Oma Knits Textile Co. Connects Makers Through Yarn & Craft
In the heart of Broad Ripple, where independent spirit and artistic energy have long defined the neighborhood, Oma Knits Textile Co. has quietly become a haven for makers. More than a yarn shop, it is a space where creativity is nurtured, confidence is built and community is woven together one stitch at a time.
Oma Knits Textile Co. was born from an unexpected change. Becky Jones, the owner and founder, began her journey working at a small yarn store, dyeing yarn and pouring creativity into every skein. When the shop’s owner made the difficult decision to close for personal reasons, she suddenly found herself with shelves of hand-dyed yarn and nowhere to sell it. What could have been an ending became a beginning instead.
A family friend who runs a clothing alterations business offered Jones the opportunity to lease his storage area and set up a shop of her own. That leap of faith on both sides became the foundation of Oma Knits Textile Co. Rather than stepping away from fiber arts, she fully stepped into her own vision.
Today, the shop focuses primarily on natural fibers, including wool, alpaca, silk, mohair and even yak. Yarns range from delicate lace weights to sturdy worsted, with special emphasis on versatile favorites like sock yarn and DK. Many selections are hand-dyed in small batches, either in-house or by local and independent artists. The result is a carefully curated collection of colorways and textures that feel as beautiful in the hand as they look on the shelf.
Intentionality drives every decision. Each yarn is selected not just for appearance, but for how it inspires the creative process. The shop’s philosophy is simple: materials should elevate the experience of making.
Beyond yarn, Oma Knits Textile Co. carries an array of tools and thoughtful touches designed to support both project and person. Knitting needles, crochet hooks, stitch markers, needle felting supplies and project bags line the walls. But shoppers will also find lotion bars, scented candles and even yarn tarot cards — reminders that making is as much about slowing down and savoring the process as it is about finishing a project.
Services at the shop are designed to remove barriers and make creativity feel approachable. A yarn winding service allows customers to cast on immediately without the frustration of untangling skeins. Sock tube cranking lets knitters see how a yarn looks worked up while significantly reducing the time needed to create a matching pair of socks. And for those moments when patterns feel overwhelming, or a mistake threatens to derail a project, troubleshooting help is always available.
“At the end of the day, we just want to remove crafting barriers,” Jones says. “We want the creative process to feel inviting.”
Education is another cornerstone of the shop. Oma Knits Textile Co. offers beginning knitting and crochet classes, as well as specialized workshops in Tunisian crochet, needle felting and spinning yarn. Students range from brand-new makers to seasoned crafters eager to expand their skills.
Jones says what she enjoys most about teaching is what she calls the “lightbulb moment.” There is a visible shift, she says, when hesitation transforms into confidence. Watching someone realize they can create something with their own hands is one of the most rewarding aspects of her work.
Community extends beyond formal classes. Open Craft Nights and pop-up workshops invite people to gather, slow down and create together. In a room full of makers, conversations flow naturally. Jokes are shared, problems are solved collectively and friendships begin to form. Over time, Oma Knits Textile Co. has become not just a shop, but a place where people feel connected.
The decision to open in Broad Ripple was intentional. The neighborhood had been without a yarn shop for several years, leaving a noticeable gap in the creative landscape. After spending time in the area, Jones felt drawn to its artsy vibe, friendly faces and independent spirit. She says it felt like home.
Oma Knits Textile Co. also embraces its role within a larger creative ecosystem. The shop participates in yarn crawls and fiber events, including the multi-state Heartland Yarn Adventure. It regularly features work from local makers such as Oink Pigments, Close Knit Fibers, Color Me Happy Fiber Arts Studio, Gravesco Pottery and art yarns by Marcia Stone, who teaches at the Indianapolis Art Center. By showcasing local talent, the shop strengthens the bonds between artists and ensures that creativity continues to circulate within the community.
Looking ahead, Oma Knits Textile Co. plans to support the Heartland Film Festival in 2026 by donating hand-dyed yarn to its fundraiser auction, a small but meaningful way to connect fiber art with the broader creative scene.
What ultimately sets Oma Knits Textile Co. apart is not just its beautiful yarns or curated tools. It is the atmosphere of inclusion. The belief is that creativity belongs to everyone. And in a world that often feels rushed and transactional, it is a reminder that sometimes the most powerful thing you can make is a connection.
For more information, visit omaknitstextileco.com.
