Sea Needles was founded in downtown Bethany Beach in 1984 by Eddie Mancari and quickly became a beloved part of the local crafting scene. In 1986, the shop moved to the Route 26 Mall, where it continued to grow alongside a passionate community of stitchers. It was there, in 1987, that Ginny and Elaine first crossed paths — bonding over their shared love of needlepoint and knitting and even taking classes together at the original Sea Needles. What began as friendship and shared creativity soon became a vision for the future.
When the opportunity arose to purchase Sea Needles, Ginny and Elaine recognized its importance not only as a needlework shop, but as a vital contributor to the local business and crafting community. Drawing on their combined backgrounds in business, accounting, private industry, and family-run enterprises, they stepped in to continue and strengthen the legacy. Their belief then — and now — is that Sea Needles offers something truly special.
The year 1989 marked a milestone in every sense. Sea Needles merged with Bethany Art and Framing, expanded its services, and moved into its current location in June. That same year, Ginny welcomed the birth of her daughter, and Elaine completed her college degree — moments that underscored how closely their personal and professional lives had become intertwined. Over the decades, they have shared countless life events, truly knitting their lives together as they built Sea Needles into the Delmarva Peninsula’s largest full-service needlework store.
Today, Sea Needles proudly specializes in knitting, crocheting, cross stitch, needlepoint, exclusive kits, finishing services, and award-winning custom framing. As a locally owned and operated shop with deep roots in the community, we offer a warm, personal experience and expert guidance for everyone — from first-time stitchers to lifelong fiber artists. Our approach is grounded in quality, creativity, and connection. We believe needle arts are more than materials; they are stories, traditions, and sources of inspiration. Our legacy is woven into every skein of yarn, every canvas, and every finished piece — and we invite you to become part of that tradition.
Sea Needles envisions a world where creativity and craftsmanship are celebrated through every fiber, stitch, and frame. We are dedicated to inspiring crafters of all skill levels by providing high-quality materials, expert advice, and a welcoming space that honors the tradition and evolution of needle arts.
Stop by Sea Needles today and get inspired to start your next project!
Empowering creativity through quality needlework and service.
Our mission at Sea Needles is to provide an unmatched selection of knitting, crocheting, cross stitch, and needlepoint supplies, along with professional custom framing. We aim to serve our community with knowledge, integrity, and personalized support to help every customer bring their creative vision to life.
A knitting/crochet clinic is available for $15 on Tuesdays at 10:30 AM at our Bethany Beach yarn shop. The clinic is geared to help you with your own project where you might need additional instruction. Sign-up is required.
Knitting, crocheting, needlepoint and sock classes are available. Call to schedule or sign-up.
At Sea Needles, we believe creativity should be encouraged, supported, and celebrated. Our mission is to provide quality materials and friendly expertise, while fostering a love for fiber arts in the community. Whether it’s framing a cherished piece, finding the perfect yarn, or building a custom kit, our team is here to help you make something meaningful. We are proud to be a staple in the Bethany Beach community and love sharing our passion for needlework with each customer who walks through our doors.
