MEET YOUR HOST
Hortense - Knitting with Chopsticks
How to Read Knitting Patterns & Blocking
My mom taught me to knit, one summer when I was bored on the beach at age 10. From there my love (some would say obsession) of yarn was born and I never stopped stitching.
A few years ago I started to dig into the online world of yarn and discovered so many techniques, constructions and concepts I had never heard about before.
Slowly I started to move away from following patterns until 2018 when I finally launched my blog Knitting with Chopsticks where I share my easy knitting & crochet patterns.
My goal is to break down knitting and crochet so they become simple enough for you to create exactly what you want, the way you want it through my patterns, blog, ebooks, courses, the Stitching Squad and summits like this one.
And making your first garment you'll actually want to wear is the perfect place to start!
MEET YOUR KNITTING EXPERTS
Jessica Ays - Double the Stitches
From Simple to Stunning: Favorite Cast-Ons for Hats, Mitts, and More!
My name is Jessica Ays, and I'm the designer behind Double the Stitches. Whether you're a beginner knitter excited to learn more or a prolific seasoned maker ... you’ll find designs that you will love creating from the first stitch cast-on to the last stitch you bind off.
I design practical shapes with beautiful details, ensuring you'll delight in crafting classic pieces that are as enjoyable to make as they are to wear. My clear and easy-to-follow instructions mean more time enjoying your yarn and less time deciphering directions.
You'll find stitch-by-stitch tutorial videos for uncommon techniques in my patterns, project-based workshops so you can dive deeper into different topics, and large print pattern options for those who struggle with low vision. Join my warm and welcoming free knitting community on Facebook for valuable support & camaraderie.
Johnny Vasquez - The Yarnist
The Fearless Knitter's guide to making a sweater without a pattern
For over a decade Johnny has been teaching people to be Fearless Knitters.
A self taught knitter, he launched New Stitch a Day in 2011. The popular knitting stitch library now has more than 1,000 video tutorials. And his Sweater Knitting Bootcamp has helped hundreds of people knit their first custom fit sweater.
In 2022 he founded The Yarnist, a daily knitting newsletter exploring the culture of knitting, where he serves as Editor-in-Chief.
When he's not knitting you'll find him cooking amazing tacos, playing epic boardgames, or taking his kids to the movies.
Originally from Southern California, Johnny currently lives in Tallinn, Estonia.
Emily Crow - The Cozy Crow
The Geometry of Sock Constructions
Emily is a mom, nurse, and maker currently living in Utah with her husband, her four year old daughter, and her cat. She loves all things cozy and creative, highlighting both reading and fiber arts on Instagram and her YouTube channel, The Cozy Crow.
After crocheting for more than 15 years, she taught herself to knit in 2021 because she really wanted hand knit socks. After knitting more than 100 pairs of socks, she still enjoys it. She has designed half a dozen socks patterns, as well as many other crochet and knit wearables. You can find her patterns on Ravelry and Etsy.
Keep in touch with Emily by following her on Instagram @crowchetcreations or subscribing to her YouTube channel.
Carol Ibbetson - Cool Wool School ®
Master Mattress Stitch
I am Carol, and I am passionate about all things yarny. I have been knitting and crocheting since about five years old and have been designing and selling my patterns for a while. I love the design process, especially incorporating some of the wonderful techniques there are out there.
I am always trying to help designer's make their garments the best they can be, so that they fit well, look professional and don't get consigned to the back of the wardrobe!
I also have an eye for detail, and that is what led me into a career as a tech editor.
After many years’ experience of making things from my own and other designers’ patterns, I wanted to use my skills from my occupation as a computer programmer to check and correct patterns, after all what is a pattern other than a logical shorthand language!
Sönna Schuttner - Sun Daughter Knits
The Language of Stitches, Strategies to Strengthen Knitting Literacy
Sonna Schuttner (she/her/crafty witch) is the human behind SunDaughterKnits. She designs knitting patterns for makers of all levels who wish to live and create in rhythm with the seasons.
Sonna believes that we learn about ourselves as we learn about our crafts. When creating in a community, we participate in crafting more than the project in our hands; we co-create our society.
Ashleigh Wempe - Ashleigh Wempe Designs
Unraveling the Mystery of Shawl Shapes
Hi, I’m Ashleigh, a passionate knitter and world traveler. My love for adventure inspires my bold and colorful knitwear designs, often featuring mosaic colorwork. I’m the author of the bestselling “Mosaic Knitting Workshop” and have published over 50 patterns.
I also created “Shawl Design Unraveled”, a course that empowers knitters to design their own stunning creations.
Natalie Warner - Natalie in Stitches
The Hidden Delights of Directional Shaping
Natalie Warner is an independent knitwear designer and clothes making educator. She sells knitting patterns for her designs in her online shop, and teaches courses on knitwear design, creative pattern cutting, and garment construction.
Knitting pattern design insights, book reviews on fashion design, and recommendations for pattern alterations, garment fitting and the practicalities of garment construction are covered on Natalie’s blog. She’s currently preparing in-depth courses for knitwear designers, but in the meantime, 1-hour taster courses are available and she offers one-to-one mentoring.
Natalie writes a weekly newsletter, Between the Seams. This features one tip or story per week on design, fit, and construction, from the perspective of seeing clothes making as an act of self-care, self-acceptance, and self-love. Not to mention lifelong learning!
When not designing or making clothes, Natalie can usually be found in her beloved garden or traipsing around south London parks with a battered DSLR camera.
Arianna - Arianna Frasca
Gauge & How to Make a Gauge Swatch That Doesn’t Lie
Arianna is a knitwear designer specializing in cozy, romantic, and magical patterns that celebrate size inclusivity and timeless aesthetics. With a love for dark academia and cottagecore vibes, her designs blend rustic charm with modern elegance, creating pieces that knitters cherish.
Arianna’s passion for knitting began as a creative escape and grew into a business. Her mission is to inspire intermediate and experienced knitters to craft with intention while building a warm, supportive community.
Ciara Doyle - The Fairythorn
Types of Increases/Decreases, And Their Pros & Cons
I have been knitting since I was 6 years old, and took up crochet just a few years ago.
Now I design both knitting and crochet patterns, focusing on size-inclusive, family-friendly patterns using natural yarns.
Jacki Badger - The Woolly Badger
Horizontal Bust Darts
Jacki is a knitwear designer and knitting teacher based in Bristol, UK. She's all about helping people get amazing fits from their hand knits, and designs size-inclusive patterns with optional adjustments to make that a reality. She's been knitting since the early 90s, and designing since 2020.
Megan Nodecker - Pip & Pin
Customizing Sleeve Shaping
Megan Nodecker is a knitwear designer from British Columbia, Canada. She has been designing for over 13 years, with a special focus on designing size-inclusive sweater patterns that make people feel great.
She loves to share her extensive knowledge of knitting, altering, and design, with anyone who will listen!
Suzi Quillen - Perfectly Knotty
Choose the Right Yarn for Your Garment Project
I have been knitting and crocheting since I was about 6 years old. While I learned basic knit and crochet from my Grandma at an early age, I quickly developed instinctive stitching skills through experimenting, trying and exploring … because no one told me I couldn’t.
Now I share the knowledge and passion I gained through a lifetime of trial and error with you through YouTube tutorials, a fun VIP Group on Facebook, beautiful yarns, fun patterns and more.
Ruth Brasch - Orchard House Editing
Heels, Toes, and Cuffs
Ruth is a tech editor and pattern designer for knitting, crochet, and Tunisian crochet patterns. She enjoys designing patterns that teach techniques and stitches in the context of familiar skills.
Her favorite patterns to edit and design are socks!
Beth Kirkpatrick - things.beth.makes
Tips And Tricks To Knit Socks That Fit
Beth has been knitting since she was 5 years old, and has been designing professionally for the last 5 years. Her designs feature either simple colorwork patterns, or simple cable patterns. Meant to provide easy access to newer knitters, while still being engaging enough for experienced knitters to find satisfying.
While she didn’t pick up sock knitting until 5 years ago, Beth quickly became passionate about helping knitters understand how to knit socks that actually fit their feet.
Kelly McClure - Bohoknits
Hats That Fit
Hello from Kelly McClure of Bohoknits! I design comprehensive knitting and crochet patterns from a country homestead in Prince Edward County, Ontario (Canada). Currently, I'm also passionate about dyeing yarn and making stitch markers.
Bohoknits originated in a camper van while traveling off-grid across Canada. Since I had no access to patterns (before iphones), I began to create my own. Now, my designs have appeared in stores all across North America and I have also taught knitting locally and in Nepal! I love how yarn and bits of fluff creates community and ties us together in invisible and also tangible ways. Fibre friends are the best friends!
When I’m not obsessing about yarn, stitches and all things fibre-related, I’m drinking tea, treasure hunting or walking in the woods with my dog, Lois, and little boy, Cameron.
Look no further for free and indie-published patterns!
Phanessa Fong - Designs by Phanessa
Knit Hat
Phanessa believes that everyone can experience the joy of creating with yarn. As a knitting and crochet designer, she's driven by a desire to inspire others to pick up their needles and hooks.
Her patterns are designed to be both enjoyable to make and beautiful to wear, encouraging makers to express their unique style. Follow her creative journey on Instagram @DesignsByPhanessa.
Susan Frick - A Box of Twine
Types of Increases/Decreases, And Their Pros & Cons
Hi! I’m Susan, and I love to offer easy Crochet & Knitting Patterns with classic neutral style. My motto is: keep it SIMPLE and timeless. I’d love to share with you my passion for creating in a simple way, for your home, wardrobe, and your loved ones.
You’ll find plenty of classic designs and projects at A Box of Twine, and hopefully they can inspire and give you a sense of peace.
Chantal Miyagishima - Knitadude
How To Choose Your Size: Taking The Right Measurements
Chantal is the purple-haired, potty-mouth knitwear designer and owner behind Knitatude. With a specialty in size-inclusive and beginner-friendly patterns that fit, her goal with her patterns is to create items that you can feel confident in not only knitting but wearing. When she's not knitting, you can find her curled up with a romance book between her two wiener dogs Kurt Russel and Spinelli.
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