Jen has been knitting for almost 20 years and designing patterns for over a decade. She has designed knit and crochet patterns for yarn companies and magazines and has self-published dozens of patterns. Jen is the author of 6 knitting books, including the best-selling book, Sock-Yarn Shawls. She loves to create beautiful, fun, and easy-to-follow knit & crochet patterns.
Jen dabbles in a wide variety of crafts, including cross stitch and sewing. You can follow her crafty adventures on Instagram: @jenlucasdesigns and @jenxstitcher.
Other places to find Angela Online: Ravelry, Instagram, and Her Website.
The Knitting Circle: When and how did you get started with knitting?
Jen Lucas: I started knitting after college, when a couple of my college friends gave me a How-to-Knit booklet along with some yarn and needles for my birthday. The booklet claimed you could learn to knit in one day. It took me a little longer than that to get the hang of it, but once I mastered the knit and purl, I was totally hooked.
TKC: What is your favorite thing to design and why?
JL: I tend to design what I love to knit and that’s shawls. You can make a shawl in any type of yarn with any stitch pattern. The possibilities of shawl design are endless.
TKC: What does your day look like as a knitwear designer and maker?
JL: What I love about this job is that every day is a little bit different. Some days I knit all day, some days I don’t touch yarn or needles at all. Most of the time I spend the mornings doing computer work and I knit in the afternoon.
TKC: What’s your favorite type of yarn? Why do you love it?
JL: I love merino blends. Give me a merino/cashmere/nylon yarn or a merino/silk yarn and I’m happy. I’ve also recently discovered a love of cotton/bamboo blends. I love the drape of that yarn – it’s perfect for shawls!
TKC: If you could only use one knitting technique for the rest of your life, what would it be?
JL: Only one? As much as I adore lace, I would pick garter stitch. It creates a such a squishy fabric, and you can use it to make anything.
TKC: What other crafts or hobbies do you enjoy?
JL: I enjoy crafting in general and I love trying new crafts. These days I’m really enjoying cross stitch and crochet. I’ve recently started sewing too and would love to give quilting a try.
TKC: Any quick tips/knitting hacks to share?
JL: If you are a new knitter, do not start with a scarf knit entirely in garter stitch. You’ll be bored after knitting about 10 to 12 inches. Try something small, like a dishcloth or cowl first. You’ll have mastered the basics in a small project without becoming bored!
Hi Jen! Nice to meet you! I am also a shawl knitter. I am just finishing a Westknits shawl. I have been knitting sense I was a child. My wonderful grandmother taught me. I have taught knitting at shops and adult Ed. I don’t really design patterns, but I tend to change them to suit me. Again it was nice to read about you and I hope you are staying well. Have a happy knitting new year!
What is the easiest way to do bottoms holes
Hi Jacqueline!
Here is what our experts had to say: I’m not sure what this is referring to. If it’s in reference to the shawl photo shown, the bottom of the shawl is worked with a knitted-on border. You can find the pattern in the shop: https://www.theknittingcircle.com/product/apple-river-shawl/
If we can help out further please reach out to our customer support at 1-833-622-6523.
Sincerely,
Codi
The Knitting Circle Video Membership
From learning to knit to designing, and writing books…wow! I still have a problem making my cast off edges neat, or joining two colours of yarn without leaving a hole.
Learned to crochet in my mid teens and to knit late teens…I’m now 79+ and still find pleasure in needlework of all kinds.
lovely learning 2 new stitches Thank you
I just started knitting again and absolutely love it. I always got bored but now I have stuck with it. I quilt,needle felt,embroidery, sew. I have a need to change up projects but never start something new before I finish the last one.
LOVE TO KNIT AND CROCHET
Jen, you are someone that I would love to talk to. My history is that I am a cross stitcher and quilter that is learning to knit. I really love the ability to work on different projects and knitting is so fun and much more portable than my other crafts. My next goal is to learn how to crochet.
I am a member and would like this pattern
Hi Wendie!
Here is our expert’s advice: The pattern in the article is the Apple River Shawl, and it’s available in the pattern shop: https://www.theknittingcircle.com/product/apple-river-shawl/
Let us know if more questions come up by emailing at knittingcircle@program-director.net or calling 1-833-622-6523.
Sincerely,
Codi
The Knitting Circle Video Membership
Do you do sweaters or socks?
Jen it was great to read your message. I have been knitting steady for about 11 years now. I feel comfortable with beginner projects and some stitches. I really want to learn more stitches, short rows, lace stitches & how to make socks. I learned how to knit with the yarn coming off my left hand (contaniental style) even though I am right handed. I really need some help with new stitches, as I am a visual learner.
I have a question I am very puzzled about. I would like to find out what kind of yarn I would can get to quavers to get a 4 “ square with 18 st. X 32 row. I bought from a yarn shop and told me Plymouth dream baby dk yarn bout the gauge was way of to big help please. It is suppose to be sport weight.
Hello Sandy,
Thank you for contacting us.
It all depends on the needle size. It should be possible to get a gauge of 18 sts and 32 rows with a DK weight yarn. You probably need to change your needle size. Sometimes when starting a project, that’s the not so fun part – swatching to figure out which needle to use to get gauge. But it’s worth the effort – it will ensure your finished item will be the correct size.
Another thing to consider is that the convention for gauge is that it is the gauge after washing and blocking the swatch (unless the pattern tells you otherwise). It’s incredible how much blocking your swatch can change the gauge!
We have a few free videos that might help you:
https://www.theknittingcircle.com/video/get-to-know-your-pattern-understanding-your-gauge-018823/
https://www.theknittingcircle.com/video/choosing-your-knitting-needle-sizes-of-needles-018599/
https://www.theknittingcircle.com/video/mistakes-101-knitting-too-tight-loose-018681/
If you have any additional questions, please email or contact Customer Service at 1-833-622-6523.
Sincerely,
Lindsay
The Knitting Circle Video Membership
I am a new member and your videos have helped me some all ready. I was impressed with the Knitting Circle when I first googled a problem I needed help with. This site seemed to have it all covered, and Experts to call on as a plus. I started crochet and then knitting in Elem. School during WWII. Our third grade teacher thought we were old enough to learn the simple stitches of crochet, and taught us to make small squares which she collected and made afghans for the military hospitals. Soon some of us advanced to knitting and she started us on knitting the body of socks, they were like knee length. She would start the sock and then hand it over to us girls, and when we got to the heel she would collect them and turn the heel, then return them to us to work to the toe. Thinking back on it, she must have been very organized. That initial learning stayed with me, and in my teens I made several pairs of argyles for all the males int the family and eventually my boyfriend. I didn’t have time to do much in the next several years, one time I made a cardigan I was given a kit for, and wore it until it wore out. I didn’t return to knitting until six or seven years ago when our church started a prayer shawl ministry for those needing comfort. I have knitted many shawls, of all patterns and colors. I like to change them all the time. This year I decided to make some small items for members of the family for Christmas but took on a little more than I anticipated. But with so much time being sheltered in, it was a life saver, as I never had any of the depression some people had, and always had time to think about my next project. My husband got involved in choosing some of the colors,& watching the progress. this site helped so much as I had never knitted in the round before and joining was a problem until I watched your video several times. I did the socks when I was younger, on 4 needles. but this was different.. So I am looking forward to much more knitting knowing that if I have a problem I can ask. Thank you so much. MarleneG.