Meet Jennifer Kent: Master Knitting Instructor & Designer

Jennifer Kent’s introduction to fiber arts began at a young age and led her to a career in the design industry. After more than 25 years designing for commercial labels, she’s now designing patterns you can knit. Read on to learn more about Jennifer’s knitting path from childhood to certified-master instructor, and how you can take one of her classes!

FIT NYC and Knitting

As a young adult, Jennifer studied Fashion Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York. FIT is a college for design, fashion, art, and more that prepares students for the creative industries. “My program offered a knitwear specialization. I knew how to knit, and I loved to design. So, I knew combining the two was meant to be,” Jennifer explains. “FIT was the perfect place for me to study. The creative programs it offered, along with the more technical hands-on class structure available, allowed me to tap into both sides of my brain.”

Jennifer designed commercially for the fashion industry for 25 years. “Over the years I worked for private label manufacturers and small boutique labels,” Jennifer says. “Later I transitioned to the Jones Apparel Group where I designed for many in-house brands. We sold to major department stores, and I even spotted some of my sweaters on episodes of The Office being worn by Phyllis and Erin.”

Following Her Passion for Hand Knits

In 2018 she left to follow her true passion—hand knitting. “When fast fashion became more popular, I started to become disillusioned with the quality of the yarn I was forced to use. I wanted to be able to choose yarn and stitches that were interesting and beautiful to me,” she explains. Jennifer now lives in the upper Midwest and has been designing for publications like Interweave Knits, Wool Studio, and others for the last 5 years.

“I love to design simple, modern shapes in textural stitches because I like to highlight the intricate structure of knit stitches and let the fabric be the star of the show,” Jennifer explains. And she loves that designing gives her the chance to bring her ideas into the real world. She’s become a favorite designer the Interweave team with projects in the Spring, Summer, and Fall 2023 issues of Knits, and more work coming in Knits Gifts 23, Winter 24, and beyond.

“The endless variety that is possible by manipulating a continuous strand of yarn will always fascinate me,” she explains. “The process of knitting is fun, relaxing, and healing all at the same time. I love to get lost in the moment when I knit.”

Learn from Jennifer Kent

Jennifer also teaches classes. She teaches a variety of techniques at all levels. She loves sharing her knowledge and passion for knitting with others. Her Intro to Entrelac Interweave @ Home class is easily accessible for beginners. Jennifer explains, “If you know how to knit, purl, and do basic increases and decreases, you’ll have no problem mastering entrelac.”

When asked what she wishes people knew about her journey, Jennifer has a great message for all of us. “I want people to know that it’s never too late to follow your heart,” she explains. “And it’s never too late to do what you truly love.”

To keep in touch with Jennifer and all she’s knitting, follow her Instagram @jaekknits.

Tamara Moots has more than 100 patterns available through Ravelry, LoveKnitting, Knit Picks, WEBS, Love of Knitting magazine, Knit Now magazine, and others. When she is not designing or knitting, she raises two teens and travels whenever she can manage. Find her designs on Interweave.com and Ravelry, read her blog, and listen to her on the Geminate Podcast.