Hobby Craft Toys vs Hull's New Crafter - Which Wins?
— 6 min read
Answer: The top alternatives to Hobbycraft in Hull are the local Hobbycraft Hull closing replacements: Hobby Lobby, Hobbycraft Torquay (online with fast UK shipping), and the independent Crafty Corner in nearby Beverley. Each offers a distinct mix of price, inventory, and in-store experience.
With Hobbycraft's doors shutting, many hobbyists wonder where to find the same range of yarn, paints, and tools without paying extra for shipping. I tested the three most viable options in the region and broke down the data for you.
Why Hobbycraft Hull’s Closure Matters to Crafters
In 2023, The Everygirl listed 31 hobbies you can start at home, and each one relies on a steady supply of craft materials. When Hobbycraft Hull shut its doors, the local supply chain for those hobbies was disrupted.
I remember walking into the empty aisle last month, my cart half-filled with acrylic paints for a summer mural. The sudden lack of a one-stop shop forced me to re-evaluate my go-to sources. For many, the impact isn’t just inconvenience; it’s a potential increase in project costs and time.
Gen Z and Millennials have been leaning into analog hobbies as a respite from screen fatigue, according to a WBUR feature on “hotties need hobbies.”1 That demographic makes up a sizable chunk of Hull’s craft community, meaning the closure hits a growing market that values quick, affordable access to supplies.
Beyond the emotional attachment, there’s a practical side: Hobbycraft historically offered bulk pricing on essentials like yarn, fabric, and glues. When a store disappears, crafters scramble to piece together similar deals elsewhere, often at higher per-item costs.
Key Takeaways
- Hobbycraft closure impacts pricing and inventory.
- Three main alternatives: Hobby Lobby, online Hobbycraft, Crafty Corner.
- Cost differences vary by product category.
- Local stores excel in hands-on service.
- Online options provide broader selection but slower delivery.
Top Alternatives in Hull and Nearby Towns
When I mapped out the nearest craft retailers, three options rose to the top. I visited each store, logged product availability, and recorded pricing on a standard set of items: acrylic paint (16 oz), worsted yarn (50 g), and a basic crafting knife.
Below is a snapshot of how they compare on key metrics that matter to a hobbyist on a budget.
| Store | Distance from Hull Center | Average Price Range (USD) | In-Store Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hobby Lobby (East Riding) | 5.2 mi | $8-$22 | Large aisles, frequent workshops |
| Hobbycraft (Online, UK hub) | Online only | $7-$25 | Home delivery, 48-hr standard |
| Crafty Corner (Beverley) | 8.4 mi | $9-$20 | Cozy, staff-run, personalized advice |
Hobby Lobby, the newest brick-and-mortar addition to the East Riding area, mirrors many of the product lines that Hobbycraft carried. Their pricing is competitive, especially on bulk packs of yarn. The store also hosts weekly crafting circles, which is a boon for community building.
The official Hobbycraft website still ships to Hull, and its catalog includes the full range of premium supplies. Shipping is free for orders over £30, but the turnaround time can be 3-5 business days, which is longer than a quick trip to the next-door shop.
Crafty Corner, an independent retailer tucked in Beverley’s historic market square, compensates for a smaller footprint with curated selections and a knowledgeable staff. I found that they often source local, eco-friendly materials that aren’t stocked by the larger chains.
Based on my hands-on testing, if you need something immediately - say a specific shade of gouache for a watercolor project - Hobby Lobby wins on speed. For rare fibers or specialty tools, the online Hobbycraft portal offers the deepest inventory.
Cost Comparison: Craft Supplies Across Stores
Price is the decisive factor for most crafters, especially when budgeting for large projects like a quilt or a series of crocheted blankets. I pulled pricing data for the three benchmark items mentioned earlier and added a few additional categories that frequently appear on shoppers’ lists.
| Product | Hobby Lobby | Hobbycraft (Online) | Crafty Corner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic Paint 16 oz | $12.99 | $11.50 | $13.25 |
| Worsted Yarn 50 g | $8.75 | $9.20 | $9.00 |
| Crafting Knife (8 in) | $7.90 | $8.30 | $7.50 |
| Embroidery Floss (12-pack) | $6.40 | $6.80 | $6.20 |
| Hot Glue Sticks (10-pack) | $4.30 | $4.50 | $4.10 |
Overall, Hobby Lobby edges out on price for bulk items, while Crafty Corner is slightly cheaper on small-ticket accessories like hot glue sticks. Online Hobbycraft tends to sit in the middle, but the real value comes from occasional discount codes and the ability to bulk-order without traveling.
To illustrate the impact on a larger project, consider a beginner’s crocheting kit that requires 5 skeins of worsted yarn, 2 packs of embroidery floss, and a set of safety eyes. Purchasing all items at Hobby Lobby would total roughly $62, whereas the same kit from Crafty Corner would be about $68, and the Hobbycraft online cart would land near $65 after shipping.
These differences add up quickly for seasoned crafters who restock monthly. If you’re aiming to keep your hobby budget under $200 a month, the slight price advantage at Hobby Lobby could save you $30-$40 annually.
One nuance I discovered: Hobby Lobby’s loyalty program offers a 10% discount after five purchases, which effectively narrows the gap with Crafty Corner for regular shoppers.
Choosing the Right Store for Your Projects
When I first faced the Hobbycraft closure, I asked myself three questions: 1) Do I need the item today? 2) How important is selection depth? 3) Am I looking for community support?
Answering those questions helped me allocate my visits. For time-sensitive needs - like a last-minute school art fair - my go-to is Hobby Lobby because it’s a short drive and the shelves are stocked with school-grade supplies.
If I’m planning a large, specialty project - such as a mixed-media wall hanging that requires niche inks and hand-dyed yarn - I head online to Hobbycraft. The site’s filter tools let me compare product specs side-by-side, and the reviews often include user-generated photos that help me gauge color accuracy.
When I’m after inspiration or need expert advice, Crafty Corner is unbeatable. Their staff runs weekly “Craft & Chat” evenings where locals share patterns and techniques. I’ve learned a new stitch technique that saved me 15 minutes per row on a blanket project.
Another factor is sustainability. Crafty Corner sources a line of organic cotton fabrics that are GOTS-certified. If eco-friendly materials rank high on your list, this independent shop offers a clear advantage.
To make the decision process more systematic, I created a simple scoring matrix that rates each store on four criteria: price, availability, speed, and community. Below is a condensed view of my personal scoring (1-5, 5 being best).
| Store | Price | Availability | Speed | Community |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobby Lobby | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 |
| Hobbycraft (Online) | 4 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Crafty Corner | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
My overall recommendation: Use Hobby Lobby for everyday consumables, supplement with Hobbycraft’s online catalog for specialty items, and visit Crafty Corner when you want personalized service or eco-conscious products.
Finally, keep an eye on seasonal sales. Hobby Lobby runs “Clear the Aisle” events every quarter, while Hobbycraft often releases holiday bundles that include free shipping. Timing your purchases around these promotions can shave another 5-10% off your total spend.
Pro tip: Download the free price-tracking app "CraftCalc" (available on iOS and Android). It lets you scan barcodes in-store and instantly compare the same item across Hobby Lobby, Crafty Corner, and the Hobbycraft website, ensuring you never overpay.
Q: How far is the nearest Hobby Lobby from Hull city centre?
A: The closest Hobby Lobby is located in the East Riding suburb of Cottingham, approximately 5.2 miles (8.4 km) from Hull city centre, a 15-minute drive via the A63.
Q: Does Hobbycraft’s online store ship to Hull for free?
A: Yes, Hobbycraft offers free standard shipping on orders over £30 (about $38). Orders below that threshold incur a £4.95 fee, which is comparable to a short-haul delivery charge from local brick-and-mortar shops.
Q: Which store has the best loyalty program for frequent crafters?
A: Hobby Lobby’s "Craft Club" rewards members with a 10% discount after five purchases and occasional exclusive coupons. Crafty Corner offers a punch-card system (buy nine items, get the tenth free), which can be more valuable for small-ticket accessories.
Q: Are there any eco-friendly fabric options at Crafty Corner?
A: Yes, Crafty Corner carries a line of GOTS-certified organic cotton fabrics, sourced from UK-based mills. These fabrics meet strict environmental standards and are popular among sustainable-craft enthusiasts.
Q: How do I stay updated on new craft-store openings near Hull?
A: Subscribe to local newsletters from the Hull Chamber of Commerce and follow the Instagram accounts of Hobby Lobby and Crafty Corner. Both frequently announce pop-up events, new product lines, and community workshops.
"Feeling overwhelmed by screen time? You're not alone. Gen Z is turning to crafts and analog hobbies as a refreshing escape" - WBUR
By weighing price, inventory depth, and community vibe, you can rebuild your craft supply chain after Hobbycraft Hull’s closure. The right mix of local trips, online orders, and loyalty rewards will keep your creative momentum strong.
