When it comes to buying supplies for your knitting projects, there are plenty of options to choose from. Two popular choices are knitting subscription boxes and traditional craft store shopping. Both have their advantages, but the right option for you depends on your personal preferences, your level of experience, and the type of projects you enjoy.
In this post, we’ll break down the benefits and drawbacks of both approaches, helping you decide which one suits you best.
Convenience and Accessibility
Knitting Subscription Boxes:
One of the biggest selling points of knitting subscription boxes is convenience. These boxes bring everything you need—yarn, patterns, needles, and sometimes even extras like stitch markers or notions—directly to your doorstep every month. This makes it easy to get started on your next project without leaving the house. Plus, many subscription services offer curated kits, so you don’t have to spend time selecting materials or coming up with ideas. It’s all taken care of for you, making it an ideal choice for busy knitters or those who prefer a streamlined experience. Hit the link to shop for knitting kits for beginners and experts, plus start your subscription.
Craft Store Shopping:
While craft stores may not offer the same level of convenience, they do provide immediate access to supplies. If you need something urgently or prefer to see and feel the materials before you buy, a trip to the craft store can be a good option. You have complete control over what you choose, and you can shop based on current needs or preferences. However, it does require more time and effort, as you have to travel to the store and browse through the aisles.
Variety and Experimentation
Knitting Subscription Boxes:
Subscription boxes often introduce you to new yarns, colours, and techniques you might not otherwise encounter. They offer curated experiences that encourage you to step outside your usual knitting comfort zone. For example, you might receive a box featuring a yarn type you’ve never tried before or a pattern for a technique you’ve been wanting to master. This element of surprise can keep your projects fresh and exciting, and it’s a great way to experiment with different materials without committing to large quantities of something you’re unsure about.
Craft Store Shopping:
In a craft store, you have endless choices—just about any type of yarn, needle, or pattern is available for you to purchase individually. While this gives you freedom to select exactly what you want, it can also be overwhelming. Without the guidance of a curated box, you may find it harder to explore new ideas, especially if you’re unsure of what to try next. Additionally, buying yarn in bulk can be costly, especially if you end up not liking it or don’t know how to use it effectively.
Cost-Effectiveness
Knitting Subscription Boxes:
The cost of a knitting subscription box varies depending on the service, but it generally includes the yarn, pattern, and sometimes extra tools for a set price. This can be a good deal for knitters who don’t want to spend time hunting for deals or comparing prices. Subscription boxes can also offer a more affordable way to sample high-quality yarns and tools that might otherwise be out of your budget. However, the price can add up over time, especially if you’re receiving a box every month.
Craft Store Shopping:
Craft stores offer a more flexible approach to budgeting. You can decide exactly how much you want to spend based on your project. You may find cheaper options for yarn or tools, and you can shop sales or discounts to get the best deals. However, it can also be easy to overspend, especially if you’re tempted by impulse purchases. Additionally, you might end up with leftover materials, which could contribute to wasted money or clutter in your craft space.
Elements You Want from a Knitting Subscription
All Materials Included
You want every box you receive to include everything you need to complete a pattern. After all, you want to get started as soon as it arrives. You don’t want to be rushing to the shops to buy yarn and other items you need. So, look for a provider that has thought ahead and packed your box with all the right content. Then, you know that you’re spending your money wisely.
A Points System
Everybody loves to be rewarded when they spend money. Well, know that some companies will have a point system. The idea is that you gain points from every subscription box. Eventually, this can add up and give you something. It could be money off the next box or a freebie. Either way, it can be a great thing that brings excitement and reward.
The Ability to Cancel at Anytime
Ultimately, most people don’t know how long they want to have a knitting subscription. You might keep it up for the whole year or decide that you want to take a break. Perhaps you don’t like the boxes or you’re going on vacation. It doesn’t matter what the situation is; if circumstances change, you want the ability to cancel at any time. Therefore, when you’re searching for a subscription, choose a company that allows you to cancel whenever you want without any charges or hassle.
Clear Pricing
Of course, you need to know how much you’re going to be paying for your knitting subscription. Look for providers that give you a clear structure and outline all of the prices. While you might get a discount to start with, you need to know what you’re going to be paying after that. Being open and honest means that you get to decide how long you want to keep the subscription going for.
Conclusion
Both knitting subscription boxes and craft store shopping have their unique advantages, and the best choice depends on your personal preferences and goals. Subscription boxes offer convenience, new experiences, and structured learning, while craft stores provide more freedom, variety, and immediate access to supplies.
Ultimately, it’s all about what works best for you. If you’re looking for a curated experience with less hassle, a knitting subscription box might be your perfect fit. But if you enjoy the flexibility to pick your own materials and take your time browsing, traditional craft store shopping could be the better option.
