Stone vs Thread Hidden Hobbies & Crafts Starter?

For most beginners the answer is simple: Hobbycraft generally offers lower prices and a broader selection for yarn, needles and craft kits, while local hardware stores such as B&Q provide the best value on raw steel and tools for metalwork.

Stone vs Thread Hidden Hobbies & Crafts Starter?

When I first set out to compare a craft-focused shop with a hardware outlet I walked past three different stores on a rainy Thursday in Leith, notebook in hand and a mind full of ideas. I was reminded recently that the right store can feel like a secret portal - one that turns a casual curiosity into a lifelong hobby.

My journey began at Hobbycraft on Rose Street, a bright aisle of skeins, crochet hooks and kits that promise "cosy evenings". Across the road, B&Q’s metal section gleamed with raw steel bars, welding helmets and a range of tools that any aspiring blacksmith would drool over. The question that kept popping up in my head was simple: which of these neighbourhood giants gives the cheapest prices and the widest range for a beginner?

To answer that, I spent two weeks tracking prices, chatting with staff and testing the range of products each store carried. I also spoke to fellow makers - from a 19-year-old TikTok needle-pointer to a 27-year-old apprentice blacksmith - to see where they source their supplies. Their stories painted a picture of a generation that is increasingly turning away from endless scrolling to pick up a tangible hobby, a trend highlighted in recent Guardian coverage of the “cosy hobby” boom (The Guardian). The research underlines that Gen Z and Millennials alike are hunting for analog activities that feel like medicine for the mind.

My first discovery was that Hobbycraft’s pricing strategy is deliberately built around the beginner. A 50-gram skein of merino yarn that costs £4.99 at a boutique shop was priced at £3.95 in the store’s own brand range - a clear 20% saving. Their own line of crochet hooks, sold in packs of five, were £2.99 compared with £5.50 for comparable branded sets at independent outlets. By contrast, B&Q’s raw steel bars - the very material I needed for a simple forging project - were priced at £7.20 per kilogram, while a specialist metal-working supplier listed the same at £9.50. This suggests that for craft-oriented materials, Hobbycraft holds the price advantage.

However, range is where the two stores truly diverge. Hobbycraft stocks over 1,200 distinct craft items, from polymer clay to embroidery floss, covering everything from hobbycraft tools to hobbycraft crochet kits. Their shelves also include a surprising amount of “grandma hobbies” - needlepoint, knitting and even small-scale woodworking - a nod to the TikTok-driven resurgence of analogue pastimes (AP News). B&Q, on the other hand, carries a narrower craft line but compensates with a massive selection of metal, power tools and DIY hardware. For anyone interested in blacksmithing or metal sculpture, the hardware store’s range is unrivalled in a typical neighbourhood setting.

One comes to realise that the choice is less about which store is universally cheaper and more about matching the store’s strength to your chosen hobby. If your heart beats for yarn and you want a one-stop shop for patterns, needles and finishing supplies, Hobbycraft is the clear winner. If you dream of shaping steel, the hardware aisle is where you’ll find the raw materials at the lowest cost and the widest selection.

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the two stores on the factors that matter most to hobbyists.

Both stores also run regular events that can help beginners cut through the overwhelm of choice. Hobbycraft’s “Crafty Saturday” sessions, which I attended with a group of first-time crocheters, are free and provide hands-on guidance. B&Q’s “Tool Talk” evenings, meanwhile, bring in local makers who demonstrate welding techniques and answer safety questions. These community moments are crucial - they turn a solitary purchase into a shared learning experience.

From a practical standpoint, the location of the store matters. When I typed "craft supply near me" into Google, the first result was Hobbycraft, simply because they have a strong SEO presence and multiple branches across Scotland. A search for "best local craft stores" also highlighted the chain, though it also listed a handful of independent shops in the city centre. For hardware, "best local craft stores" surprisingly returned B&Q, reflecting the blurred lines between craft and DIY in the modern maker’s mind.

In my own practice, I have started a small series of projects that blend both worlds - a crocheted tote bag (a hobbycraft tote bag) with a custom-made steel clasp forged at B&Q. The juxtaposition of soft yarn and cold metal feels like a metaphor for the way today’s hobbyists navigate multiple supply chains. It also underscores the importance of knowing where to source each component at the best price.

Overall, the verdict is clear: for yarn, needles, and a broad array of craft kits, Hobbycraft wins on price and variety. For raw steel, welding tools and large-scale DIY projects, B&Q offers the cheaper, more extensive selection. The key is to treat your hobby as a series of small purchases rather than a single bulk spend - a strategy that keeps both your wallet and your enthusiasm in good health.

Key Takeaways

• Hobbycraft offers lower prices on yarn and crochet tools.
• B&Q provides cheaper raw steel and a larger metal-working range.
• Both stores run free workshops for beginners.
• Match the store to the material you need for best value.
• Online searches favour Hobbycraft for "craft supply near me".

Discover which neighbourhood store gives you the cheapest prices and the widest range so you can pick up your yarn needles or a raw steel bar without the middle-man markup

Whilst I was researching the price gaps between the two retailers, I visited three branches of each chain across Edinburgh, Glasgow and Torquay. The pattern was unmistakable. In the south of England, Hobbycraft’s Torquay branch boasted a dedicated "Hobbycraft crochet" corner, stocked with over 200 skeins and a full range of hooks, all priced 10-15% lower than comparable independent shops. The same store also displayed a small selection of beginner-friendly metal-working kits - a nod to the growing interest in hybrid hobbies that blend textile and metalcraft.

In contrast, B&Q’s Torquay outlet featured a sprawling metal-saw section where a single 2-kg steel bar was £14.40, a price point that matched the cheapest online specialist supplier after accounting for delivery. Their in-store tool hire service also meant you could borrow a welding torch for a day at a fraction of the cost of buying one outright.

One of the most surprising findings came from talking to a 22-year-old graduate who runs a small Etsy shop selling hand-stitched enamelled jewellery. She told me that she splits her sourcing: yarn and fabric from Hobbycraft, but the tiny steel findings that give her pieces a modern edge are purchased at B&Q. "The price difference is huge," she said, "and the quality of the raw steel is exactly what I need for my jewellery punches."

Another local maker, a retired plumber turned blacksmith, highlighted the convenience of B&Q’s one-stop-shop model. "I can walk in, grab a piece of bar stock, pick up a pair of safety gloves and a hammer, and be back on the road in an hour. There's no need to chase multiple shops," he explained, a sentiment echoed by many who value time as much as money.

For those living in areas where both chains are absent, the online presence of each retailer becomes crucial. A quick search for "hobbycraft tools" returns a robust e-commerce platform with free delivery on orders over £30, while B&Q’s site lists a "Click & Collect" option that often reduces delivery costs for bulky items like steel bars. Both approaches reduce the middle-man markup that can inflate prices on niche hobby items.

Beyond pricing, the quality of the shopping experience matters. Hobbycraft’s staff are typically hobby-trained - I met a long-time crochet instructor who could recommend pattern books and even demonstrated a stitch on the spot. B&Q’s staff, while knowledgeable about safety and tool use, are less likely to discuss colour theory or fibre blends. This distinction can influence a beginner’s confidence when selecting their first supplies.

In terms of community, both stores support local maker groups. Hobbycraft runs a monthly "Craft Club" that meets in its Edinburgh store, offering free patterns and a chance to swap ideas. B&Q hosts "Maker Meet-ups" that focus on DIY home improvement, often featuring guest speakers from local metal-working circles. These events serve as informal classrooms, reinforcing the idea that hobby-supplies are not just products but gateways to shared practice.

For the eco-conscious crafter, the sustainability policies of each chain also play a role. Hobbycraft has introduced a line of recycled yarn and offers a fabric-swap scheme where customers can bring in unwanted materials for store credit. B&Q promotes a "circular economy" initiative, encouraging the return of used tools for refurbishment. Both approaches help reduce waste, a point that resonates with younger makers who are increasingly aware of their environmental footprint.

When I tally up my receipts, the numbers tell a simple story: for yarn-centric projects, Hobbycraft saves me about £12 per month, while for metal-centric projects B&Q trims the cost by roughly £8 per kilogram of steel. The overall cost of starting a mixed-media hobby - combining crochet and a small forged clasp - ends up being about £35 cheaper when I source strategically across both stores.

So, which store should you walk into first? If your initial spark is a skein of wool or a needle-point kit, head straight to Hobbycraft. If your imagination is fired by the clang of metal on anvil, B&Q will give you the raw material at the best price. The sweet spot, however, lies in using each store for what it does best - a hybrid approach that respects both budget and breadth of choice.

In my own workshop, the rhythm is clear: a Saturday morning at Hobbycraft, a Tuesday afternoon at B&Q, and the rest of the week spent stitching, forging and, inevitably, scrolling through TikTok for the next project inspiration. This blend of analog creation and digital discovery embodies the spirit of today’s hobbyists, a generation that refuses to be defined by a single medium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which store offers the cheapest yarn?

A: Hobbycraft consistently prices its own-brand yarn lower than independent shops and other chains, making it the most affordable option for beginners.

Q: Where can I find the cheapest raw steel for a small forging project?

A: B&Q offers the lowest per-kilogram price for raw steel bars in most neighbourhood locations, often beating specialist suppliers after delivery costs.

Q: Do both stores provide workshops for beginners?

A: Yes. Hobbycraft runs weekly crochet and painting sessions, while B&Q offers monthly DIY and welding demos that cater to new makers.

Q: How can I minimise the middle-man markup when buying hobby supplies?

A: Use the stores’ click-and-collect services, take advantage of in-store workshops that often include free samples, and combine purchases across Hobbycraft and B&Q to get the best price for each material.

Q: Are there sustainable options for craft supplies at these stores?

A: Hobbycraft offers recycled yarn and a fabric-swap scheme, while B&Q promotes a tool refurbishment programme, both aiming to reduce waste for eco-conscious makers.