Darn Good Yarn
Darn Good Yarn is a woman- and veteran-owned e-commerce company selling sustainable recycled-sari yarn, crafting supplies, and upcycled apparel, serving individual crafters and eco-conscious fashion consumers through a DTC storefront, subscription clubs, and wholesale channels.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2008
- HeadquartersSchenectady, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Darn Good Yarn does
Darn Good Yarn is a privately held, woman- and veteran-owned direct-to-consumer e-commerce company that designs, sources, and sells sustainable yarn, crafting supplies, and upcycled apparel. Founded in 2008 by Nicole Snow and headquartered in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, the company transforms reclaimed sari fabrics from artisan cooperatives in India and Nepal into recycled silk yarn, ribbons, and finished garments including wrap skirts, palazzo pants, dresses, kaftans, and accessories. The company emphasizes fair-trade production with 600+ artisan partnerships and claims to have diverted more than 2 million pounds of textile waste from landfills since inception. It serves individual crafters, fiber artists, and eco-conscious fashion consumers, primarily in the US, with global shipping.
The business operates a Shopify-powered storefront with three subscription clubs — Yarn of the Month ($29/month), Skirt of the Month ($30/month), and the Collector's Crochet Hook Club ($90/3-month) — managed via Recharge. Revenue is generated through one-time purchases of yarn (priced $13.95-$36), patterns ($5-$7), kits ($25-$98), apparel ($64-$98), and tools, supplemented by a B2B wholesale channel through the Faire marketplace. Marketing leverages a content library of 400+ patterns and free tutorials, active Facebook community groups, a loyalty rewards program (Rivo), and paid acquisition across Meta, Google, TikTok, Pinterest, and Snapchat, with email/SMS via Klaviyo and Attentive.
The supporting technology stack is a standard Shopify DTC configuration with reviews (Judge.me), personalization and upsell (Rebuy), customer support (Gorgias, Aircall), fulfillment (ShipHero, Printful), and attribution/analytics (Google Analytics, Elevar). The company has been recognized on the Inc. 5000 list for 5 consecutive years and won the FedEx Small Business Grant Contest in 2013. No external funding rounds have been disclosed; ownership remains concentrated with the founding team.
Darn Good Yarn firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Darn Good Yarn
- Legal name
- Darn Good Yarn, Inc.
- Website
- https://darngoodyarn.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2008
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Darn Good Yarn is a woman- and veteran-owned e-commerce company selling sustainable recycled-sari yarn, crafting supplies, and upcycled apparel, serving individual crafters and eco-conscious fashion consumers through a DTC storefront, subscription clubs, and wholesale channels.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Darn Good Yarn industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Sustainable Yarn and Craft Supplies
- NAICS
- Sewing, Needlework, and Piece Goods Retailers (459130), Fiber, Yarn, and Thread Mills (31311)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Apparel, Piece Goods & Notions (5130)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Yarn, Knitting & Crochet Shops (CRALADAC)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Fancy/Novelty Yarn Manufacturing (Melange/Slub/Multicolor) (IMAOAAAI)
Keywords
Where Darn Good Yarn is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Schenectady
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Darn Good Yarn business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Direct Product Sales: One-time purchases of yarn, craft supplies, patterns, kits, clothing, and accessories through the e-commerce storefront. Includes both proprietary Darn Good Yarn products and curated third-party brands like Malabrigo Yarn.
- Subscription Boxes: Monthly recurring subscription boxes including Yarn of the Month Club ($29/month) providing 3 premium skeins of limited-edition yarn valued at $54+, patterns, and mystery freebies. Skirt of the Month Club at $30/month delivers curated sari wrap skirts. Collector's Crochet Hook Club at $90 for 3-month subscription.
- Wholesale: B2B wholesale distribution through Faire marketplace and dedicated wholesale signup, supplying yarn and craft supplies to retailers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Yarn of the Month Club - Monthly subscription delivering 3 premium yarn skeins, patterns, and mystery freebies |
| Subscription | Monthly | Skirt of the Month Club - Monthly curated sari wrap skirt subscription |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Clothing - Upcycled sari silk garments |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Yarn products - Various weights and fiber types |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Digital patterns - Downloadable knitting and crochet patterns |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels8 records
Darn Good Yarn product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Darn Good Yarn is a direct-to-consumer e-commerce retailer that sells sustainable yarn and craft supplies, upcycled sari clothing, and home goods made from reclaimed textile materials. The company partners with artisan cooperatives in India and Nepal to transform discarded sari fabrics into premium yarn, handcrafted apparel, and accessories. It also operates monthly subscription clubs (Yarn of the Month, Skirt of the Month, Collector's Crochet Hook Club) and sells patterns, kits, and crafting tools.
Product overview
Darn Good Yarn is a woman & veteran-owned e-commerce company specializing in sustainable, fair-trade crafting supplies and handmade clothing. The product portfolio centers on recycled silk yarn and ribbon made from reclaimed sari materials, complemented by diverse fiber types including wool, cotton, banana fiber, linen, hemp, nettle, and chiffon. The company offers over 360 knitting, crochet, weaving, and amigurumi patterns available as individual downloads or bundled with corresponding yarn kits. Three subscription programs—Yarn of the Month Club, Skirt of the Month Club, and Collector's Crochet Hook Club—provide recurring deliveries of curated products. Finished apparel includes sari wrap skirts, palazzo pants, kaftans, dresses, and accessories. Crafting tools encompass knitting needles, crochet hooks, and yarn bowls. All products emphasize upcycled materials and support fair-wage artisan employment in India and Nepal.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Recycled Silk Yarn & Ribbon Handcrafted recycled silk yarns and ribbons made from reclaimed sari materials, available in various colorways and weights for knitting, crocheting, and crafting projects. Sold to individual crafters and fiber artists.
- Wool Yarn Upcycled wool yarn sourced humanely, offering warmth and durability for knitting and crocheting projects such as cowls, scarves, and hats. For individual crafters.
- Cotton Yarn Soft, easy-to-handle cotton yarn suitable for beginners and experienced crafters for knitting and crocheting projects. For individual crafters.
- Banana Fiber Yarn Eco-friendly yarn derived from banana plants, uniquely soft and beginner-friendly for sustainable crafting. For individual crafters.
- Linen Yarn Durable yet pliable linen yarn offering beginners an easy and rewarding experience in knitting or crocheting. For individual crafters.
- Hemp & Nettle Yarn Strong hemp combined with supple nettle for an easy-to-work yarn combination, ideal for crafting novices. For individual crafters.
- Chiffon Ribbon Yarn Silky texture and vibrant hues yarn, perfect for arm knitting and beginner-friendly crafting experience. For individual crafters.
- Sock Yarn Durable sock yarn designed for crafting cozy feet-warmers with beginner-friendly attributes. For individual crafters.
- Patterns & Kits Over 360 patterns for knitting, crochet, weaving, and amigurumi, available as individual digital downloads or bundled kits with yarn included. For individual crafters.
- Yarn of the Month Club Subscription Monthly subscription ($29/month) delivering three premium skeins of limited-edition artisan-dyed yarn valued at $54+, with exclusive patterns, mystery freebies, and double reward points. For individual crafters and yarn enthusiasts.
- Skirt of the Month Club Subscription Monthly subscription ($30/month) delivering unique, upcycled sari wrap skirts curated as wearable works of art. For individual consumers seeking sustainable fashion.
- Collector's Crochet Hook Club Subscription Subscription service ($90 for 3-month subscription) delivering curated crochet hooks to collectors. For individual crocheters and tool collectors.
- The Original Sari Wrap Skirt Hand-coordinated, upcycled Indian sari silk wrap skirt with pockets, available in mini, tea, and maxi lengths in sizes 00-32. For individual consumers seeking sustainable fashion.
- Free Spirit Wide-Leg Palazzo Pants Upcycled sari silk palazzo pants with super-stretchy waistband, pockets, and flowy fit for all body types. For individual consumers.
- Zaria Wrap Dress One-of-a-kind handmade wrap dress in sustainable, adjustable style. For individual consumers seeking sustainable fashion.
- Aanya Adjustable Kaftans & Dresses Sustainable, handmade kaftans and dresses featuring vibrant patterns and flexible sizing. For individual consumers.
- Scarves & Cowls Handmade artisan scarves and cowls made from recycled sari materials. For individual consumers.
- Purses, Bags & Clutches Handcrafted bags, purses, and clutches from reclaimed materials. For individual consumers.
- Home Decor Upcycled boho curtains, reusable gift wrap, and decorative home items. For individual consumers.
- Knitting Needles Wide variety of wooden and specialty knitting needles in multiple sizes for various yarn weights. For individual crafters.
- Crochet Hooks Crochet hooks and tools for knitting and crocheting projects. For individual crafters.
- Yarn Bowls Handcrafted wooden and ceramic yarn bowls in various designs to prevent yarn tangles. For individual crafters.
- Amigurumi Kits Easy amigurumi kits with instructions for creating cute plush toys using knit and crochet techniques. For individual crafters.
- Darn Good Yarn Swag (Branded Merchandise) Branded merchandise including t-shirts, sweatshirts, tote bags, mugs, and stickers featuring crafting-themed designs. For individual consumers and brand fans.
Quantifiable outcome
- 2 million pounds of material waste diverted from landfills since 2008
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Darn Good Yarn
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Darn Good Yarn technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration27 records
Feature1 record
Darn Good Yarn partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Artisan Co-ops in India and NepalcoreFair trade production partnerships with artisan cooperatives in India and Nepal, employing 600+ artisans who transform reclaimed sari fabrics into yarn and clothing. These partnerships provide fair wages, safe working conditions, and sustainable employment while maintaining traditional craftsmanship.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Darn Good Yarn competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- WeCrochet / Knit Picks: DTC e-commerce yarn and craft supplies brand with strong online community, pattern library, and subscription-style offerings; competes head-to-head with DGY for the same crafters and fiber artists via Shopify-driven DTC.
- Quince & Co. DTC premium yarn brand focused on natural American-milled fibers with strong design aesthetic; comparable boutique positioning serving advanced fiber artists and sustainable-conscious crafters.
- LoveCrafts: Online craft supplies marketplace with subscription clubs, pattern marketplace, and multi-brand yarn assortment; competes for the same DTC craft customer and offers adjacent community content.
- Malabrigo: Premium hand-dyed yarn brand sold through independent yarn stores and DTC; similar artisan-crafted positioning and overlapping customer base of fiber artists seeking unique colorways.
- Blue Sky Fibers: Premium natural-fiber yarn brand sold via DTC and specialty retailers; serves the same eco-conscious, quality-focused fiber artist segment that DGY targets.
- Annie's (Kalmbach Media): Craft subscription boxes, patterns, and kits across knitting, crochet, and other fiber crafts; directly comparable subscription model targeting the same crafter persona with curated kits and patterns.
Broad incumbents
- JOANN: Large US specialty craft retail chain carrying yarn, fabric, and notions; competing offline and increasingly online for the same hobbyist customer base, though with a much broader non-sustainable assortment.
- Lion Brand Yarn: Largest US yarn brand with broad mass-market distribution across craft retailers and big-box; competes with DGY on price and shelf availability but lacks the upcycled/fair-trade positioning.
- Hobby Lobby: Large US craft retailer with extensive yarn and notions assortment across physical stores and online; competes on price and convenience but does not specialize in upcycled or fair-trade craft supplies.
- Etsy: Global marketplace hosting thousands of independent yarn and fiber-artisan sellers; competes for sustainable/handmade yarn demand and provides an alternative channel some DGY artisans also list on.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Darn Good Yarn social profiles
Digital presenceDarn Good Yarn financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Darn Good Yarn leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Darn Good Yarn funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Darn Good Yarn M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Darn Good Yarn
What does Darn Good Yarn do?
Darn Good Yarn is a direct-to-consumer e-commerce retailer that sells sustainable yarn and craft supplies, upcycled sari clothing, and home goods made from reclaimed textile materials. The company partners with artisan cooperatives in India and Nepal to transform discarded sari fabrics into premium yarn, handcrafted apparel, and accessories. It also operates monthly subscription clubs (Yarn of the Month, Skirt of the Month, Collector's Crochet Hook Club) and sells patterns, kits, and crafting tools.
Is Darn Good Yarn a public or private company?
Darn Good Yarn is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Darn Good Yarn founded?
Darn Good Yarn was founded in 2008. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Darn Good Yarn based?
Darn Good Yarn is headquartered in Schenectady, United States, in the North America region.
How does Darn Good Yarn make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Direct Product Sales are the primary driver. The others are subscription Boxes and wholesale.
Who are Darn Good Yarn's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are WeCrochet / Knit Picks, Quince & Co., LoveCrafts, Malabrigo, Blue Sky Fibers and Annie's (Kalmbach Media). Broad incumbents are JOANN, Lion Brand Yarn, Hobby Lobby and Etsy.
Does Darn Good Yarn have an API?
No public API is recorded for Darn Good Yarn.
What industry is Darn Good Yarn in?
Darn Good Yarn's product category is Sustainable Yarn and Craft Supplies. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRALADAC, Yarn, Knitting & Crochet Shops, with a secondary code of IMAOAAAI, Fancy/Novelty Yarn Manufacturing (Melange/Slub/Multicolor). Its NAICS code is 459130 and its SIC code is 5130.