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Knit Picks Yarn Subscription Box Review – January 2019

Krista Moore
ByKrista MooreFeb 7, 2019 | 28 comments

Knit Picks Yarn January 2019 - Closed Box

Knit Picks
5 overall rating
1 Ratings | 0 Reviews

Knit Picks is an online yarn and knitting supply company that specializes in providing high-quality materials at a reasonable price. They recently launched a line of monthly subscription boxes featuring their products!

The options for boxes are as follows:

  • Skill Builder: $48.00 per month, for yarn, knitting needles, instructional materials, and other knitting supplies. This box focuses on teaching you something new each month!
  • Sock Yarn: $48.00 per month, for 2 skeins of sock-weight yarn, a sock pattern book, a shawl or accessory pattern, and knitting goodies (needles, accessories, stitch markers, pins, etc.)
  • Fan Favorites: $48.00 per month, for a surprise assortment of yarn, needles, and tools that are either brand-new to the shop or products that are best sellers.
  • Crochet Lover: $27.00 per month, for at least 150g of yarn, a crochet pattern or book, and crochet goodies (hooks, tools, etc.)
  • Sock Labs: $27.00 per month, for 2 limited-edition hand painted skeins of yarn and one pattern

This review is of the Fan Favorites box, $48.00 per month. 

Vote in the comments for which box you’d like us to review next month!

My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)

Knit Picks Yarn January 2019 - Open Box

About Knit Picks

The Subscription Box: Knit Picks Fan Favorites

The Cost: $48.00 per month (other plans available starting from $27.00, and save with longer subscription plans)

The Products: a surprise assortment of yarn, patterns, knitting needles and tools, and fun extras

Ships to: the US and worldwide

Knit Picks Fan Favorites January 2019 Review

Knit Picks Yarn January 2019 - All Items

Knit Picks is a fantastic online store for knitters and crocheters, and it’s always been one of my favorite places to shop for yarn and tools! They recently launched a line of subscription boxes that feature different products, and I was very excited to try my first one this month.

Knit Picks Yarn January 2019 - Front Of Card OneKnit Picks Yarn January 2019 - Back Of Card One

The box included a description card showing the contents of the January 2019 Fan Favorites box. I love their reasoning behind the curation of the box - January is definitely a month when you want cozy accessories!

Knit Picks Yarn January 2019 - Front Of Card TwoKnit Picks Yarn January 2019 - Back Of Card Two

There was a second card in the box that goes into more details on each of the different boxes available. MSA plans to review a different box type from Knit Picks each month, and we are leaving the choice up to you! Please let us know in the comments below which box type you’d like to see reviewed for February!

Knit Picks Yarn January 2019 - Skeins

Knit Picks Swish Bulky, in Amethyst Heather - Retail Value $29.97 ($9.99 per hank)

This month’s box included three skeins of the Swish Bulky yarn, and it’s so gorgeous! The color is a deep jewel-toned purple, and this yarn is so incredibly soft and squishy. It feels very luxurious, and I love that it’s very affordable.

Knit Picks Yarn January 2019 - Yarn Label FrontKnit Picks Yarn January 2019 - Yarn Label Back

The yarn is 100% superwash merino, and each skein is 137 yards - so we have a total of 411 yards for a project in this box. See below for my project using this yarn and more of my thoughts on it.

Knit Picks Yarn January 2019 - Pattern Booklet

Basketweave Snood Pattern - Retail Value $4.99

The pattern included in the box is printed out in booklet form on thick paper, which I really appreciate. The pattern is perfectly suited to the bulky-weight yarn we received and is a great beginner-level project. It should be a quick project to knit up, especially since you hold the yarn doubled throughout.

Knit Picks Yarn January 2019 - Interchangeable Needle Case

KnitPicks Embossed Interchangeable Needle Case in Watermelon - Retail Value $19.99

This is the highlight of the box for me! As someone who primarily knits with interchangeable knitting needles, this case is something that is very useful to have. The case is 6 inches by 8 inches and features a cute watermelon print embossed on pink vinyl. If pink isn’t your thing, they have tons of other colors and patterns to choose from.

Knit Picks Yarn January 2019 - Needle Case Open

The case zips open completely to lay flat and features an inside flap that holds 20 pairs of needle tips (10 per side). There are also two zipper pouches inside each of the covers to hold your different cord lengths and other accessories.

Knit Picks Yarn January 2019 - Filled Needle Case OneKnit Picks Yarn January 2019 - Filled Needle Case Two

I couldn’t wait to re-home my interchangeable sets into this cute case! I have one set from Knit Picks and one set from Chicago, and they both fit comfortably in the pockets. Most interchangeable sets have a key that helps you tighten the tips onto the cables, and I find that I am always looking for a key when I’m assembling my needle for a new project - I’m always losing them! If this happens to you as well, my tip is to attach one of the keys to the inside of the case using a piece of scrap yarn and a safety pin (you can also do this on the inside of your knitting bag!).

Knit Picks Yarn January 2019 - Water Bottle

Knitting is my Cardio 20oz Water Bottle - Retail Value $4.99

How cute is this water bottle? I fully identify with this statement, as I knit and crochet during most of my free time! According to a quick web search, knitting burns about 100 calories per hour, so it’s better than nothing, right? The water bottle is BPA-free plastic and is made in the US. It’s a great size to tuck into your knitting bag and take on the go!

Knit Picks Yarn January 2019 - Scarf Progress

When I opened the box and saw this yarn, I immediately thought of making a large, squishy scarf that I could wrap around myself. I liked the simplicity of the basketweave snood pattern that came with the box, but I wanted something that had a looser texture and a longer length. I used the advanced search feature on Ravelry and came up with the Escarpment Cowl by Kelly McClure. It’s exactly what I had in my head when I saw this yarn, and it’s a free pattern found on her blog here! I think that the Knit Picks Swish Bulky yarn is absolutely perfect for this pattern, and it’s knitting up to be such a cozy and wonderful scarf. The stitch pattern looks like brioche stitch (which can be a more complex stitch pattern), but it’s actually a variant of Fisherman’s Rib, and it’s very straightforward and easy to learn. If you can do a simple knit stitch, you can make this scarf!

Verdict: I absolutely loved my first month getting a Knit Picks subscription box! I thought the curation of the box was truly on-point for January. I appreciated the themes of coziness (bulky yarn), organization (needle case), and healthiness (water bottle) - they fit in with things everyone is thinking about with the start of the new year. The products are of great quality and are all items that I will get a lot of use out of.

For $48.00, we received three skeins of yarn, a knitting pattern, a needle case, and a water bottle, with a total retail value of $59.94. Knit Picks advertises the boxes as having a $60 value, so this is spot on with what they promise. If you know you are a fan of Knit Picks products, or you want to try new yarn and knitting items at a great discounted price, I think this box has a great value!

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes - if you sign up before February 15th, you will get the January 2019 box.

Value BreakdownAt $48.00, here’s approximately what you are paying for each item:

  • Swish Bulky Skeins - $24.00 ($8.00 per skein)
  • Basketweave Snood Pattern - $3.99
  • Interchangeable Needle Case - $16.00
  • Water Bottle - $3.99

Check out the Craft Subscription Box Directory for more great knitting, craft supply, and DIY project boxes!

Keep track of your subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

What did you think of the January 2019 Knit Picks Fan Favorites box?

What box should we review next month? Leave a comment below on which box you would like to see reviewed next month: the Skill Builder box, the Sock Yarn box, the Crochet Lovers box, or the Sock Labs box! Thank you!

Starting at $39.99
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"Whether you're a Knit Picks super fan or just discovered us, you'll love receiving brand new items and best sellers every month. Each box includes Knit Picks products that are sure to become your favorites."
Krista Moore
Krista Moore
Krista entered the subscription box world through beauty boxes and quickly became hooked on boxes! She loves knitting, crocheting, all things crafty, and her cat! Her favorite boxes are KnitCrate, Allure Beauty Box, and FabFitFun.

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28 comments

Kathleen

I’m so glad you reviewed this box! It’s been a couple years since I last picked up my needles, but all of these yarn reviews lately are making me think of getting back into it. If my danger duo of cats lets me, of course. 🙂

My vote would be for the Skill Builder box. I’m curious how they explain techniques.

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Krista

Thank you so much for your comment! I’m glad you are enjoying the yarn box reviews 🙂 I have two kitties at home too, and its a struggle to keep the yarn away from them sometimes! Even so, I hope you do take up knitting again! It’s such a relaxing hobby!

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Danielle Beauvais

i would love a subscription box with just yarn and a pattern. I have all the knitting gadgets I need, and I just cleaned my pantry and gave away 6 water bottles.

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Krista

I definitely see that side of things!! If you are looking for yarn + pattern and no extras, I would suggest checking out the KnitCrate boxes!

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Sheila

I love Knit Picks and get most of my yarn from them, but I really feel like these boxes are mostly for newer knitters. As an experienced knitter who already has all my favorite supplies, I just don’t see the value. For a new knitter, I think these would also make great gift boxes.

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Krista

Thank you all for the comments! I agree, these boxes are geared towards more beginning knitters or people looking to build their supply stash. It’s always fun to get yarn in the mail, though!

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Jessica

I agree with you. I would need a MUCH higher price to value ratio to do something like this.
There are so many free patterns, I’m not sure such a basic pattern has any value, and some value is lost on not getting to choose things that are your preference.

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jenny

i agree with you – at this stage in my knitting game, i would rather choose my own yarn. i can see the benefit in having a pattern and yarn matched up for you in the proper amount though – something i definitely struggled with as a beginning knitter!

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Julia

Thanks Krista! What a great review! Do you know the book from Crazy Aunt Purl? She has great photos there of the stuff she knit for her cats.

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Krista

Thank you so much for the comment! I haven’t heard if that book – but now I definitely have to check it out! Thanks for the recommendation! 🙂

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Kristin

Nice to see finished product good job!

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Krista

Thank you so much!

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Penny

Love your reviews! So nice to see your WIP’s and finished projects. Nice work! 👍

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Krista

Thank you so much for the kind comment! I’m so glad you enjoy the reviews 🙂

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Julie

The crochet box please!!!

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Molly

I would also love to see the crochet box!

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Krista

Thanks for the vote!

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Krista

Thanks for the vote! I definitely want to share the crochet box soon!

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Claire

I haven’t tried KnitPicks yarn yet, but this has inspired me to order in the near future! Love that they’ve jumped on the subscription addiction; their marketing is adorable. I’d like to see the Sock Yarn box reviewed. The only thing I didn’t like about this particular box is the needle case; I don’t have an interchangeable set, and I’m not sure it would work quite so well for circular needles instead. What do you think, Krista?

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Krista

Thank you for the comment and the vote, Claire! I agree, the marketing and curation of their boxes are great. I do hope you try their yarn soon – I can’t say enough good things about it! This particular case wouldn’t be ideal for circulars, but I did see on their website that they have a case specially made to hold your collection of fixed circular needles. I totally get that concern though!

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Jillann

Skill builder would get my vote! Also would be interested in a comparison between this subscription and the other yarn subscription.

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Krista

Thanks for the vote! And ooooo I love that idea of a comparison post! This month I’ve started reviewing a handful of yarn subscriptions, so I’ll see if we can do something along those lines! Thanks for the suggestion!

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Mee

I would love to see what the skill builder box contains or even another box of the fan favorites. I’m also curious if the non-sock specific boxes will periodically contain sock or fingering weight yarns.

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Krista

Thanks for the vote! That’s a really good thought – I would think they periodically might, especially in the summer months. I guess we will have to wait and see!

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Jody

I would love to see Sock Labs reviewed. Thanks.

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Krista

Thank you for the vote! I’m excited to try that one as well 🙂

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Jt

Great review and would love to the crochet reviewed!

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Krista

Thanks for the vote! The crochet box will definitely get reviewed soon! It’s high on my list to show 🙂

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