A Darn Good Yarn: Camborne shop reaches national final

Pop into A Darn Good Yarn on Cross Street on a quiet afternoon and you’re just as likely to find someone parked on a stool for a chat as someone buying wool. That knack for making people feel at home has now put the small shop in front of judges from right across the country.

One of eight, chosen from 600

A Darn Good Yarn has been named a finalist in the 2026 Love Your High Street Awards, run by the British Independent Retailers’ Association (Bira) to celebrate what the trade body calls “the local legends that keep our high streets alive.” The Cross Street shop is one of just eight finalists picked from 600 nominations by a panel of four judges.

More than a shop that sells yarn

First established two years ago, the family-run business has grown into as much a community hub as a place to buy yarn. Customers are known by name, with many popping in just for a chat, and the team offers extra help to older customers and those with mobility, hearing or communication needs.

The shop is also woven into life around it. The team takes part in Camborne’s yarn-bombing group, supports local charity initiatives, and runs a free monthly knitting and crochet group that brings people of all ages and abilities together. There’s a free after-school crochet club too, for Year 5 and 6 pupils.

‘A genuine sense of belonging’

Andrew Goodacre, chief executive of Bira, said A Darn Good Yarn stood out for creating a genuine sense of belonging around the shop, using their business to connect generations and make people feel welcome, supported and included.

Now it’s over to the public

Members of the public are being invited to vote for A Darn Good Yarn after it was shortlisted by Bira judges, who described it as a beautiful little yarn shop that is often a much-needed haven.

Anna Pascoe, BID Camborne Manager, said the team had become an important part of the community, always on hand to help with events like the recent Tykes on Trikes races and Fairtrade Fortnight. As well as being a great place for yarn of every kind, she said, they genuinely provide a service that local residents and customers love and are a class act in every respect.

Voting is open now and runs until Sunday 11 October, with the winner announced on Monday 26 October. Anyone wanting to back the Cross Street shop can cast their vote on the Bira website.