Knitting is one of our favourite ways to relax and let the tension of the day unravel. Now, you can fill your love for knitting and go to your frappe place in a number of knitting cafés appearing around the world. Whether you’re procaffeinating from an important task or you’re ready to affogato the day away with some crochet and tea, a knitting café is the place to be.

The most famous is perhaps Banul in Seoul, South Korea. A huge complex near the EWHA Women’s University, Banul has a knitting store, knitting classes, an online store, and of course, a café. Incredibly popular, and yet, quiet and peaceful. Banul has created the perfect atmosphere for knitters, a retreat for those needing time away from the busy outside world.

The interior itself is covered in knitting art, a true paradise for every yarn addict. There are patterns you can purchase, with a complete version to show you how the pattern looks finished. The shop itself offers a huge variety of yarns and knitting equipment, if you can’t find what you’re looking for at Banul, you probably won’t find it anywhere else in Asia.

The knitting school is brilliantly situated near the local university, drawing in students from Korea and abroad. Learning a new craft while being able to espresso yourself in colourful ways really unwinds you from the daily grind. The inclusive nature of Banul brings people from all walks of life, with different knitting backgrounds, to come along and indulge in an ancient pastime.

Banul’s success has inspired similar café’s across the world, including in the UK. The Yarn Cake in Glasgow is one of the most well-known, winning several awards including the Knitting Awards in 2016.

Clearly never shy of a hot cross pun, there’s a bunanza to do at this unique café. From buying beautiful natural fibres and British yarns, to failing to resist the temptation of delicious cakes, you’ll never be left twiddling your HiyaHiya needles. There’s also the chance to learn how to knit, with both beginner and advanced classes in knitting and crochet, a reflection of how Banul has influenced this particular themed-café worldwide.

The whole of Europe seems to be infected by the knitting café craze, with various unique shops popping up in different places. One popular dive is the Knitted Coffee café in Krakow. A family dedicated to coffee and knitting, they combined their passions to create a quirky new business, adored by knitters and the caffeine-addicted alike.

Much of the interior is knitted, creating a cosy atmosphere for the knitted and the unknitted to enjoy. There are knitting workshops available for coffee-lovers to perfect their knitting and crochet skills. Quite frankly, you’ll be knitting up a froth in no time, and meeting fabulous new knitters on your delicious adventure is the cream on top.

However, you might be looking for a slightly more formal experience. Perhaps you’re a creature of peculiarly unique standards, one to fear the déjà brew. Fortunately, HiyaHiya Europe is here for you with one last suggestion. Meet L’Oisivethé, the tea and knitting salon.

L’Oisivethé is Paris’ first café tricot. Paris might seem an odd place to go for teatime, but with your HiyaHiya crochet needles, this is perhaps the place to be. L’Oisivethé has a selection of the finest yarns from the US and Great Britain, providing lessons with some of the best quality materials. Learn the tricks of crochet as you indulge in the heart of Paris, with delicious French pastries and a much-needed cup of tea. If you ever wondered how the hipster burnt her tongue, you’ll find the answer inside the L’Oisivethé.

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