Best Craft and Handmade Stores in Asheville

Edited note: I first wrote this post before Helene hit the region and held off on publishing it for obvious reasons. While I maintain that these are the best craft and handmade stores in Asheville, many of them suffered indescribable damage from the storm and are in various stages of recovery. Most of their websites give updates on their current status and how we can support them. Please be respectful if any of them are not operating fully.

Asheville, NC, is a haven for artisans and craft enthusiasts alike, known for its rich history of craftsmanship and vibrant creative community. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this picturesque town is home to a wide array of craft and handmade stores, each offering unique, locally crafted goods that reflect the heart and soul of the region. This area is known for its arts and crafts community, a history that dates back to the late 19th and 20th centuries when the area of Western North Carolina endured economic and social changes. Communities that had initially relied on farming and agriculture moved to a more industrial existence. Struggling to adapt to these changes, traditional artisans and craftsmen in the area sought out additional ways to support their families; their trades and crafts became a more significant source of income. Today 12.5 million people visit the area every year, taking in all that Buncombe County has to offer. Whether you’re searching for one-of-a-kind pottery, custom jewelry, locally dyed yarn, or artisanal home decor, these are the best craft and handmade stores in Asheville.

How I Chose

When it comes to finding the best craft and handmade stores in Asheville, several factors are at play. The stores I’ve chosen all fit the following guidelines:

1. Diverse Inventory: A quality craft and handmade shop offers a wide variety of supplies at various price points. Every crafter is different so the inventory should reflect that. 
2. Knowledgeable Staff: Friendly and knowledgeable staff members are so important, whether you’re a seasoned crafter or brand new, you will want someone who “gets you.”  An experienced team can also guide you to the right materials for your specific needs and help you make informed decisions.
3. Class and Workshop Offerings: Not all craft shops offer classes and workshops, but when they do, it’s a significant plus. In-person classes are a great way to meet new people, connect with those who have similar interests, learn new techniques, and improve skills.  
4. Store Atmosphere: Not only are the products, people, and offerings important, but a welcoming, clean, and organized environment makes all the difference in a craft store. No one wants to be rummaging through boxes and shelves. A cozy and aesthetically pleasing environment can inspire creativity. 
5. Customer Service: Excellent customer service goes hand-in-hand with knowledgeable staff. A good craft store owner will ensure your shopping experience is smooth, promptly, and effectively addressing any issues or concerns promptly and effectively.
6. Community Engagement: Another important component to a quality craft shop, is their connection to the community. Look for shops that engage with the local crafting community through events and festivals (Asheville is uniquely amazing at this!). 

The Best Craft and Handmade Stores in Asheville

Asheville Cotton Co.

1378 Hendersonville Rd. Suite B
Asheville, NC 28803

Located off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville Cotton Co. – owned by Robin and Chip Culbertson – opened as a fabric shop in 1997 but over the years has grown to include not just fabrics, but sewing machines and furniture. If you’re looking for classes, Asheville Cotton Co. offers several options from quilting to embroidery. If you don’t live in the area, their online shop is fully stocked so you can find the perfect supplies for your next sewing project. 

Asheville NC Home Crafts

1 Page Ave #134, Asheville, NC 28801

Asheville NC Home Crafts is a knitter’s paradise featuring specialty yarns from across a variety of brands as well as a selection of fibers like mohair, alpaca, angola, wool and llama from local farms. This woman-owned business began in 2002 and is located in Historic Grove Arcade, just a few short steps from Woolworth Walk. And if you’re a hat person, don’t forget to visit their adjacent sister shop, The Asheville Hat Store.

Friends and Fiberworks

278 Brooks Cove Road Candler, NC 28715

Not located directly in Asheville, but Friends and Fiberworks deserves a mention. Just twenty minutes outside downtown Asheville, this yarn shop features brands like Hayfield and Berocco, in a variety of fibers like mohair and cashmere. Friends and Fiberworks even host classes in their shop and even knitting cruises so you can take your crafting to the seas with friends. 

Purl’s Yarn Emporium

830 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville NC 28803

If any shop deserved to be called an “emporium”, Purl’s Yarn Emporium is the one. With in-person and unique groups, if you’re a crafter with a conscience, this is the shop for you. Purl’s is located on Hendersonville Road just a mile from the Biltmore Estate. The knowledgeable staff provides expert advice and the store frequently hosts classes and events, fostering a vibrant community around fiber arts. And if you are a geeky crafter, there’s no better place to be.

Five Little Monkeys 

32 N Main St.,
Weaverville, NC 28787

Owner Angie Lamoree’s interest in quilting began twenty years ago in a quilting class. Along with her partner DJ, they run 5 Little Monkey’s Quilt and Sew. The knowledgeable staff provides helpful guidance and hosts engaging classes and workshops, catering to all skill levels. The shop also provides classes and helpful services like long arm quilting and sewing machine maintenance.

Horse + Hero

14 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Horse + Hero is a contemporary art gallery located in downtown Asheville, featuring an eclectic mix of handmade goods, prints, and original artworks from local and regional artists. The shop is a hub for Asheville’s creative community, offering a range of products from affordable prints to high-end original pieces.

Horse + Hero emphasizes the importance of supporting independent artists and provides a unique space where visitors can find distinctive, handcrafted items that reflect the vibrant culture of Asheville.

Asheville Bee Charmer

38 Battery Park Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Asheville Bee Charmer is a specialty shop dedicated to all things honey. Located in the heart of Asheville, this charming store offers a wide variety of locally sourced honey, beeswax candles, skincare products, and other honey-based goods. The shop is known for its honey tastings, where visitors can sample a diverse selection of honeys from around the world.

Asheville Bee Charmer is a must-visit for those who appreciate handmade, natural products and want to experience the sweet side of Asheville’s local craftsmanship.

East Fork

5 W Walnut St, Asheville, NC 28801

East Fork is a renowned pottery studio and shop in Asheville, known for its beautifully handcrafted ceramics. Each piece is made with care and precision, combining traditional techniques with modern design. The pottery is both functional and stylish, perfect for everyday use or as a statement piece in your home.

East Fork’s commitment to quality and sustainability is evident in every product they create. Located in downtown Asheville, the shop offers a curated selection of ceramics, as well as a few complementary handmade goods from other artisans.

Local Cloth

Local Cloth is a volunteer-led non-profit organization of more than 500 fiber enthusiasts across the whole gamut of the industry. Their shop has one of a kind items ranging from clothing to household items. As they state on their website, “Local Cloth supports and sustains our regional fiber and textile arts economy and professions in the Blue Ridge Mountains through collaboration, education, and innovation”. This is one of our favorite places to shop–it is always full of new and unique items.

Antique Tobacco Barn

75 Swannanoa River Rd, Asheville, NC 28805

The Antique Tobacco Barn is a vast warehouse filled with a treasure trove of vintage and handmade items. Located just outside downtown Asheville, this 77,000-square-foot space offers an extensive collection of antiques, reclaimed wood, vintage furniture, and unique decor pieces. Many of the items are locally sourced and showcase the craftsmanship of regional artisans.

Whether you’re hunting for a one-of-a-kind piece to complete your home or simply browsing for inspiration, the Antique Tobacco Barn is a must-visit for anyone interested in history and handmade craftsmanship.

Woolworth Walk

25 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801

Woolworth Walk is a unique gallery located in a historic Woolworth building in downtown Asheville. The space features an extensive collection of local art and crafts, ranging from paintings and photography to pottery and jewelry.

What sets Woolworth Walk apart is its vintage soda fountain, where visitors can enjoy a classic soda or milkshake while browsing the artwork. With over 170 artists represented, this gallery provides a vibrant showcase of Asheville’s thriving art scene, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers and those seeking unique, handcrafted items.

The Big Crafty

375 Depot St, Asheville, NC 28801

The Big Crafty is a beloved shop and biannual art fair that celebrates independent artists and their handmade goods. Located in the River Arts District of Asheville, this vibrant space offers a curated selection of jewelry, ceramics, textiles, and other crafts made by local and regional artisans.

The Big Crafty is known for its community-oriented approach, providing a platform for artists to connect with customers who appreciate unique, handcrafted items. With a lively atmosphere and a focus on creativity, this shop is a staple of Asheville’s artisan community.

Kress Emporium

19 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Kress Emporium is a large, eclectic gallery and marketplace in downtown Asheville that features the work of over 80 regional artists. The shop offers a wide array of handmade goods, including jewelry, pottery, paintings, glass art, and more.

Housed in a beautifully restored 1928 Kress building, the emporium provides a unique shopping experience where visitors can find one-of-a-kind, handcrafted pieces that reflect the rich artistic culture of Asheville. With its diverse selection and historic setting, Kress Emporium is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the local art scene.

Lexington Glassworks

81 S Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Lexington Glassworks is a premier glassblowing studio and gallery located in downtown Asheville. The studio is known for its stunning, handcrafted glass art, including vases, bowls, lighting, and custom pieces. Visitors can watch skilled artisans at work in the open studio, gaining insight into the intricate process of glassblowing.

The gallery showcases a wide variety of glass art, all created on-site, making it a perfect destination for those seeking unique, locally made items. Lexington Glassworks embodies the artistry and craftsmanship that Asheville is known for, offering an unforgettable experience for art lovers.

These craft and handmade stores in Asheville showcase the city’s thriving artisan community, offering visitors and locals a chance to discover truly unique and locally crafted goods. Whether you’re strolling through the historic streets of downtown or exploring the charming River Arts District, you’ll find an abundance of creativity and craftsmanship at every turn.

From pottery and jewelry to home decor and art, Asheville’s shops offer something special for everyone. By supporting these local artisans, you not only take home a one-of-a-kind piece but also contribute to the preservation of Asheville’s vibrant creative culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore these artistic gems!