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Three Bags Full
Category: Shopping Arts & Crafts Arts & Crafts [Edit]
4458 Main StVancouver, BC V5V 3R3
Neighbourhood: Riley Park
(604) 874-9665
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 6 pm
Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
21 reviews for Three Bags Full
Review Highlights
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"Three bags full also has knitting nights once a week." In 9 reviews -
"Beautiful selection of yarns though." In 3 reviews -
"...Bags Full, I've gone from a beginner, basic knitter to." In 6 reviews
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21 reviews in English
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Review from Ly H.
12/23/2011
This store has a huge selection of wool and luxury yarns. The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable. Being a dabbler in knitting, I felt a little shy about asking for help, but glad I did. The clerk help me to realize that I had been twisting my knits.
Since visiting this shop a couple of weeks ago, I've completed 2 separate projects: a cowel and a pair of hand warmers.
If you come, be prepared to fall in love with knitting. I certainly have again. -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
I wish I was a knitter. Roaming this quaint, small store, I couldn't help but touch the different kinds of high quality wool. In the back, as a woman spun wool round and round, I found the sales section which had an assortment of 30% off spools. (Someone help me out, am I using the right terminology?)
I've only visited a few times, but this last time was the first time I asked for help. The space was packed, it was a weekend afternoon, but the sales woman was still approachable and helpful. She suggested that I go elsewhere for cheaper acrylic yarn because that's all I needed for a Halloween costume (a once off piece). Needless to say, her honesty led me to trust her right away. And trust = I'll be wooling here again!
22/30: 30 Day Challenge -
Review from Sarah D.
10/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
So, I'm going to come out and admit it: I made fun of my friends who are knitters for years. I've made every grandma joke you can think of, I'm not gonna lie. This being the case, it is with a great sense of validation for my friends that I have now become a devout knitter. This is in no small part due to the kindly folks at Three Bags Full.
After my bestie decided to give me a five-minute knitting lesson one inebriated night, I decided that I wanted to pursue knitting lessons at one of the local yarn stores. I signed up for the Sunday morning beginner's knitting class at Three Bags Full (taught by the _fabulous_ Melissa) and thus my tutelage began. I am very pleased with what I got out of the course: we learned casting on, casting off, knitting, purling, fixing mistakes, reading patterns, knitting in the round as well as decreasing and finishing. Class projects included a scarf and a hat, but honestly enough was taught so that I feel comfortable tackling pretty much any kind of project. The class size tops out at six, so there's lots of support available for those who need it. In short, I'd highly encourage any fledgling knitters out there to take Melissa's class; you're bound to meet a handful of cool people if you do.
Besides their classes, Three Bags Full is great for their uh-mazing selection of yarns and their customer service. Sure, some of the yarns can be pricey, but they also carry yarns for those with a more modest budget. Not completely confident selecting yarn for a project? No problem. The staff at Three Bags Full will gladly make suggestions as to what will work for your pattern. Not even sure of what to make? They can help you find a (free!) pattern of something that interests you. Heck, if you mess up at home you can even bring your project in and they'll try to fix it for you. These people are surgeons!
Oh, Three Bags Full. I ought to just sign over my next pay-cheque to you now. There's just so much beautiful yarn, and so little time!Listed in: Hipster Hangouts, Must dos for dull days, The Main Attraction
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Review from Emma L.
Updated - 1/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've been back a few more times as it is now my closest yarn store, and the staff have been super helpful and friendly in terms of picking out yarns that will work with my patterns. Bonus, they have a computer set up so you can check out your pattern on Ravelry, see what yarns other people have used, etc! Super convenient, especially when you forget your printed pattern at home.
Listed in: I miss Main Street, Time to shop, Sewing and knitting and…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/2/2010
Some lovely yarn, including some great alpaca, merino, and cotton. Mostly only lighter weights,… Read more »
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Review from Robin M.
6/22/2011
Full disclosure: I don't knit. It's not that I haven't attempted to be a knitter, because I have - on multiple occasions! But try as I might, I just can't get the knack of knit to stick. So instead of owning a diverse collection of cozies and socks and sweaters to gift to friends, I have balls and balls and bags of yarn with giant menacing needles poking their beautiful bamboo heads out of each.
The ever-friendly staff at Three Bags Full are more than patient with me as I go through each colour of their vast selection of different-weighted wool. More importantly though, they are actually helpful when I ask the simplest of questions: "why would it need a tail"?, and "what's this purl thing"?, and most importantly, "so what is *up* with knitting on a plane"?
Things Three Bags Full has taught me:
1. Buying yarn, no matter how gorgeously organic it is, is not knitting.
2. Watching how-to videos on YouTube, no matter how many, is not knitting.
3. Taking each ball of yarn out of the bag and experimenting with a couple of stitches then leaving the non-project on the table for the next month is not knitting. (though it is close!)
They've got a pretty awesome selection of knitting paraphernalia to choose from and the staff are super knowledgeable (and friendly!), but I think this whole knitting thing is just not my bag. -
Review from Emily-Anne P.
Vancouver, BC
6/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Three Bags Full made my day. I am recently unemployed and am trying to find things to do to kill time. One of the hobbies I have but I feel that I have plateaued in is knitting. So I thought I'd pop in, look around and hope to find inspiration.
Well find inspiration I did. The woman who greeted me when I came in was really helpful. She helped me narrow down what I was looking for and wanting, my skill level and attention span and we decided I should make some gloves. So she set me up with a pattern and some wool and my gosh I was on my way.
Super lovely little shop. Great selection of wools and other knitting/crocheting lovely things and they have a sewing gathering on Wednesday nights for people to come and sew.
Their prices were about average for other wool shops and had a lovely atmosphere. I'll absolutely be back! -
Review from Geoff G.
Vancouver, BC
11/28/2010
I desperately want to love this store, it's walking distance from home, they have lovely yarn and classes, but I just can't get past the snootiness of the staff.
The attitude of the staff has been mentioned in a number of postings and I have to say that from the owner on down, you feel like you are an inconveniencing them by walking in the door.
I am more likely to forgo the convenience and selection of this shop, get in my car and drive across town to yarn shops that have equally good selection and are welcoming. -
Review from Monica M.
1/30/2011
Great selection of yarn -- the largest selection of Cascade 220 in the city, but terrible customer service.
When I shop at Three Bags Full, I usually just go in, buy what I want, and leave. Getting someone to pay attention to you -- much less help -- is quite a task.Listed in: Fibre-Lovers
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Review from Anita C.
Vancouver, BC
10/13/2010
Good selection of yarn in lots of great colors. Its what keeps me coming back for more.
The only thing that holds me back sometimes is the customer service. I hate that I have to ask for my yarn to be wound and the fact that i'm practically ignored when I walk in.
It definitely doesn't deter me going back only because they have such a great selection of quality fibres. -
Review from Reiko S.
Vancouver, BC
4/17/2011
I had been knitting for a few years when I found Three Bags Full. I had been to a few yarn shops in town but had never really felt a connection with any of them. I was sort of stuck in a rut, doing variations on the same hats and scarves over and over and over and over and ... and then a friend told me about Three Bags Full and my knitting world just exploded.
From day 1, the staff here have been extremely helpful. They have helped me pick yarns for projects, suggested projects when I wasn't sure what I felt like making, helped me decipher patterns, let me sit in their store to knit so they could patiently help me when I was confused, provided encouragement, celebrated accomplishments with me, and really helped me grow as a knitter.
One day, Jamie encouraged me to take their Cowichan sweater-inspired class even though I was feeling a little hesitant ... and POW! that was it. Jamie is an amazing teacher. (I've taken a lot of classes, so I should know.) She is patient and SO good at explaining things. I learned a tonne of new skills that I've been able to apply to other projects I've done since. I really encourage everybody to take this class. It's not as hard as it looks with Jamie by your side!
Thanks to Three Bags Full, I've gone from a beginner, basic knitter to ... at the very least a confident intermediate knitter in a very short period of time. A friend actually described me as "quite advanced" the other day! I really don't shop anywhere else now. I don't see any point. :)
PS - I also love Christa's Shop Casts (links on their website). And if you ever need a private lesson, Christa's your girl! -
Review from Kat S.
3/30/2011
Having been to this shop many times, I was super impressed on my last visit. Other times I have been less impressed. It depends who is working.
Anyhow, this review gets 4 stars thanks to the lovely girl that helped me find a wool that would work for the pattern I had picked out. I was all set to get a nice teal when my eyes fell upon a beautiful and bright Noro in pinks and purples. Thanks to the helpful staffer, she figured my choice would work just fine, and even showed me examples on the computer of the same project knit in varying yarns (yay for Ravelry!). Apparently anyone is welcome to check Ravelry on their computer. It's not just for staff. Cool!
I like the shop. It's tiny, but bright, clean and very well organized. They have a pretty good selection of the major yarn brands, and it is all quality stuff. Not as many options as Urban Yarns, but that's probably due to the size of the store. I have had very helpful staff, and not so helpful staff, but I find it's been more hit than miss lately.
The prices are on par with other shops in Vancouver for the same brands.
If someone wants to buy me a nice present, I'll take the Addi click circular needle set, please.Listed in: Main Street Favourites, Count 'em!
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Review from Claire C.
Vancouver, BC
4/29/2011
I had been searching for knitting classes for a little while before stumbling onto their website. Since they were pretty close, I decided to give them a try. I took the beginner class with Jamie and was delighted! Their classes aren't too big and there were two instructors assisting us. My sister also joined me (she's 10) and Jamie was very helpful and encouraging while demonstrating the different techniques. I'm sold :) Love this place.
Also, I have heard mention of staff attitude in the store. Perhaps it's because I've only gone in once when not taking lessons, but I found the lady there to be super helpful. My sister and I were looking for our knitting materials and she kindly showed us around the shop, helped us when deciding on yarn colours and was just a genuinely friendly lady. -
Review from Jill Y.
Vancouver, BC
1/22/2011
Lovely little shop. It doesn't have a cliquey vibe the way intimate shops can have. I appreciate that I'm not fawned over the minute I walk in the door and kind of left to wander around. Every time I have a question, approachable staff are helpful and patient.
The knitting classes at Three Bags Full are small, fun and informative. I highly recommend them to my friends if looking to get into knitting. The materials needed for classes could be a little clearer posted but it hasn't stopped me from taking my 2nd class there. A 3rd, I'm sure is in the future.
I wish the store was a wee bit larger though. I love it though and I'm barely a knitter. Looking forward to stopping in for Wed Knit night. -
Review from Goshen F.
12/3/2009
Kinna not fair, this review, but I'm giving it a 4 stars for their prices. I am from SF, and the yarn here costs less than Vancouver. Example: Malabrigo is $17 at 3 Bags Full, and $11 at Nine Rubes in San Mateo (plus 10% if you join their membership club)
However, 3 Bags Full is a LOVELY shop. If I live in Vancouver, that will be my "go to". The staff were pretty friendly. However, I was surprised they didn't want to wind my yarn b/c it was near closing time. They made me come back another day. I guess if they were the owners or if they put in a little extra effort, they wouldn't mind staying 10mins to spin their customers' yarns.
Some people will go the extra mile, and some don't. Those who go the extra mile will eventually succeed in life. I know they do not pay their employees much, but it's the character that counts. This job might be a stepping stone to your true profession, but be the best you can be right now. And if that means staying 10 mins to wind someones yarn, you stay the extra 10. Tell your boss, then get an extra 10mins for your lunch. It's the effort that counts.
Overall: Will go back to this store. -
Review from Darcy C.
12/21/2008
This is a pretty little knit shop, with a couple of caveats. First, while their yarns are beautifully laid out, they sell a lot of cotton and a lot of very thin sock yarn. If you're looking to knit for baby, you'll be pleased with the selection. But, if you're looking for anything bulky or funky, or just for a lot of choice, not so much.
Their real issue is an attitude problem. There are a lot of places to buy lovely yarn where the staff will be more excited to see you and more helpful if you have questions. -
Review from Chelsea S.
Vancouver, BC
7/31/2009
Lots of very nice yarns and accessories here. Unlike one of the other reviewers, I always find good selection of a whole variety of fibres in different weights (no acrylic, that I can remember, but I've seen everything else from alpaca to silk to linen, etc.).
Their product lines do seem to be fairly seasonal - more cotton and brighter/lighter colours in the spring/summer and heavier yarns in the fall.
Cascade 220 and Heathers are a staple here - tons of colours and well-priced.
I always find the service...good. Fairly prompt, usually quite helpful and patient, always at least polite and never rude. Nothing outstanding though - I don't walk in and feel like family. Which is fine. -
Review from Christine R.
New Westminster, BC
9/30/2009
It's fall - time to get knitting!
I used to travel all the way out to the knitting shop in West Van for my yarn, but ever since someone pointed out that the majority of that shop's yarn was cheapy acrylic blends, I realized saving money on yarn is not as important as loving the final product. Three Bags Full may not have a wide selection, but what they do carry is quality - and pretty much all natural fibres.
Three Bags Full is small but they've got all the (brand name) alpaca and merino and cashmere to keep these fingers happy for a good long while. I also love their books full of stylish patterns; they could stand to carry more knitting magazines.Listed in: Pleasantville, Two sticks and a ball
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Review from Vanessa G.
12/26/2010
I have just started venturing into the wonderful land of knitting and already need to hold myself back in terms of purchasing yarns when i don't even know what i am going to do with them just yet. I bought a bunch of sale items here only to return to get more and be half way through my project and there was nothing left. Leaving me as a beginner frustrated. I went in here to ask what to do but they didn't give me any options like ordering more which seems like something a store would offer. I called around to other stores and they had the yarn i needed. They were busy so i don't know if the customer service could have been better but by the sounds of it i am not alone in this sentiment. Beautiful selection of yarns though.
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Review from Zhenya F.
Vancouver, BC
7/30/2010
Lovely shop, but a tad too expensive. Great service and lovely people.
Would only recommend to go during sales. -
Review from Desiree M.
Halifax, NS
4/23/2009
If knit shops were people, Three Bags Full and Urban Yarns would be twins (or maybe one would be the other's clone). The stock that they carry is different, but they both offer a good selection of yarns in the natural fibre category, and offer classes. Three bags full also has knitting nights once a week.
Listed in: Vancouver's Yarn & Fibre-land
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Review from J G.
Vancouver, BC
9/19/2008
If you are a knitter, this is a lovely place to stop in to be delighted by the sumptuous, colourful range of yarns and wools they have here. They have so much gorgeous selection, some of which is hand dyed, all natural...you know, Vancouver style. They also offer classes for knitters of all levels to get your needles flying. The only thing I will say that I found slightly irritating here is that I was trying to register for a class and their organization seemed a bit lacking, and the woman who was helping me was not all that friendly or helpful; in fact I almost felt like she didn't want me to learn to knit. But, I did manage to go away with some lovely yarn and two needles, and once I figure out knit and purl, I'm sure I'll be back for more.
