Insider Trading: Yarn Shopping @ Kürkçü Han

Now that winter in Istanbul has finally arrived, the time has come for knitters all over the city to dust off the ol’ knitting needles. The craft lends itself to the cold: knitting is the perfect activity to do inside on a dreary winter’s day with a nice cup of çay. Plus, the end results of all that knitting — the scarves, socks, and sweaters — are perfect for those days when we actually have to brave the elements. So where, you ask, can one purchase everything necessary to be a successful knitter? Easy. The answer is where one can purchase anything, ever: Eminönü.

Located just behind the Grand Bazaar, the Kürkçü Han is perfect for all kinds of knitters, whether a crafting novice or seasoned veteran. The market consists of two levels: the lower level contains towels, handkerchiefs, and plenty of other miscellany, while the upper level is primarily a series of stores selling yarn, yarn, and more yarn (oh yeah, and needles, too). If you’re an avid knitter like I am, you should probably set aside an entire afternoon to lose yourself in the stores on the second floor.

On the upper level, one can find yarn of all types, from sparkly fun fur to polyester blends and skeins of pure wool, all for a fraction of the price of yarn abroad (so make sure to stock up before heading home!). But there are also crochet needles, knitting needles, circular needles, buttons, and measuring tapes galore, making this particular market the perfect one-stop shopping experience. Just make sure to check out every store before spending all your money – each store has something different to offer from the last.

Now down to the knitty gritty (ha, ha). To get to the Kürkçü Han, take the road to the left of the spice market away from the water and into the center of Eminönü. Then, it’s best to just ask someone where it is and follow his or her directions. Once you get there, you can explore the square (the lower level), or find yourself some stairs, and make your way up to yarn heaven.

Kürkçü Han
Taya Hatun Mh., Mahmutpaşa Yokuşu
34120 Fatih

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