Japan, a Yarn Crafter's Paradise Part I: Dollar Stores

日本，編み物をする人の天国:100円ショップ

I’m currently living and working in rural Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher. Before I moved across the 太平洋, I was certain I’d have a rough time of it continuing my hobby! Where I live, there aren’t big craft stores like Tokyu Hands. In fact, the nearest Tokyo Hands is a cool 6-hour drive away in Sendai city. Yeah, no.

What we DO have, though, is arguably better! We’ve got dollar stores! Dollar stores (hyaku en shoppu, in Japanese) in Japan are known for being pretty awesome. In addition to finding quality products for your kitchen, home, or office, they also have a seriously impressive selection of DIY tools and materials for a variety of arts and crafts. Whether you’re starting from 0, or you’re a seasoned crocheter, there’s something for everyone! This is my local 100 yen shop (Seria) and their current selection of products.

Being that this is the 100 yen shop, everything is naturally 100 yen as well. Look at all of these yarns to choose from! This is just HALF of the selection, too. There's full shelf of em to the immediate left. Sugoi.

Can you imagine finding felting needles and roving in American or Canadian dollar stores? I sure can’t! While the skeins of yarn you find at the dollar store are small, they’re the perfect size for completing amigurumi projects. There’s nothing I loathe more than having a giant skein of yarn left over of some obscure colour that I’ll likely never use again (am I the only one?!).

Not only can you find a variety of yarns (that vary in material & thickness), there are also TOOLS you can buy for your yarn crafting needs! At this dollar store, they had tassel makers, pom pom makers, craft scissors, polyfill… everything (and more) a beginner needs to make their first project!

Since living here, I’ve used mostly dollar store yarns in my projects. I’ve also replaced my old felting needles from Canada (they ALL broke… damn) with ones from Daiso. I’ve been thoroughly satisfied with everything I’ve purchased. In fact, I’m heavily contemplating on stocking up on felting needles before I leave!

I would have LOVED to have access to a 100 yen shop when I started crocheting in 2016. How about you?

One of my current works in progress. Made exclusively with 100 yen shop yarn!

Cindy.