Knit Picks vs Lion Brand Yarn: which one should you choose?
Quick answer: Choose Knit Picks if you want low-priced wool, cotton and alpaca yarns and matching needles, or if you live in the UK or Australia, where it ships directly. Choose Lion Brand Yarn if you want soft acrylic and blend yarns, many free patterns and kits that bundle yarn with a pattern. Both sell yarn from $4.99 a skein.
Knit Picks vs Lion Brand Yarn at a glance
| Knit Picks | Lion Brand Yarn | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Online yarn and knitting supply store with house-brand yarns | Family-owned US yarn brand and online store |
| Starting yarn price | From $4.99 per 50g (Wool of the Andes Worsted) | $4.99 per skein (Feels Like Butta, 218 yards) |
| Main fibers | Wool, cotton, alpaca and acrylic blends | Mostly acrylic and blends; also cotton, wool, merino and alpaca |
| Patterns | Downloadable patterns, many around $4.99 | Many free patterns; designer patterns usually $3 to $9 |
| Kits | Learn-to-knit kits and beginner pattern collections | Knit, crochet, weaving and loom kits with yarn and pattern |
| Free US shipping | Orders over $75; $6.99 below that | Contiguous US orders over a threshold shown in the cart |
| Ships to | US, Canada, UK and Australia | Free shipping covers the contiguous US; Canadian shoppers use a separate site |
| Best for | Knitters and crocheters on a budget who use a lot of yarn | Beginners and hobby knitters or crocheters of all levels |
From each official site, checked November 15, 2026. Prices change, so confirm before you buy.
Key differences
- Knit Picks focuses on house-brand yarns in wool, cotton and alpaca, such as Wool of the Andes Worsted in 100% Peruvian Highland wool, while Lion Brand Yarn is mostly acrylic and blends.
- Lion Brand Yarn offers many free patterns, while Knit Picks sells downloadable patterns, many around $4.99, alongside a free tutorial archive.
- Knit Picks publishes clear shipping tables for the US, Canada, the UK and Australia, while Lion Brand Yarn's free shipping covers only the contiguous US and Canadian shoppers are sent to a separate site.
- Most Knit Picks orders take 8-9 business days to ship, so it is a weaker fit if you need supplies fast.
- Lion Brand Yarn sells kits for knitting, crochet, weaving and looms, while Knit Picks' range centers on knitting yarn, needles such as the Options and Radiant lines, and learn-to-knit kits.
In one line each
Knit Picks
Online yarn store with low-priced house-brand yarns, needles, kits and knitting patterns. Starting price: Yarn from $4.99 per skein (often on sale). Best for: Knitters and crocheters on a budget.
Read the full Knit Picks summary →Lion Brand Yarn
Family-owned US yarn brand selling yarn, kits, patterns and tools for knitting and crochet. Best for: Knitters and crocheters of all levels.
Read the full Lion Brand Yarn summary →Frequently asked questions
Is Knit Picks cheaper than Lion Brand Yarn?
Their lowest prices are the same: both sell yarn from $4.99. Knit Picks' Wool of the Andes Worsted starts at $4.99 per 50g, and Lion Brand's Feels Like Butta costs $4.99 for a 218-yard skein. Both stores run frequent sales, so check live prices.
Does Knit Picks or Lion Brand Yarn have free patterns?
Lion Brand Yarn has many free patterns, plus paid patterns from independent designers at about $3 to $9. Knit Picks sells downloadable patterns, many around $4.99, and offers free learning resources and tutorials.
Which is better for wool yarn, Knit Picks or Lion Brand Yarn?
Knit Picks is the stronger fit for wool. Its range includes 100% Peruvian Highland wool and superwash merino sock yarn at low prices. Lion Brand Yarn does sell wool, merino and alpaca, but its range is mostly acrylic and blends.
Do Knit Picks and Lion Brand Yarn ship outside the US?
Knit Picks ships to the US, Canada, the UK and Australia, with free shipping over US$100, £85 and A$130 for the three non-US countries. Lion Brand Yarn's free shipping covers only the contiguous US, and Canadian shoppers are sent to a separate site.
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