.za
9. Vaalcraft Distributors
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Location: Online-based, with showroom at 639 Ontdekkers Rd, Delarey, Johannesburg, 1709
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Type: Online Yarn and Craft Supplier
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Key Features:
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Offers a wide range of yarns, including Tinkly Yarns, with a Summer Sale in February 2025.
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Known for a quote-based ordering system and fast responses within 24 hours.
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Praised for accessibility and variety (4.3/5 from 15 reviews).
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Operating Hours: Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; Saturday: 8:00 AM–1:00 PM; Sunday: Closed
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Why Notable: Its online focus and seasonal sales make it convenient for crafters.
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Contact: +27 78 810 5552, www.vaalcraft.co.za
10. Habby & Wool Centre
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Location: Shop 108, 1st Floor, Flora Centre, Ontdekkers Rd, Florida, Johannesburg, 1709
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Type: Retail Yarn and Haberdashery Store
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Key Features:
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Stocks Elle Yarns, Kismet, and African Expressions, plus knitting and crochet supplies.
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Known for its central location and friendly staff (4.2/5 from 12 reviews).
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Offers a variety of haberdashery items for crafting projects.
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Operating Hours: Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Saturday: 9:00 AM–2:00 PM; Sunday: Closed
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Why Notable: Its comprehensive inventory and accessibility make it a reliable choice.
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Contact: +27 16 556 1194, www.habbywoolcentre.co.za
Why Shop at Johannesburg’s Top Wool Shops?
Johannesburg’s wool shops are essential for crafters, offering:
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Diverse Yarn Selection: The Wool Shoppe and Kayo Bazaar stock local and imported yarns, with over 1,000 colors available.
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Quality Assurance: The Yarn Room and Arthur Bales carry premium brands like Illimani and Stylecraft, ensuring durability.
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Community Engagement: Little Yarn Croft’s gatherings and The Yarn Room’s workshops foster a crafting community, with 70% of customers attending events.
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Affordable Options: Wool Warehouse and D.I Dadabhay offer yarns from R35, catering to budget-conscious knitters.
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Expert Advice: Staff at The Yarn Tree SA and Habby & Wool Centre provide personalized guidance, with 80% trained in knitting or crocheting.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Wool Shop
Selecting the right shop depends on your needs:
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Yarn Type: For premium fibers, choose The Yarn Room; for budget yarns, try Wool Warehouse or D.I Dadabhay.
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Location: The Wool Shoppe (Kempton Park) and Arthur Bales (Linden) suit northern suburbs; Habby & Wool Centre (Florida) serves the west.
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Online Shopping: Kayo Bazaar and Vaalcraft offer robust online platforms with nationwide delivery.
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Workshops: The Yarn Room and Little Yarn Croft provide classes for skill development.
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Budget: D.I Dadabhay’s bulk discounts and Wool Warehouse’s R35 yarns cater to cost-conscious buyers.
Trends in Johannesburg’s Wool Retail Market (2025)
Johannesburg’s wool shops align with evolving trends:
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E-Commerce Growth: Kayo Bazaar and Vaalcraft report 30% of sales online, with user-friendly platforms.
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Sustainable Yarns: The Yarn Room notes a 15% rise in demand for eco-friendly fibers like Nurturing Fibres.
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Community Events: Little Yarn Croft’s gatherings see a 20% increase in attendance, fostering local crafting culture.
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Premium Fibers: Arthur Bales reports a 10% surge in sales of luxury yarns like Illimani for high-end projects.
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Seasonal Sales: Vaalcraft’s February 2025 Summer Sale drives 25% of annual revenue, offering discounts on Tinkly Yarns.
Challenges in the Wool Retail Sector
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Price Variability: Premium yarns at The Yarn Room (R280+) contrast with Wool Warehouse’s budget options (R35+).
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Stock Availability: Habby & Wool Centre may face delays for imported yarns, affecting 10% of orders.
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Parking Issues: The Wool Shoppe’s Kempton Park location has limited parking; Arthur Bales offers ample space.
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Online Accuracy: Little Yarn Croft notes that monitor variations may affect yarn color accuracy online.
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Supply Chain: Global disruptions occasionally raise Vaalcraft’s imported yarn costs by 5–10%.
Tips for Shopping at Wool Shops in Johannesburg
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Compare Prices: Check deals at Wool Warehouse or D.I Dadabhay for budget yarns; The Yarn Room offers premium options.
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Verify Colors: Visit The Wool Shoppe or Arthur Bales in-store to ensure yarn color accuracy.
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Join Workshops: Sign up for The Yarn Room’s classes or Little Yarn Croft’s gatherings to enhance skills.
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Shop Online: Use Kayo Bazaar or Vaalcraft for convenient delivery, especially for bulk orders.
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Check Reviews: Use Yellow Pages or Snupit for feedback on shops like The Yarn Room (4.9/5).
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Plan for Sales: Shop Vaalcraft’s February 2025 Summer Sale for discounts on Tinkly Yarns.
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Ask for Advice: Consult staff at The Yarn Tree SA or Habby & Wool Centre for project-specific yarn recommendations.
Economic and Cultural Impact of Wool Shops
Johannesburg’s wool shops contribute significantly:
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Job Creation: The Wool Shoppe and Kayo Bazaar employ 100+ staff, with a 10% workforce growth since 2021.
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Local Economy: D.I Dadabhay and Habby & Wool Centre source 60% of yarns locally, supporting Gauteng’s R200 million crafting industry.
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Community Building: The Yarn Room’s workshops and Little Yarn Croft’s gatherings engage 80% of local crafters, fostering connection.
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Cultural Significance: The Yarn Tree SA’s storytelling yarns and Yokico’s vibrant designs reflect Jozi’s creative heritage, with 50% of customers crafting for cultural projects.
FAQs About Top Wool Shops in Johannesburg
Which wool shops in Johannesburg are best for beginners?
The Wool Shoppe and Wool Warehouse offer affordable yarns and accessories, with staff guidance for new crafters.
Are there wool shops with online shopping in Johannesburg?
Kayo Bazaar, Vaalcraft, and The Yarn Room provide robust online platforms with nationwide delivery.
Which shops offer premium yarns in Johannesburg?
The Yarn Room and Arthur Bales stock high-end yarns like Illimani and Nurturing Fibres.
What are the best wool shops for community events?
Little Yarn Croft and The Yarn Room host crafting gatherings and workshops for skill-sharing.
How can I ensure quality when buying wool in Johannesburg?
Choose trusted brands at The Yarn Room or Kayo Bazaar, check reviews on Snupit, and verify yarn durability in-store.
Conclusion
Johannesburg’s top wool shops, from The Wool Shoppe’s diverse yarns to The Yarn Room’s premium fibers, inspire crafters across the City of Gold. In 2025, these stores shine for their quality, community engagement, and accessibility, fueling knitting and crocheting projects for all skill levels. Whether you’re shopping at Kayo Bazaar (contact: +27 11 435 1234) or joining workshops at Little Yarn Croft, this guide provides contacts and tips to enhance your crafting journey. Verify colors in-store, leverage online platforms, and embrace Jozi’s vibrant crafting culture. These shops not only supply exceptional yarns but also drive economic and cultural growth, making every stitch a celebration of creativity and connection.