Top Shops For Crafting In Philadelphia

When shopping won't do, or you can't find exactly what you want, turn to the craft stores in Philadelphia to find everything you need to complete a sewing, knitting or home design project. There are stores throughout the city to pick from, but here are some of the best. - Lindsay Tucker

Loop

1914 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(215) 893-9939
www.loopyarn.com

Over the past 5 years, Loop has evolved into a bricks and mortar store with the goal of creating a fun and straightforward shopping experience for hand-knitters. The many classes they offer, their selection of yarns, and the friendly staff that help you plot your project make their South Street store a knitting beacon in Philadelphia. They have lessons for the beginners, and for those who are interested in specific projects such as fingerless gloves, pullover sweaters, and stuffed animals.

Utrecht

301 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 546-7798
www.utrechtart.com

Philadelphia is home to many artists and art schools. Utrecht offers those on tight budgets a wealth of fine art materials and supplies for great prices. For the painter, printmaker, and drawer, they have products from around the world as well as from their own brand. For fine art students, Utretch is a one-stop source for class materials organized by school and offers special discounts. They can be with you all the way from your first art class as a child, to your adult endeavors sculpting, painting, drafting, and designing.

Joseph Karlin Company Fabrics

34 North 8th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 922-0476

Off the beaten path and unassuming, Joseph Karlin Company Fabrics (Karlin's) is an old-fashioned fabric store with high-quality variety of fabrics and sewing patterns at old-fashioned prices. Karlin's is beyond Bainbridge Street and the well-known Philadelphia mainstay of "Fabric Row." In addition to the affordable fabric selection, Karlin's also stocks buttons, trimmings, and other notions that will help their patrons finish their creation, enhance any store-bought item, or contribute to a DIY project.

Beadworks

619 East Passyunk Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 413-2323
www.beadworksphiladelphia.com

Beadworks is the perfect shop for the novice and jewelry-makers alike. Their class offerings include an introduction to beading, special projects, private classes, and special beading techniques--all of which include a substantial discount on the necessary supplies for students. There is an innumerable amount of components and beads available, including precious and semi-precious gems, and wood and organic beads. Beadworks also has sells jewelry kits, beading tools, and all the materials needed to begin your first or most recent project.

Blick Art Materials

1330 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 545-3214
www.dickblick.com

While it is a chain, Blick's lovely Philly location (next to West Elm) can't be overlooked -- head through the door and down the stairs to its massive subterranean showroom, where supplies are perfectly organized. Fans rave about the extensive selection of canvases, as well as the passionate and knowledgeable salespeople. From watercolors and colored pencils to signmaking and ceramics, Blick has you covered for all your artistic needs.