Orchard Yarn & Thread Co. Inc.

Lion Brand Yarn is America's oldest craft yarn company with 80+ active yarn families. Find your next project by searching over 8,000 free knitting and crochet patterns for afghans, hats, scarves and much more.

Lion Brand Yarn is America's oldest craft yarn company, rooted in nearly 150 years of family tradition. They stock over 80 active yarn families alongside thousands of free knitting and crochet patterns.

Who Should Shop at Lion Brand Yarn

Lion Brand Yarn serves knitters, crocheters, and weavers at every skill level—from first-time crafters picking up needles for the first time to seasoned artisans working on complex projects. If you're drawn to structured patterns, clear instructions, and reliable materials, this store aligns with makers who value both tradition and accessibility. The company's five-generation, family-owned heritage means they've spent nearly 150 years refining their product selection and understanding what creators actually need. Whether you're making afghans, hats, scarves, or experimental pieces, the breadth of their free pattern library makes it easy to find inspiration without paying upfront design costs. This is especially valuable if you like to browse and plan multiple projects before committing to yarn.

What Lion Brand Yarn Offers Beyond Just Yarn

While yarn forms the core of their inventory, Lion Brand's product ecosystem is broader than the name suggests. They curate an extensive library of over 8,000 free knitting and crochet patterns, covering traditional projects like blankets and accessories as well as more adventurous designs. Kits bundle yarn with patterns and instructions, removing the guesswork for beginners or anyone wanting a cohesive project in one purchase. Tools—needles, hooks, and notions—round out the offering so you can fill gaps in your craft supplies without leaving the site. Their marketplace patterns add another layer, letting you explore designs from independent creators. This depth means you're not just buying yarn; you're gaining access to a complete creative ecosystem designed to support your projects from conception to completion.

What stands out

• Nearly 150 years of yarn expertise and family-owned reliability
• Over 8,000 free patterns reduce planning costs for makers
• Kits bundle yarn, patterns, and tools for beginner-friendly projects

Worth knowing

• Yarn limited to 80 families may feel restrictive for specialized fiber seekers
• Free patterns require browsing a large library to find the right fit

What is the difference between Marketplace Patterns and regular Patterns?

Marketplace Patterns are designs from independent creators, while regular Patterns are curated by Lion Brand Yarn itself. Both are available in their library; the distinction lets you explore community-designed projects alongside official collections based on your preferences and trust level.