Cascade Yarns

Founded in 1987, Cascade Yarns® was started by Bob Dunbabin in a modest storefront in Seattle’s Pioneer Square. The original office and warehouse, tucked between a homeless mission and the main north-south rail line, offered an affordable and practical location.

Bob believed makers cared more about the quality of their yarn than the prestige of a corporate address. By minimizing overhead costs, he could focus on providing top-quality yarn at accessible prices. At that time, most premium yarns were sourced from England or Italy, but Bob sought to set Cascade Yarns® apart by exploring other regions for high-quality fibers.

His search led him to South America, where he partnered with mills to upgrade their equipment and improve production processes. For Bob, the quality of materials, machinery capabilities, and the welfare of the workers were far more important than the country of origin of the product. Cascade Yarns^® continues to work closely with its partners to maintain the highest standards.

Although Cascade Yarns® has moved to different locations within Seattle, it remains a family-owned business. In 2011, Bob’s son Rob and his daughter-in-law Shannon took over the company. Together, they are committed to continuing Bob’s mission of offering exceptional yarns that are unmatched in both price and quality.

For nearly 40 years, Cascade Yarns® has dedicated itself to supporting local yarn stores and the fiber arts community, guided by the belief that building relationships is just as important as providing high-quality products.