I’m the designer (and everything else!) behind Double the Stitches. I often share the story of how I dreamed up the name one sleepless night with my newborn twins. I realized that if I ever wanted my boys to have handmade things … I would need double the stitches.

The most rewarding part of being a designer is getting the opportunity to see something I dreamed up created by other knitters and crocheters all around the world.

I'm so happy you're here, and I can't wait to tell you more about how I can help you, my design philosophy when I create knitting patterns, the Stitch Society Membership, and the causes that are close to my heart.

Whether you are a beginner knitter who's ready for to advance your skills, or a prolific seasoned maker ... you’ll find something in my collection of patterns that you will love creating from the first stitch cast-on to the last stitch you bind-off.

Teaching is a passion of mine, and I write my patterns so it feels like I’m right there next to you guiding you through the project step-by-step, stitch-by-stitch.

My patterns are designed to help new-ish knitters and crocheters discover different techniques or skills, while also holding the interest of more advanced makers.

Learning new techniques or a different way of doing something is the best way to feel confident as you explore new patterns, and grow your toolbox of yarnie skills and become more confident and competent, and spend more time enjoying your knitting and crocheting time.

To continue fueling my passion for helping knitters and crocheters learn more about their craft, I teach and lead groups at my local libraries, and I have worked in a local yarn shop teaching knitters and crocheters of all skill levels.

There is something so special about helping someone learn a skill they can use for a lifetime. That moment when your eyes light up because they conquered a new skill is truly heartwarming.

Online workshops and classes are wonderful ways to connect virtually, and a great option since recordings are available to watch any time day or night. We’ve all had those late nights when we’re motivated to accomplish something, or maybe stuck on not understanding something, or on a tight deadline for a handmade gift!

The Stitch Society Membership is about to celebrate it's 2nd Birthday!

Members are treated to 2 monthly zoom coffee chats where we knit together and chat about life, a pattern each month from me, free tickets to upcoming virtual workshops, the stitch & technique library, and many more benefits.

If you're looking for a warm and welcoming place where you won't feel alone while knitting or crocheting, and to be supported by a caring designer who values your yarnie time and is here to offer help & support, you'll want to learn more about the Stitch Society!

I love supporting Local Yarn Shops because they are such amazing places that foster our community of fiber enthusiasts and are the lifeblood of our craft. They need support from their community during these difficult times.

More than 165 brick-and-mortar yarn shops participated in my event for LYS Day 2021 with my Coterie Shawl pattern. I’m so excited to see that number grow each year in the future.

I was lucky enough to spend a few years working at a wonderful local yarn shop, Infinite Yarns, in Farmingdale, NY. I loved getting to help other knitters and crocheters find the perfect fibers for their next project, help them find patterns to make their crafting visions come true, and walk them through patterns when they get stuck.

Creating Accessible Patterns

Creating Low Vision and Screen Reader Accessible versions of my patterns is a cause that is close to my heart, and I'm on a mission to help grow the availability of options available to knitters who struggle with their vision.

These additional versions of my patterns are helpful to those who have lost their vision, and even those who don’t have clinical vision loss but have found smaller print in traditional patterns harder to read over the years.

With easy-to-read print, they can also be read to the maker, with special software or even using widely available options including Adobe Acrobat.

What do my students and customers say?

“Jessica gives us the resources to excel in our fiber journey. Beautiful knitters to share with and a small community. Plus you get a pattern to add to your ever growing pattern stash. I highly recommend it.”
- Jenn

“Jessica is one of the sweetest people I know! Full of great information, encouragement, tips, patterns ... and resources! I love being a part of this group, it’s so special.”
- Sunni

"I am thrilled with all that I have learned from you. I do not consider myself a "natural" at knitting. Thank you for sharing your time and talents so generously."

- Kaethe

JOIN THE DOUBLE THE STITCHES COMMUNITY!

Join the Free Double the Stitches Community Group on Facebook, and you’ll get 3 digital downloadable gifts as a thank you.

You’ll find a warm and welcoming space filled with friendly fellow knitters share their love of yarn and creating by hand.

This is a positive, uplifting group where we offer one another encouragement and inspiration.

© Copyright 2024 Jessica Ays | Double the Stitches | Privacy Policy | Terms