Yarn Traveler

Loop

When I first visited Loop (on our last trip two or three years ago?), I had been looking in knitting forums (most likely Knittyboard as it was pre-Ravelry days) for yarn stores as I planned our trip to London, and Loop was one of the most recommended stores at the time (and still is).

I’m very lucky in that I have a very indulgent significant other who is generally happy (or at least willing) to be led around to various yarn stores when we travel. Still, there was much to be seen all over London, so I was trying to narrow our yarn stops to just a few, choice stores. If I remember correctly, we focused on Liberty and Loop. We tried to find one other store that was reported as having a large stock of cashmere yarn, but it had gone out of business before we arrived. Anyway, I don’t remember being impressed that first visit. For some reason I only remember a number of multi-colored thick/thin yarns (which I dislike immensely).

This time around, Loop is the nearest store to my Islington flat, and I found myself in need of a circular needle in a size that I didn’t pack with me. Since Loop was close (relatively), and is known for their good prices on Addi needles (my favorite) I decided to give them another try. I’m so glad that I did.

The shop is small, but so are all the stores in London. They stock some standard go-to yarns like Debbie Bliss, Cascade (although that’s less common in the UK than in the US), and Rowan. They also have a very nice selection of what I would call luxury yarns such as Fleece Artist, Habu, and Blue Sky Alpacas. They are also the only store that I’ve found Colinette in stock.

Loop carries a large selection of Addi and Addi Lace needles, as well as Lantern Moon and others. There is a modest selection of buttons, but they are very nice, classic buttons. The store owner was friendly (so rare in London!) and was happy to help me find the needle size I was looking for. I left the store with my needles, a skein of orange alpaca (I couldn’t help it, it called to me), and a smile on my face.

If you’re looking to visit Loop on vacation, I recommend planning a stop on a Wednesday or a Saturday to take advantage of the Camden Passage Market on the way.

SUMMARY
Pros: Nice selection of quality yarns, warm friendly atmosphere, good selection of Addi needles.

Cons: A little bit out of the way for most casual tourists.

How to Get There: Angel Station. Turn right leaving the station in the direction of the Camden Passage Market, walk approximately 10 minutes up Upper Street or Essex Street to Cross Street.

Filed under: Yarn Store Reviews, London Yarn Stores on April 6th, 2009