About

Hi, I'm Donna Estin, full-time professional knitwear designer with a passion for fashionable, comfortable sweaters. I love blending artistic, innovative design elements with contemporary aesthetics. If you're going to take the time to handknit a sweater, then make a work of wearable art.

With pattern support and tips to help knitters create the best possible garment, I create easy-to follow patterns for intermediate and advanced hand-knitters.

I worked in the travel industry in sales & marketing, and have been a successful entrepreneur in the Washington, D.C. area for over 20 years. Combining my love for designing knitwear and my business background, I launched Donna Estin Designs, LLC in 2015 to expand my artistic talent. I earned my Master Hand Knitter Certification in 2017 from The Knitting Guild Association (TKGA) and currently serve on the Board of Directors as Vice President of Public Relations. I developed and currently teach two courses; "Marketing Yourself within the Knitting Industry" and "Professional Knitwear Designer Certification" both sponsored by TKGA.

My designs have been published in over 26 books and magazines around the world, including Vogue Knitting, Interweave Knits, Nomadic Knits, Wool Studio, Knit Now, Knitscene, Knit Picks, and more. I love collaborating with yarn dyers and farms to help family businesses expand their hand-knitting product lines and increase yarn sales. My interest in supporting those who raise sheep and alpacas extends from the family of people to the family of animals. As a vegetarian, the care and well-being of animals is an important issue in my life. Awareness of fiber sources is the first step towards supporting the ethical treatment of the animals who provide the amazing fiber for our craft.

I live on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and usually have several designs in the works at any given time. I love wool, sheep, dogs, and sailing on the Chesapeake Bay.

Support independent Artists, Designers & Crafters.jpg

"Knitting is a wonderful skill full of challenges and joys.

It provides meditative qualities and is an outlet for creative thoughts

and problem solving.

It’s a way to play, create

and be productive at the same time.

It’s methodical, creative, technical and necessary if you want

a fine, unique product that can’t be bought at any price.

It’s a form of individual expression

and pride. It takes days to learn and a lifetime to master.

I hope you enjoy these designs!"
Donna

Encouraging fiber artists to use wool from sheep breeds listed on the Conservation Priority List

Send Email

Affiliate Disclosure

When I link to products, those links may be affiliate links. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase within a certain period of time, I may earn a small commission from the company. The commission is paid by the supplier and does not affect your price. I only provide links to products that I personally use myself and highly recommend. When I discover a good product that could help knitters, I want to share it with you. The small commission helps my business and allows me to continue designing. Thank you for supporting me and for keeping your love of knitting alive. I do love feedback, so if you've tried any products that I recommend, I would love to hear about your experience.