Edinburgh Local Yarn Stores Guide (Part 1)
Home of the Edinburgh Yarn Festival, Edinburgh is also home to a variety of great local yarn stores. I’ve been lucky enough to call Edinburgh home for three years now, which means I’ve had the opportunity to go to EYF for the past three years. This year, the team behind the fest are taking a well deserved break, but there’s still plenty of yarn to squish in the city in the meantime!
This series of posts will feature four different Edinburgh yarn shops as well as my recommendations on what to do nearby. Edinburgh is a very walkable city, so you can easily fit in yarn shopping with sightseeing, eating and drinking.
Ginger Twist Studio
11 London Rd, Edinburgh EH7 5AP
Never has a yarn shop deserved the adjective 'wee' like Ginger Twist Studio. This tiny, but boldly painted, LYS is absolutely bursting with beautiful yarn.
There's only ever one member of staff working at a time (there's no space for much else!), but don’t let the intimacy intimidate you. I’ve never been made to feel rushed or watched while I browse, and if I need help, whoever is working has always been more than happy to help.
One wall of the shop is dedicated to Ginger's Hand Dyed which is dyed by owner, Jess, in lovely semi-solids, and many compositions and weights. Twisted hanks sit on the top shelf, ready to be taken home, while untwisted ones hang down from hooks. It’s a good opportunity to see the lovely variations in the dye.
Choose from luxurious bases like Merino Yak & Silk, or Baby Alpaca. Or go breed specific with British Wensleydale, British Masham & Blue Faced Leicester, or Corriedale. 100g skeins cost anywhere from £18.50-£24.
I used Ginger’s Hand Dyed Sheepish Sock base (80% Superwash British Bluefaced Leicester, 20% Nylon) for a crocheted Honeyclone Cowl. The yarn has a high twist which is quite prominent, and added another dimension of texture to my stitches.
Things to do near Ginger Twist Studio
Holyrood Palace
Go see where the Queen stays when she's in Edinburgh, just a 10 min walk away. Tickets to the palace include a self-guided audio tour which goes through the grand State apartments, Mary Queen of Scots' chambers, and the romantic ruins of Holyrood Abbey. I actually enjoy visiting the palace more than Edinburgh Castle, which is on the opposite end of the Royal Mile.
Polentoni
My uncle is absolutely obsessed with this Italian style cafe. Go for brunch if you're a fan of gorgeous bread and poached eggs, and enjoy their big portions. I've never been for lunch, but if their breakfasts are anything to go by, lunch will be tasty too. You may want to book, especially at the weekend!
Red Kite Cafe
Both Polentoni and Red Kite Cafe are good for vegetarians, but if you're looking for a full Scottish, go to Red Kite. Their veggie breakfast is loaded with free-range eggs, roast mushroom, roast tomato, home baked beans, and veggie haggis.
Regent Bar
A traditionally gay pub, good for a casual midday drink, particularly if you're looking for a real ale. Might be a good place to fortify yourself with a pint before taking on Arthur’s Seat! 😅
Arthur’s Seat
Just beyond the palace is Holyrood Park where you’ll find Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crag. No trip to Edinburgh is truly complete until you huff your way up to the highest point in the city (and if you aren’t huffing, you’re in much better shape than me!). You’ll get panoramic views of the city—my favorite is seeing the castle emerging from the middle of the city. On a clear day you can Bass Rock, 22 miles to the east.
Happy yarn squishing! And check out Part 2 of my Edinburgh Local Yarn Stores Guide too… we’re headed to McAree Brothers in New Town.
