Comparing Michaels and Hobby Lobby: Which One Is Better for Your Crafting Needs?
When it comes to deciding between Michaels and Hobby Lobby for crafting supplies, the answer largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both stores offer a wide variety of items ranging from yarn and thread to home decor, but each has its strengths and weaknesses.
Which Do I Prefer?
My personal preference leans towards Hobby Lobby for a few reasons. As someone who crochets regularly, I find that certain aspects of Hobby Lobby make it a more convenient choice for me.
Accessibility and Convenience
The proximity of Hobby Lobby often makes it the easier option for me. If the nearest store is about a tie with Michaels, then Hobby Lobby is the preferred choice due to its more accessible location. Additionally, my local Hobby Lobby is easier to reach than the nearest Michaels.
Weekend Shopping
If I need supplies on a Sunday, Michaels is the go-to store. This store remains open on Sundays, which is a significant benefit for last-minute crafting needs. On the other hand, whenever I need a specific shade of yarn or am crochetting a sweater or shawl, Hobby Lobby is typically the better option. Their worsted weight yarn is softer, making it an ideal choice for these projects.
Crafting Bigger Projects
For bigger projects like afghans or stuffies, Michaels is usually a better fit. The softness of their yarns is particularly appealing for these larger items. However, if all I need is one ball of yarn and it isn't on sale, then Michaels is the more economical choice, especially given their frequent coupons for non-sale items.
Multi-Ball Yarn Needs and Sales
If you require multiple balls of yarn, it's essential to check for ongoing sales. Both stores offer sales, but sometimes the timing is crucial. I recommend comparing the current sales offerings at both stores before making a purchase. In some cases, the store with the better sale might be the best choice.
Quick Checkout and Efficiency
For a quick and efficient shopping experience, Michaels is often the better option. The layout of the store allows for a quick in-and-out experience, thanks to multiple cash registers. While Hobby Lobby also offers multiple cash registers, their setup requires waiting in line behind each register. This can lead to longer wait times, especially if you encounter customers who need multiple price checks or non-profit customers avoiding sales tax.
Home Decor Items
When it comes to home decor, Hobby Lobby usually meets my needs. The variety and selection of items such as frames, decorations, and storage solutions are usually more extensive at Hobby Lobby than at Michaels.
Other Crafting Options
It's important to note that there are other crafting stores to consider, such as JoAnn's. While JoAnn's also offers a wide selection of yarn, their checkout process is similar to Michaels. Additionally, JoAnn's has better sales and more coupons, which can be a significant benefit. The convenience of being right across the street from Michaels makes it easy to compare prices. For more specialized crafting needs, Blick Art Materials also offers an amazing array of paints and art supplies, making them a worthy competitor.
Conclusion
Note that neither Michaels nor Hobby Lobby meet all my needs and preferences. I've also found that even with all the advantages, Hobby Lobby has certain policies that I cannot adhere to. Therefore, I often stick with Michaels for certain needs, as demonstrated by the specific instance where they didn't carry the item I needed during the pandemic.
Final Recommendation
Ultimately, the choice between Michaels and Hobby Lobby depends on your specific requirements and needs. If you have to pick one, consider the following:
Specific Needs versus Convenience: For unique yarn colors and larger projects, Hobby Lobby might be the better option, while Michaels is more convenient for quick, one-ball purchases. Sales and Coupons: Keep an eye out for ongoing sales and coupons that can save you money. Efficiency and Checkout: Michaels typically offers a more streamlined and efficient shopping experience, especially if you're in a hurry.Whichever store you choose, the combination of both can provide an excellent range of options for your crafting needs.