About Us

History of Y.L.I. Threads™

The company was founded in the late 70’s in California as Yarn Loft International importing primarily serger threads.

1980s

In the early 80’s the company moved to Provo, Utah and became a pioneer in silk ribbon embroidery and a leader in ribbons and books.  During this time, YLI’s reputation grew as a supplier of top quality products to the needlework and serger markets.

1990s

Another move in 1996, this time to Rock Hill, South Carolina, saw the company enter the booming quilting market.  It was an innovative period with new threads constantly added to the company’s expanding product line.

During the late 90’s, YLI began marketing its high quality, niche products solely to independent retailers.  The company sourced many of its new products in the U.S. while maintaining strong ties to Japan for specialty products.

2000s

In 2001, YLI purchased its largest U.S. supplier.  Five years later, YLI moved to a renovated textile mill in Rock Hill, tripling its manufacturing and warehouse space.  This key move allowed YLI to prepare for the next step in the company’s growth.

Today

YLI’s 100% long staple cotton products are purchased from Egypt, dyed in North Carolina, Georgia or Japan and then finished, wound and packaged in South Carolina.  Hand quilting thread has an additional step of starch glazing in Massachusetts.  Today YLI is one of the last companies producing our consumer cotton threads in the U.S.

We are known in the industry as YLI, YLI Threads, Y.L.I. Threads, or Yarn Loft International. Most importantly, our customers know us, and trust us, as their favorite thread manufacturer and supplier. We are believers in Threaducation™ and will continue to produce free educational blogs, articles, videos, and social media posts regularly.