Meet Kristen from Studio Knit
After publishing her first knitting tutorial video in early 2014, Kristen McDonnell founded Studio Knit. Kristen’s technical expertise and cheerful teaching style make knitting tutorials easy to follow and fun to knit.
Table of Contents
Kristen McDonnell is the author of the book Knit Stitch: 50 Knit + Purl Patterns featuring vintage and unique designs. With more than 1,400 five-star reviews on Amazon, this book teaches how to easily create knit stitch patterns with chart diagrams and written instructions to knit both flat and in the round.
She loves cheering on new and experienced knitters as they learn stitch patterns, finish projects, and build confidence with new techniques.
Located Coastside • Available Worldwide
Kristen films knitting lessons from her vibrant video production studio on California’s Half Moon Bay coast. Her Studio Knit YouTube channel reaches a worldwide audience with over 400,000 subscribers and 525 knitting videos, totaling more than 40 million views.
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12 Years of Knitting Tutorials on YouTube
Author of Knit Stitch Pattern Book
Kristen McDonnell’s book, Knit Stitch: 50 Knit + Purl Patterns, features 50 unique knit and purl stitch designs.
Rated 5-Stars on Amazon
Press Features
Woman’s World Magazine: A special issue dedicated to inspiring income ideas from fellow women in the US.
“Enjoy Crocheting or Knitting? Here Are 5 Easy Ways to Make Money Doing It From Home”
Read article >
First for Women Magazine: Article featuring making money teaching what you know.
KTVU Channel 2 San Francisco: Kristen’s knitted Pumpkin Patch Forest art installation in Salesforce Park is featured in local San Francisco morning news.
Watch television segment (video) >
Blurb: The inside story of Kristen’s self-published Knit Stitch book.
“Behind the Book: Knit Stitch: 50 Knit + Purl Patterns by Kristen McDonnell”
Read article >
Half Moon Bay Coastside Magazine: Kristen’s company story is included in the “Faces of Success” segment.
In-Person Appearances
Pinterest Headquarters: Guest Speaker at the annual employee conference
Salesforce Transit Center Park: Hand-knit public art installation
learn more here >
Stitches West Convention: Book Signing
Imagiknit Yarn Shop: Window Display
Podcast Guest
Mediavine’s Summer of Live: Monetizing With Video
Watch broadcast >
Simple Pin Media Podcast: Does Video Work on Pinterest? (Spoiler Alert: You Betcha!)
Listen to podcast >
Blogger Genius Podcast: Interview with Kristen McDonnell on How to Use Video on Pinterest
Listen to podcast >
Knitting Host
Knitting Stitch Along for JOANN and Yarnspiration
Knitting Membership
Kristen is a member of The Knitting Guild Association (TKGA), a 501c3 nonprofit that provides education and resources to help knitters advance their craft. TKGA supports serious knitters in preserving traditional techniques and maintaining high-quality standards.
Industry Accolades
YouTube: Winner of YouTube’s NextUp Class of 2016. Kristen was selected among hundreds of channels to train hands-on with the experts at YouTube Space LA.
Watch video >
Video Influencers: Featured among Best YouTube Channel Ideas for Women
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Mashfeed: Best Knitting Feeds on Instagram & YouTube
Video Ink: Named among Five Emerging Crafts/DIY Channels
YouTutorial Knitting Book by Tessa Evelegh, Carlton Publishing Group
Featured among Best Instructional YouTube Knitting Videos
See the book >
Education and Career
Upon earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts, Kristen began her professional path in the performing arts in the San Francisco Bay Area. She taught dance to children, choreographed musical theatre for adults, and developed a love for breaking complex skills into clear, confidence-building steps, the same teaching approach she now brings to her knitting tutorials.
As her career grew, Kristen moved into arts administration and audience development, supporting respected performing arts organizations including Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet, LINES Dance Center, Robert Moses’ Kin, and Dead Man Walking School Theatre Project. This blend of teaching and producing sharpened her strengths in planning, communication, and creating engaging experiences for diverse audiences.
Furthering her leadership training, Kristen earned a Master’s in Public Administration from Notre Dame de Namur University. She participated in the Delta Epsilon Sigma Honor Society and served on the Board of Directors for the NDNU Alumni Association. Her graduate thesis, the “Audience Development Technology Project,” focused on building community through technology, an approach she continues to apply through Studio Knit’s online knitting lessons.
View Kristen McDonnell’s Professional Profile on LinkedIn >
Written Articles
Contact for Business Inquiries Only
E-mail Address: kristen at studioknitsf.com
Please do not email directly for knitting assistance. Unfortunately, I am unable to respond to the influx of pattern requests, suggestions, and questions individually.