Thousands of visitors from across the UK and around the world gathered in Skipton for two days of woolly creativity.
The 14th Yarndale festival drew visitors to Skipton Auction Mart on September 26 and 27 for a weekend of knitting, crochet and textile arts.
Visitors described the event as a joyful weekend of creativity and connection, with handmade jumpers, yarn-filled conversations and new friendships at the heart of the experience.
The team and volunteers behind the 14th annual Yarndale Festival
Event organisers Emma Sandoe and Kate Beard said: "What a fantastic weekend.
"Thank you to everyone who helped us to make Yarndale so special.
"A lot goes on behind the scenes and all year round.
"Yarndale is a truly wonderful weekend made special by all the amazing people who flock to Skipton and gather at the auction mart, making a woolly sheep shed of wonder."
The excitement began before visitors reached the venue.
Bunting and mandalas decorated the auction mart, while the route from Skipton Railway Station became a vibrant Yarn Walk packed with yarn-themed decorations.
A free shuttle bus linked the station, town centre and auction mart throughout the weekend.
The service made it easier to reach the festival and helped the whole town feel involved.
Attendees travelled from across the UK and Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, China and Europe.
The woolly dots at Yarndale Festival
For many visitors, Yarndale is an annual tradition.
The festival turns online friendships into face-to-face connections and brings together people who share a passion for yarn.
One visitor said: "Wow! What a great weekend of all things woolly!
"We’ve already booked accommodation for next year."
Others called it the "Best weekend EVER!", while another said it was "No.1 on my list of yarn festivals!"
Many visitors valued the chance to slow down with like-minded people.
One said: "How wonderful to just be able to sit and make with fellow knitters and crocheters and take time out from busy lives to feel inspired and connected."
Nearly 200 exhibitors filled the auction mart, where visitors explored new products, met makers and suppliers, and handled yarn and materials.
The festival also featured workshops, talks, live music and other creative activities.
The Making Space was a central part of the Yarndale experience.
Visitors shared skills, exchanged knowledge and enjoyed making things together there.
Seventeen workshops offered new skills, while four free talks covered topics including French knitting’s revival and wool’s journey from Yorkshire Dales farms to finished products.
Visitors also learned about the Craft for Climate community project and its second initiative, Square the Risk, developed at the show.
Live music in the Lairage added to the festival’s relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Visitors turned the auction mart’s aisles into an informal catwalk, proudly displaying their handmade creations.
The Chelsea Ladies at the Yarndale Festival
Among them were Fiona, Linda, Sheila and Eleanor, friends from Edinburgh and Dundee who call themselves the "Chelsea Ladies."
The friends share a passion for gardening, knitting and crochet and arrived wearing their own knitted jumpers.
Bexhill couple Sue and Peter joined a 30-strong Instagram group of knitters and crocheters who meet at Yarndale each year.
Sue and Peter from Bexhill with their friends
For them, turning online connections into face-to-face friendships is central to Yarndale.
The Worldwide Creative Project was one of this year’s most ambitious festival features.
People sent 20,000 knitted and crocheted woolly dots from around the globe, creating a striking art installation.
The project raised money and awareness for Yarndale’s 2026 charity partner, UNICEF.
Exhibitors reported some of their best-ever sales at this year’s festival.
One visitor summed up Yarndale as a "truly inspirational, fantastic event".
Yarndale 2027 will return to Skipton Auction Mart on September 25 and 26.