Meet Kristen from Studio Knit

Kristen McDonnell is the author of the highly acclaimed book Knit Stitch: 50 Knit + Purl Patterns featuring vintage and unique designs. Receiving over 1,300 5-Star Amazon Reviews, this book teaches how to easily create textures stitch-by-stitch with chart diagrams and written instructions to knit both flat and in the round.

She enjoys encouraging the successes of new and experienced knitters alike, cheering them on to master new stitch patterns, knitted projects, and techniques.

Kristen McDonnell, Studio Knit office building, computer on desk, and Half Moon Bay beach.

After publishing her first knitting tutorial video in early 2014, Kristen founded StudioKnit LLC. An avid knitter and multiple-ribbon winner at local county fairs for her fiber art work, she immediately became enamored with the process of teaching online.

Kristen’s technical knowledge and cheerful nature make knitting tutorials and projects easy to follow and fun to execute.

Author of Knit Stitch Pattern Book

Kristen McDonnell’s latest published book, Knit Stitch: 50 Knit + Purl Patterns, gives you 50 unique hand-knit designs.

Rated 5 Stars on Amazon

Located Coastside • Available Worldwide

Kristen films knitting lessons from her vibrant video production studio on Half Moon Bay’s California coast. Broadcasting to a global online audience, her acclaimed YouTube channel Studio Knit includes more than 370,000 subscribers featuring over 450 videos that have collectively received 37+ million views.

Education and Career

Upon earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts and Dance, Kristen embarked on a fulfilling dance career across the San Francisco Bay Area. She taught dance to children and choreographed musical theatre for adults. Kristen seamlessly transitioned into the role of an arts administrator, contributing her expertise to legendary dance companies. Her unique blend of teaching experience and administrative skills brought a fresh perspective to the vibrant world of dance.

Kristen McDonnell's profile on LinkedIn.

Furthering her career, Kristen achieved a Master’s in Public Administration degree at Notre Dame de Namur University. Demonstrating her commitment to excellence and alumni engagement, she actively participated in the Delta Epsilon Sigma Honor Society and served on the Board of Directors for the Alumni Association. Kristen’s academic thesis, the “Audience Development Technology Project,” demonstrates her visionary expertise in community engagement through technology.

View Kristen McDonnell’s Professional Profile on LinkedIn >

Studio Dog – Meet Twyla!

Meet Twyla, the canine knitting sensation running the show at the Studio Knit headquarters. Named after legendary dance choreographer Twyla Tharp, she similarly embodies curiosity, athleticism, and humor. Twyla’s specialty? Unraveling works in progress with unparalleled precision, leaving behind a trail of tangled yarn that rivals even the most intricate designs.

Small black and white Havanese dog panting with tongue out and brown colored eyes.

Ten Years of YouTube Success

Press Features

Woman’s World Magazine: A special issue dedicated to inspiring income ideas from fellow women in the US.

First for Women Magazine: Article featuring making money teaching what you know.

Half Moon Bay Coastside Magazine: Kristen’s company story is included in the “Faces of Success” segment.
read article >

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 >

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) >

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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 here >

Simple Pin Media Podcast: Does Video Work on Pinterest? (Spoiler Alert: You Betcha!)
listen here >

Blogger Genius Podcast: Interview with Kristen McDonnell on How to Use Video on Pinterest
listen here >


Knitting Host

Bernat Stitch Along with JOANN


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 here >

Video Influencers: Featured among Best YouTube Channel Ideas for Women
watch here >

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 >


Recent 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.