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Why I Love Handspun Yarn (Even Though I’m a Bargain Shopper)

 

If you've been watching my videos lately, you might be thinking I'm all about cheap yarn. And hey, there’s nothing wrong with a good bargain! But that’s not the whole story. I love all kinds of yarn, from the big-box basics to handspun masterpieces. It just depends on the project and the purpose.

From Beginner to Yarn Explorer

When I first started crocheting, I didn’t know anything about yarn and that’s totally normal. If you’re new, don’t worry! Over time, as you use more yarn and tackle more projects, you’ll figure out what you love (and what you don’t).

Now that I’ve been crocheting for a while, I’ve realized that I’m not a yarn snob, I just believe in the right yarn for the right job. Sometimes that’s a budget-friendly ball from the craft store. And sometimes it’s a stunning handspun skein that feels like art.

Sticker Shock at the Yarn Shop

Not long ago, I visited the Des Moines Weavers and Spinners Guild and saw some jaw-droppingly beautiful yarn. READ THE BLOG POST HERE. But if you’re used to shopping at big box stores, walking into a local yarn shop can come with some serious sticker shock. Seeing price tags like $30, $40, even $48, on a single skein might make you wonder, Why is this so expensive?

Here’s the thing: it’s not just yarn. You’re paying for time, talent, and artistry.

What Makes Handspun and Hand-Dyed Yarn So Special?

Handmade yarn is a labor of love. Whether it’s dyed or spun (or both), every step is touched by human hands.

Some handspun yarn starts on a drop spindle, which I’ve been experimenting with myself or on a spinning wheel, which can take hours or even days to produce a single skein. Hand-dyed yarn often starts with raw, undyed fiber that’s blended, braided, dyed, dried, and then spun. It’s an entire creative journey.

Take one of my favorite skeins, for example: it was spun by Katie of Katie’s Been Yarnified, using fiber from Terra Fibers. She named it “100% Shannon”—how cool is that?! You’re not going to find a yarn with my name on it at Michaels, that’s for sure.

Yes, It Costs More—But It’s Worth It

Handspun yarn isn’t mass produced. These makers aren’t buying 10,000 units from a factory. They’re buying ten braids of wool. They’re picking out the exact dyes they love. They’re supporting small farms and often using higher-quality, organic, or eco-friendly materials.

That’s why it costs more. And that’s also why it’s so much more satisfying to work with.

When to Splurge—and How to Make It Count

Personally, I use my luxury yarns for statement pieces: a cozy cowl, a collar, a hat or something soft and beautiful that touches the skin and lets the yarn shine. I also prototype my patterns using more affordable yarn, so I can save my special skeins for the final project.

If you’re curious about luxury yarn but not quite ready to commit, try this:

  • Experiment with fibers from Knit Picks, WeCrochet, Drops, or Yarnsmiths. They offer merino, alpaca, and blends that are a step up from typical budget yarn.

  • Use your stash strategically by pairing commercial yarn with small amounts of handspun for contrast or stripes.

  • Save up! I set aside money each month and splurge when I go to festivals or fiber events. If someone asks what you want for your birthday? A gift card to your favorite indie dyer is perfect.

  • Try spinning your own yarn. I started with a $20 drop spindle and some affordable fiber, and it gave me a whole new appreciation for the process. CLICK HERE to get affordable spinning supplies!

It’s Not Just Yarn,It’s Art

I used to think expensive yarn was ridiculous. But over time, I’ve shifted my mindset. I’ve moved from “how much can I get for how little?” to “how special can I make this piece?” These yarns are made by artists who pour themselves into every fiber—and that love shows in every stitch. CLICK HERE to watch a video on changing my mentality.

Click HERE to watch the YouTube video!


Ready to Try It Yourself?

If you’ve never worked with handspun yarn, I encourage you to try it, even just once. It might become the rockstar of your next project. And if you have questions about spinning or dyeing, leave them in the comments! I’ll make sure my fiber friends like Katie and Cydney stop by to help answer.

Don’t forget: I send out a monthly email with exclusive content (and one special video!) just for subscribers. It’s totally free and full of boho yarny vibes. Sign up here if you haven’t yet.

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