Stitch Cafe is bringing coffee and crochet, an unexpected creative combination, to E Pine on Capitol Hill.

This new cafe is filling a gap in the neighborhood for both crafters and coffee connoisseurs alike—a space for people to share their love for fiber arts, learn a new hobby, and enjoy a coffee all at the same time.

Sarah Chae began working on Stitch Cafe over a year ago, joining forces with business partner, Shimon Masaki, owner of Upright Tree Coffee Roasters which will be the coffee supplier for Stitch.

The project hit the ground running when they found the right location, a space on E Pine formally home to Poco Bar & Lounge. Chae connected with Poco owner Jesse Rhodes, and purchased the business to proceed with Stitch.

“I wanted to have a cozy environment where you can go to do a craft, and I noticed Seattle was missing that,” said Sarah Chae, owner/founder of Stitch Cafe. Chae is passionate about the importance of third spaces, public and social locations that are not work or home.

As CHS reported here, Rhodes prioritized inclusivity at the forefront of his business model for Poco, and Chae plans to do the same with Stitch.

Chae chose to launch her business in Capitol Hill due to the lively atmosphere, LGBTQIA+ community presence, and strong art scene. As an LGBTQIA+ fiber artist herself, Chae aims to cultivate an environment that is welcoming and comfortable for everybody.

The new project comes as another Capitol Hill knitting destination just marked 20 years in the neighborhood. E Pike fabric store Stitches celebrated the milestone in May.

The coming soon Stitch will be a cozy and unique space for enriching activities and community building. To cultivate this atmosphere, the interior of the cafe, which is currently under construction, will sport a mid-century modern, “granny-chic” aesthetic.

Stitch Cafe will provide yarn and other materials, classes for those interested in learning, as well a full espresso bar and array of teas.

Purchasing an existing business does lend itself to additional costs. Chae and Masaki recently launched a Kickstarter to raise funds, specifically to wrap up construction and allow them to create a Yarn Wall and Artist Corner. With the support from donors and community members, Stitch is set to open in September of this year.

“I’m excited to see everyone’s creations and foster the kind of warm environment that I know I was looking for when I first moved to Seattle.”

Stitch Cafe will open soon at 1408 E Pine. You can learn more at kck.st/3zlmxSp and on their Instagram @stitch.cafe.seattle.

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