My work combines thoughtful design and construction with beautiful designs inspired by nature. I believe that knitting is more than just a hobby. It’s a way of building a wardrobe that reflects who you are and what you love.
I began designing handknits shortly after my first daughter was born in 2013. I wanted to make her a special outfit for her first Christmas and couldn’t find anything I liked on Ravelry. After browsing through stitch dictionaries and doing some math, my first ever design, the Wildflower Tunic, came to life.
Since that simple beginning, I have been completely unable to stop the flow of new designs. We, as a family, spend a lot of time outdoors in the mountains of Idaho where we live, and I am constantly drawn to the colors and textures of the natural world around me. Nature has always been my biggest source of inspiration.
I work from my home in the mountains of Idaho alongside homeschooling my four children, tending to my sheep farm, and attempting to stay on top of the weeds in my garden.
If you are looking for modern knitting patterns that are wearable, approachable, and rooted in craftsmanship, you’ll feel right at home here.
My patterns are written to help you feel confident at each stage of the process. You will find:
clear, beginner-friendly instructions to keep your knitting relaxing
size-inclusive and well thought out grading so that everyone can have a sweater that fits properly
detailed tutorials for when you might need extra help
plenty of notes and construction explanations to help you every step of the way
My goal is to help you relax with your knitting and create handknit pieces that you’ll wear again and again.
I believe in making things slowly, choosing materials with care, and finding inspiration in the natural world. The designs I create come from that place of quiet, intentional creativity. My patterns aren’t about chasing trends. They are about creating handknits that are meaningful, wearable, and lasting.
I hope this space encourages you to make something beautiful and build a handknit wardrobe you’re proud of.
Shop my patterns to find your next favorite sweater and sign up for my email newsletter to keep up with the latest news and new pattern releases.
Hi! I’m Jessica: the knitwear designer, writer, and creator behind Jessica McDonald Knits. I design timeless, size-inclusive knitting patterns for knitters who want to create garments that feel good to wear and even better to make.
I offer pattern support on my patterns so if you have a question or need to get in touch with me for any reason, please email me at jessicamknits(at)gmail.com.
My work has been published by Quince & Co and Making Stories.