Jewell Washington

Jewell Washington is a Chicago-based knitwear designer, content creator, and community organizer whose work connects craft and creative entrepreneurship. She is the founder of Northknits, a modern hand knitwear brand known for minimalist, wearable garments and thoughtfully constructed accessories designed to feel both refined and approachable.

Through Northknits, Jewell designs original sweater and accessory patterns that help knitters find confidence in garment construction and knitting accessories. Her aesthetic draws inspiration from city living, clean silhouettes, and intentional yarn pairings. She has collaborated with established yarn companies on pattern development, kit launches, and educational and social media campaigns. Her patterns are available directly through her website and on Ravelry to reach her audience of knitters seeking modern, wearable design.

Jewell is also the founder of Our Maker Life, an educational and business networking platform established in 2016 to support fibre creatives in building sustainable, connected, and professionally viable businesses. Through in-person and virtual programming, she has organised industry-focused events, multi-day summits, and workshops that bring together knitters, crocheters, designers, and indie dyers for networking, strategic development, and industry dialogue.

Across design, content creation, and event production, Jewell’s work centers on visibility, education, and long-term sustainability within the fibre industry. She is committed to helping makers see their craft not only as creative expression, but as a pathway to professional opportunity and meaningful community.