Our Story
String Theory is committed to helping you discover the healing powers of knitting and crocheting, while effecting positive change in the US and worldwide. We proudly support women and Black-owned businesses.
Click here to see why.
About our Yarns
Our collection is first and foremost, conscientiously-curated. On our (physical and virtual shelves), you’ll find a wide selection of organic, fair trade and artisan yarns, each a delight for knitting and crochet.
By purchasing a yarn from String Theory, you’re lifting up a number of small and female-owned businesses. We help women in Rwanda, who survived the genocide, educate a new generation. We help women in Uruguay find meaningful work without leaving their rural homes. We help a family in New Hampshire maintain a mill, a tradition spanning hundreds of years. We help restore the Patagonia Grasslands by encouraging sustainable farming. Every yarn we stock makes a positive impact.
Read some of the stories here.
Handpun Hope helps women in Rwanda
Currently, 123 women who survived the genocide in Rwanda are part of the Handspun Hope family. Each woman is respected and welcomed as a sister with a unique healing and transformation journey before her. Many of our ladies are caring for four to ten children, all of whom are directly impacted by their mother’s job.
Through the meaningful work provided by Handspun Hope, 527 Rwandans are directly impacted and provided education, healthcare, nutrition, and housing.
Handspun Hope Ornaments
$30.00
The best way to decorate for Christmas is to invest in the lives of the women working for Handspun Hope in northern Rwanda. These 100% organic needle-felted sculptures are one-of-a-kind...
Handspun Hope Nativity
$44.00
Preorder until August 7 for delivery in November. These needle-felted sculptures are handcrafted from 100% organic wool from Handpun Hope's own flock of merino sheep. Purchase the complete set or...
Handspun Hope cotton
$32.00
This lovely cotton yarn is laboriously handspun on a drop spindle in Ethiopia by women working for a small cooperative comprised of single mothers. A single skein of yarn requires approximately 736 yards of...
HH Felted Sculptures
$64.00
Preorder until August 7 for delivery in November. Handspun Hope 100% organic needle-felted sculptures are one-of-a-kind pieces of art. These pieces of art are allowing us to give dignified...
Odette Handwarmer Kit
$65.00
The Odette Cabled Hand Warmers feature a classic single cable in Handpun Hope's new Super Bulky Merino yarn. The hand warmers are knit in the round using double pointed needles. A...
HH Angora blend
$65.00
Humanely-sourced from their own flocks of bunnies and sheep, this 50/50 blended sport weight is Handspun Hope's most luxurious yarn yet! This incredibly indulgent fluffiness has a silky and lightweight texture with a halo...
Odette Headband and Handwarmer Kit
$100.00
The Odette Cabled Headband and Hand Warmers feature a classic single cable in Handspun Hope's new Super Bulky Merino yarn. The hand warmers are knit in the round using double-pointed needles. ...
Hello Hope Tote
$35.00
These totes were custom-created by Imani Collective in Mombasa, Kenya. Each bag is signed inside by the individual artisan who handcrafted it. 100% cotton canvas Double 1" leather straps with 11"...
Handspun Hope DK Wool
$32.00
100% merino approximately 173 YDS 100 GR Needle size: US 6-8 Gauge: 4-6 STS = 1" Note: Although this yarn is labeled DK, it knits...
Our Team
String Theory’s team of Yarnistas + Instructors are dedicated to helping you find just the right yarn for your next project, and teaching you the skills you need to accomplish it! Whether we’re down the street from you or across the country, these are the talented people who will encourage and support you on your crafting journey.
How String Theory Began
After the death of my brother in the World Trade Center on 9/11, I picked up my knitting and discovered that what had always been a creative outlet, was also an effective tool for processing my grief. When I knit, I was able to sit still. Simple patterns provided time for my brain to rest.
It also gave me some space to think about what I wanted to do next with my life, because on September 10th, I had been laid off from my job. I wanted my work to change the world. And as I healed, I became convinced that knitting was really good for a person's mental health. (It turns out it is also good for your physical health, but those studies have only recently come to light.) So I decided to open a yarn store that would support organizations that strive to make the world a better place, and would encourage more people to knit or crochet for their own wellbeing.
“Every time you spend money, you're casting a vote for the kind of world you want.”
- Anna Lappe
In the 15+ years since opening, our charity initiatives have raised $40,000 for local charities. And by carefully curating products from companies that make a difference, we actively support small businesses and social justice causes worldwide. You have made this possible.
Visit us
String Theory is a sanctuary for a diverse community of makers who are passionate about yarn and creating a better world. If you’re in the Chicagoland area, we’d love for you to stop by our shop!
We are open
477 N Main St
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Tue - Fri: 10am - 2pm
Saturday, 10am - 5pm
We are 1.5 blocks from the Metra Train Station.
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About Us
String Theory is committed to helping our customers discover the healing powers of knitting and crocheting, while effecting positive change in the US and worldwide. We proudly support women and Black-owned businesses.
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In diversity there is beauty and there is strength - Maya Angelou
Everyone is welcome here!