Frequently Asked Questions & Support

We aim to provide clear, concise answers to common questions about Yarn Saver. Whether you’re looking to sell your yarn, buy from our collection, or just want to understand how we work, you’ll find what you need here.

What do you accept?

If it’s related to the fiber arts, we buy it! Yarn, roving, spinning fiber, tools, project bags, enamel pins, fiber-themed tees — all of it. We don’t turn things away based on brand or fiber type. There is a fiber for everybody, and our personal preferences don’t dictate what we purchase.

The main requirements are that items are clean, in usable condition, and free of significant damage. Labeled yarn in its original retail state will receive a higher value than loose or unlabeled yarn. Unlabeled fiber is weighed and valued by the gram.

We do accept yarn from homes with pets, but please let us know so we can mark it. Yarn with obvious pet hair or animal smells that can’t be cleaned will not be accepted.

We do not accept scraps at this time. We’ll update this page and our newsletter when that changes.

What types and weights of yarn do you accept?

All of them — from cobweb to roving and everything in between. Caked yarn with the tag attached is fine. We’re not picky about fiber content, weight, or brand as long as the item is in good condition.

Do you take needles, hooks, pins, bags, and other non-yarn items?

Yes! If it’s something a fiber artist would use or enjoy, we want it. Tools should be in working condition with all pieces present. Bags should be free of stains and holes.

How does the selling process work?

Here’s the short version:

1. Create an account at yarnsaver.com.
2. Start an assessment — either list items yourself (online assessment) or let us do it for you (manual assessment).
3. Submit and wait for approval. Do not send items until your assessment says “Approved.”
4. Ship or drop off your items using the instructions in your account.
5. We freeze, inspect, and price your items.
6. You pick your payout method and we send payment.

For the full step-by-step walkthrough, visit our Sell Your Yarn page.

How long does the whole process take?

Our current estimate is 3–5 weeks from receiving your items to sending your payout offer. This is based on assessments with 30 or fewer unique items. Larger assessments take longer.

The timeline includes a mandatory 2–3 week freezing period before we can inspect anything. After that, your items enter the assessment queue, which typically takes 1–3 weeks depending on volume.

What are the payout rates?

For online assessments (you list the items):

• Mailed check: 20% of assessed value
• PayPal transfer: 25% of assessed value
• Store credit: 30% of assessed value

For manual assessments (we list them for you):

• Mailed check: 15%
• PayPal: 20%
• Store credit: 25%

For business owners, these rates can be negotiated alongside your liquidation contract. Contact us to get started.

Will you send back items I don’t want to sell anymore?

No. Once we receive your items, they become our property. We do not return items to sellers. This is part of the terms you agree to when you submit an assessment. The only exception is at certain special in-person events with limited return options — check our news page for details.

Can I change my mind after I get my payout offer?

You can choose any of the three payout methods after seeing your totals. However, once your payout has been sent, the transaction is final. No changes, adjustments, or disputes will be considered after that point.

If you have concerns about your assessment, raise them before the payout is issued.

What if I don’t respond to the payout offer?

You have 30 days to respond and choose your payout method. If we don’t hear back after 30 days and at least two email attempts, we may mark your assessment as abandoned. At that point, any payout offers are withdrawn and your items stay with us. No payment will be issued for abandoned assessments.

Please make sure your email address is current in your account — email is how we handle all communication.

What happens to items that aren’t sold or aren’t accepted?

Items that are in usable condition but don’t sell are donated to local community craft groups. They use the yarn to make winter accessories, blankets, and prayer shawls for the local homeless community, and for craft projects at a local school. Scraps that can’t be crafted with are used as stuffing for stuffed animals made for local youth groups.

Items that are contaminated, pest-damaged, or otherwise unusable are disposed of responsibly.

How does Yarn Saver ensure the quality of secondhand yarn?

Every incoming shipment goes through a freeze cycle of at least two weeks. The yarn is frozen for a minimum of one week, thawed for a day, then frozen again for at least another week. This kills pests at all life stages.

After freezing, each skein is inspected for condition and damage. Anything with pest damage or contamination is discarded. Items that pass inspection are sealed in individual bags, stored in airtight and watertight totes sorted by brand, and kept in a facility cleaned daily with pest preventative measures throughout.

We still recommend doing your own freezing process when you receive any secondhand fiber — from us or anyone else.

Should I sell through Yarn Saver or on my own?

If you’re comfortable photographing items, writing listings, answering buyer questions, handling payments and taxes, and shipping orders yourself, selling on platforms like eBay or social media will let you keep 100% of the proceeds.

If that sounds like more work than you want to take on, we handle everything after you send us your items — no listing, no buyer communication, no trips to the post office. You trade a percentage of the value for convenience and peace of mind.

It comes down to what matters more to you: maximizing your return, or reclaiming your time.

Do you offer a business or wholesale selling program?

Yes. If you’re a registered business looking to liquidate inventory, we negotiate terms individually. Payout rates, shipping arrangements, pickup services, and other details are all handled through a separate written agreement.

To get started, contact us at [email protected] or through our contact page and let us know you’re inquiring about a business/commercial selling agreement. You’ll need to provide documentation of your business registration.

Can I buy yarn from Yarn Saver if I live outside the United States?

Yes! We ship globally, with the exception of the EU. Shipping outside the US through reliable carriers is expensive, and we can’t control those costs.

You are responsible for any taxes, tariffs, customs duties, or import fees charged by your country. We cannot accept returns or cancellations related to those fees. We recommend researching your country’s import rules before placing an order.

Who is running this website?

This website is being managed by Christina of Finarina Designs and Pardon My Stash. You can find out more about how Yarn Saver started and who we are on our About page.

Didn’t find your answer? Reach out through our contact page and we’ll get back to you.