Brooklyn General

Brooklyn, United States

3

Closed now

20 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

Contacts

QR code, vCard

Telephone:
+1 718-237-7753
Website:
www.brooklyngeneral.com
Address:
128 Union St, Brooklyn, NY, 11231
b/t Columbia St & Hicks St
Carroll Gardens, Columbia Street Waterfront District
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.5 miCarroll Street (F,G)
0.7 miBergen Street (F,G)
0.8 miSmith 9th Streets
Categories:
QR code
Download QR Image Download vCard

Map

Streetview

Activate map

Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Parking
Street
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes

Today

Today 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Closed now
Local time (Brooklyn) 19:49 Thursday, 28 November 2024

Business hours

Monday 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Tuesday 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Wednesday 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Thursday 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Friday 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Saturday 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Sunday 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Description

Specialties

Brooklyn General Store is a warm and inviting haven, nestled in the bustling borough of Brooklyn. We seek to provide the materials and inspiration to create and a community in which to share the art of handmade.

Whether you are looking for yarn, fabric, fiber, notions, tools, dry goods or hand made gifts, Brooklyn General has something for you.

History

Established in 2003.

Catherine Clark and Katie Metzger met in a playground in Brooklyn about thirteen years ago. They knew they would be friends forever when they discovered their mutual passion for making things, family, and Little House on the Prairie. As children they had both loved Olsen’s Mercantile from Little House on the Prairie, and as adults they both dreamed of having their own general stores. While watching their children play, they fantasized about what they would sell: from yarn and pickles to dress cottons and penny candy. In 2003, when Catherine and Katie finally decided to act on their dream and open Brooklyn General Store, they hoped to create a yarn and fabric store that would be filled with materials and objects made from natural fibers and in color palates and patterns inspired by nature. They also wanted it to be a warm and inviting meeting place for women in the community. They chose the items they carried for their beauty and comfort.

Meet the Business Owner

Catherine C.

Business Owner

Catherine grew up crafting with her mother and sisters. She is also a Midwife and has a private practice in Brooklyn. When she is not delivering babies, she is puttering around the store thinking of ways to spread the love of hand work to the community.

Related places

You might also consider:
1
mi
Fulton Fabrics
398 Bridge St (Downtown Brooklyn)
1
mi
Fabitart
596 Henry St (Carroll Gardens)
1.6
mi
Fiber Notion
849 Union St (Park Slope)
1.7
mi
Amex Fabrics
391 Broadway Frnt (Vinegar Hill)
1.7
mi
N & C Mgt
385 Broadway Frnt (Vinegar Hill)
1.8
mi
My Natalie
59 Nassau St (Financial District)

Nearby

Near this location:
10
ft
Frank’s Dept Store
128 Union St
30
ft
Brooklyn Union Cafe
126 Union St
30
ft
Lilla Cafe
126 Union St
30
ft
Brooklyn Southern
126 Union St
50
ft
La Cleaners & Tailor
130 Union St
50
ft
House of Pizza & Calzones
132 Union St

20 reviews of Brooklyn General

No registration required
Place rating: 1
Stamford, CT
As with any yarn and fabric shop I expected to fall in love with this place. But upon entering the store I got none of the following services that I consider to be of QUALITY customer service.
1. No greeting.
2. No can I help you/​let me know if you have any questions.
3. No suggestions for suitable yarns/​fabrics/​ideas for projects.
4. No interest in the customer or what they are working on.
5. Rude service-​I had to ask to be helped. Just a general turn off, coming from someone who used to work in customer service for over 6 years.
6. I had a coupon, said nowhere that it couldn’t be used in store. The girl just stares at it and said the manager was able to do it, but she didn’t know how and then never made any efforts to FIND OUT how to do her job. Interesting…
Perhaps they should hire people who actually have a passion for crafting, sewing, knitting and design. This is a field for your employees to INSPIRE. NOT scare away and intimidate customers. You are losing sales, based on what I’m reading from other people who have had similar experiences as mine. I have been in almost every yarn shop in the city, and I work as a professional fashion designer, and I have NEVER been so turned off by a creative establishment. Will not be back, and will not recommend to any of my friends who are also crafters.
Place rating: 2
New York, NY
Place was nearly empty (1 – 2 customers) and the woman behind the counter still couldn’t be bothered to greet us or acknowledge our existence when we walked in. She could tell we needed help — it would’ve been easy for her to simply say something to the effect of, «let me know if you guys have any questions» or «I’ll be with you in a moment.»
But instead she moved at a snail’s pace, appearing to be extending her interaction with a customer who seemed to want to get out of there, but she just kept making small talk and explaining baroque policies and just sort of futzing about. This went on and on. It was bizarre, almost to the point of comedy.
The longer we stood there, the weirder it was. She never even made eye-​contact.
If the selection was any good, we’d have put up with the non-​existent customer service but we were there for fabric and this is really a yarn and notions store. They had the same 10 fabrics you see everywhere, all of which were twee and infantile with a «Put a [Bird/​Apple/​Flower] On It» aesthetic. Ew.
Place rating: 2
New York, NY
I enjoy the staff and selection at this store even though it’s a schlepp from my UWS apartment. But I won’t be shopping here again. I’m appalled at the fact that they don’t use a rotary cutter or scissor to cut fabric – they make a tiny cut and then tear it. This creates an unbelievable amount of fraying. Believe me, I understand the danger of repetitive motion caused by a rotary cutter, but maybe switching off staff so someone doesn’t do it for eight hours will solve the problem. Tearing the fabric is just wrong. I’m done with clipping and snipping all the frayed ends.
Place rating: 5
Brooklyn, NY
I love going to this store, it is too bad it’s so far from my apartment and they close early on Sundays…
They have a beautiful selection of yarn (I love that they carry non famous brands too) and service is always friendly and welcoming. Support local businesses !
Place rating: 1
Red Hook, Brooklyn, NY
I really want to like this store. It’s the closest yarn store to my home and they have a great selection. But if you need help with anything, even a pattern written by the owner and sold in the store, you are completely out of luck.
Direct quotes from 3 different staff on 3 different visits while attempting to get help with an error-​filled pattern:
«This pattern is the bane of my existence»
«We should hide the sample so no one buys it»
«I haven’t made the sweater, I can’t help you»
«I’m not sure why anyone buys this, the yarn is insanely expensive» (speaking to the customer who bought the insanely expensive yarn to make this very pattern)
Also, a few pattern writing basics: please include GAUGE! It’s important. A schematic with basic measurements would also be helpful. And, oh yeah, make sure the pattern is actually accurate, or if it’s not, maintain a list of errata. It’s not that hard. I could rewrite the pattern for you, but I’m not sure why I would do that at this point. Besides, I’m too busy ripping out all the work I’ve already put in so that I can fix it.
So, yeah, I won’t be back. If you are looking for a friendly yarn store, go to La Casita on Smith or Argyle in Windsor Terrace, but avoid this place at all costs. And yes, I will be taking my «insanely expensive» yarn tastes somewhere else.
Place rating: 1
Brooklyn, NY
This place has wonderful stock but the customer service is alwsys wanting. Rude and unhelpful for the third time, I won’t be back.
Place rating: 4
Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, NY
I really love this store, it’s super cute. They are helpful when you need something and always seem to have cool things going on. The last time we went in I used the Unilocal coupon deal and was very satisfied with my purchase.
Place rating: 4
New York, NY
I must say I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, reading the last several very mixed reviews on this place. As soon as I set foot in the door, however, I fell in love. I think this is my new favorite place in Brooklyn. Comparable to Purl Soho, only without the crowds and (dare I say it?) I think they might even have a better selection! It took a while to get the attention of a staff person as they were both very engaged with other customers, but ultimately when I had the chance I asked for help and received it readily. I will definitely be going back.
Place rating: 5
Brooklyn, NY
Came in looking for a gift. They have a very nice selection of yarn including difficult to find yarns I thought were only available online. The ladies were very nice — which was a pleasant surprise. I mean we have all walked into a yarn store and felt as we needed to spend 2 years knitting at their table to get anyone to treat us nice, right? Not here. They also have a computer with a guest RAV log in — very helpful! They helped me pick out a sub yarn for a specific project for a friend and offered suggestions for another small project. Very pleasant experience. Price was on par with other yarn stores.
Thank you!
Place rating: 2
Brooklyn, NY
I called this place to see if they carry a specific line of fabrics and the person on the line said, «We are too busy to field calls like this right now.» I am so offended by that, I don’t even know where to begin. This employee should be let go for speaking to customers like that.
Place rating: 4
Brooklyn, NY
Cute and homey, this is THE place to go if you’re seeking quality sewing supplies in Brooklyn. They are a little bit pricey, but the staff is super friendly and while the selection is small (so you won’t find every cotton print under the sun here), what they’ve got is solid.
I particularly love the vintage fabrics they sell. I typically come here for thread, needles, and other supplies when I’m under the gun and don’t have time to head to the city… but inevitably I walk out with a bundle or more of their vintage fabric. I have turned gorgeous vintage knit curtains into an ottoman slipcover and have countless bundles of vintage cotton to turn into quilts, napkins and coasters. Honestly, aside from convenience (I live in the ‘hood), that’s my favorite thing about Brooklyn General: their vintage finds.
In addition to their fabulous vintage fabric, they have a well-​curated selection of quilting cottons — including Liberty — and a good selection of threads. They are also a Bernina dealer, so if you’re in the market for a new machine you’d be well-​served to head over and try one out. I did, and while I ended up going with another machine the woman who helped me was helpful and very patient. I’m not a big knitter or crocheter, but they have yarns as well.
Finally, they have a wide array of classes. I haven’t taken any but I’ve seen others taking them twice when I’ve been in the shop at closing time and they seem solid. I would not hesitate to take a class here if one on offer met my needs.
In sum: hit them up. Brooklyn General is awesome.
Place rating: 4
New York, NY
One of my favorite NYC yarn stores. Lovely selection, many of my favorite brands, eg colorful Mad Tosh, Malabrigo, silky Smooshy. Since they’re in spacious Brooklyn there’s a wider selection than Downtown Yarns and less danger of becoming buried under falling yarn than Knitty City.
They’ve always been friendly when I’ve come in, but I have no problem with staff chatting away with regular customers and leaving me be. As with every sodding yarn store in this city you have to ask for it to be wound, and I often forget or feel intrusive asking, but hopefully I’ll get over this.
On one visit their payment system was down, and it seems an especially fiddly system as it can take ages at the counter paying.
Place rating: 3
Philadelphia, PA
No credit cards for purchases under $ 20. Love the layout– made me want to linger. The woman that helped me was friendly enough. I would definitely go back when visiting Brooklyn again.
Place rating: 4
Brooklyn, NY
Brooklyn General in a word: charming.
I visited Brooklyn General after buying a Unilocal Deal. Even if you only visit once, I think it’s worth the trek to Carroll Gardens to see the shop for yourself. It’s not the size of a closet, the inside is nicely laid out, and they have a good selection of Madelinetosh yarns (I want them all). I’m afraid their offerings of Malabrigo aren’t as impressive, though.
The customer service here is really great. I called from the bus to say that I’m almost there, and the woman working said to not worry about it, since she would be there for a while longer anyway.
Place rating: 4
Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, NY
Brooklyn general’s ambience is fantastic– the store is very open and rustic feeling, their yarn selection is sizable (for nyc) and diverse with plenty of staples (so much malabrigo!) as well as many gorgeous, less common options. They have plenty of knitting and sewing books, a standard selection of notions and some nifty looking fabric (although I didn’t really investigate that too much, not really a sewer) and other odds and ends for the crafty crowd.
…HOWEVER! I cannot abide by this customer service! Seriously guys, what the h? I came in on a weekday afternoon so I was one of two customers in the entire store. When I walked in there was one employee at the register who did not look very busy, but she didn’t acknowledge me. I did a slow lap around, and still– no eye contact, greetings, asking if I need anything… nothing. After a while I asked the employee for some help. After a short chat about how many yards I would need for a fairly simple project that I did not have the pattern for on hand she recommended that I would need AT LEAST four skeins– for a project that I knew would roughly need two (it did btw, with leftovers). So yeah, not exactly helpful. All in all, I did not feel very welcome.
Anyway, I would still recommend giving it a try– The yarn selection is beautiful, and maybe it was just an off day or whatever.
Edit: after reading some other reviews, it seems like most of the bad experiences people are having are with this one person who is the weekday staff. So go on the weekend for friendlier service. Or know exactly what you want when you go in and put your headphones on.
Place rating: 3
Brooklyn, NY
Came here to take advantage of their Unilocal deal and begin to gather items to do my sewing homework at home. Initially I think the staff was apprehensive but warmed up once I pulled my check list out. She then helped me go through it and picked out items. She even talked me out of a few purchases such as a pen cushion saying I could make it myself.
I’m sure they were more expensive than places around my way. Ended up picking up adorable jersey knit in a chevron pattern for my first project which will be a pencil skirt. I’d return for the fabric collection.
Place rating: 1
Brooklyn, NY
Terrible terrible customer service. The woman working the counter was not only rude to us but talked down to my 64 year old mother who is an accomplished knitter. My mother and I were both initially very excited to visit this store. The selection was adequate but not worth returning with such appalling customer service. Not even worth the one star.
Place rating: 4
Brooklyn, NY
Sometimes I’ll pop in here to work on a project when it’s not too crowded. It’s a chill shop with very helpful staff, though it’s a bit of a trek if you don’t live in the area (skip the long walk from the train and take the B61 to Union and Columbia).
I love their selection of fingerling yarns and can’t seem to visit this place without leaving with a couple of skeins of new yarn. They also have a nice selection of hand-​dyed yarns, instructional and pattern books, fabric, and regular knitting and sewing tools. If you are new to fabric arts, you might experience some sticker shock here… if the Unilocal deal is still available I’d recommend using it ($ 20 for $ 40 worth of goods, I think).
Place rating: 2
Providence, RI
I really, really wanted to love this place but sadly I didn’t. I came here since it’s close to home and I’d heard about it before, and I wanted some fabric for my first quilt. I liked that they have a lot of variety– as far as quilting-​weight fabrics go. If you come looking for fabric to make clothes, the selection is veeeery limited, basically only offering $ 36/​yd Liberty fabric, some denim and a bit of shirting.
I did think the fabrics were a bit overpriced. Most of them were around $ 15/​yd, for fabrics I paid ~$ 10/​yd in Boston. I’m not sure how much of it is due to being in NYC, to be honest, so I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt.
I would like to echo the other reviewers’ sentiment about the staff and store not being warm and welcoming. I couldn’t tell who worked there and who was just hanging out, and nobody offered me any help. I grabbed what I needed and went to the cutting table, and someone finally helped me there. But if I were a newbie to sewing, which I assume there are a lot of since they offer classes, this would be very off-​putting. I came here wishing it would be like Gather Here in Cambridge, MA, where I kept coming back just because people were friendly and I was happy to pay a small premium to support a local business. But here, I’m paying the premium for what? It seems unclear.
I’m not sure I’ll come back, since I can find the same fabrics online.
Place rating: 4
New York, NY
So, once in a while, when I have a free weekend day with my bf, we’ll grab brunch in Brooklyn, and he’ll ask if there is anything else I need. At that point, I’m like, welllll… there is brooklyn general.
It’s got a TON of lovely yarn and fabric and notions galore.