Meet Laura Nelkin
 

With a background in apparel design and a decades-long passion for knitting, Laura brings a unique perspective to the world of knitwear design. Her patterns seamlessly blend style and functionality, making them a joy to knit and wear. . Her designs are known for their intricate stitch patterns, innovative techniques, and elegant lace motifs that keep every knitter engaged — Laura has something for everyone!

And we can’t forget to introduce Laura's mischievous alter-ego, Lola, she's a spicy little thing and keeps us all on our toes! Laura, and her buddy Lola, strive to keep you and your knitting connected, one stitch at a time!

Laura (and Lola and their video editor extraordinaire husband, Max) reside in the beautiful Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York. The scenic lakes, stunning gorges, picturesque winters, and sunny summers fuel Laura’s endless creativity. In her spare time Laura sinks her teeth into all the crafts: garment sewing, mosaic, baking, beading, you name it! The only thing that is getting saved for retirement is quilting…

 



Clubs, Kits, Patterns, and More!
 


Laura’s clubs provide a supportive environment for knitters to learn, grow, and connect with others. Lola’s Choice is a smaller project club with rolling sign-ups that is structured to be accessible to knitters of all levels. The N Club is a 3-kit per year club with bigger and more advanced projects that only has open enrollments once a year. Both clubs teach new skills, have accompanying video tutorials, extraordinary yarns, and brand-new designs for your needles!

 
Laura’s library of patterns offers something for knitters of all skill levels. Many of her patterns incorporate delicate lacework, bold textures, unique techniques and bespoke silhouettes. And with clear, easy-to-follow instructions and embedded video tutorials, you’ll enjoy the process as much as the final result.

Overwhelmed by gathering supplies for a project? Laura has a curated line of kits, that include everything you need to make a unique project from start to finish. Crafted with attention to detail, from the yarn and tools to the little extras that make knitting even more enjoyable. Each kit is designed to build your skills and your confidence, with guided video tutorials to help you along the way.

This is Barcelola Cloche, pattern and kits are releasing the first week of January!

 

A Community That Cares


Laura LOVES the passionate knitters who appreciate her attention to detail and sense of humor. Whether you're participating in knit-a-longs or sharing project updates, her Facebook and Ravelry groups are the perfect spaces for laughs, learning, and crafting camaraderie.

At the core of Laura's work is her commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community. Her clubs offer a place where knitters of all backgrounds can come together to learn and knit in a joyful and supportive environment.
 



Stay Connected

Tune into Laura's monthly LIVE from the Studio sessions on YouTube for updates, new techniques, and Q&A segments. And if you're looking for a hands-on, in the flesh, experience, be sure to check out her in-person workshops or international adventures for a truly immersive knitting journey.

  • Newsletter – Get an email you’ll actually be psyched to receive! Laura’s newsletter is filled with pattern updates, techniques and tips, event updates, and the inside scoop on all of Lola’s adventures!

  • Instagram & Facebook Page – Great platforms for daily updates, quick tips, sneak peeks, project inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at Laura’s creative world.

  • Ravelry & Facebook Group – A hub for knitters who want to ask questions and share updates on their Nelkin Design projects.

  • YouTube – Watch quick knit tips, tune in for live sessions, and dive into in-depth tutorials on Laura’s YouTube channel.
     



Knit for Food Knit-a-thon
 

In 2021, Laura founded the Knit for Food Knit-a-thon. The Knit for Food Knit-a-thon is an annual 12-hour knitting marathon aimed at fighting hunger. The event has united crafters around the world, raising nearly $1 million to support Feeding America, World Central Kitchen, No Kid Hungry, and Meals on Wheels. Each Spring, knitters and makers come together—both online and in local meet-ups—to make a difference, one stitch at a time. Through Knit for Food, Laura and her community remind us of the power of knitting to bring about positive change in the world.

2025’s Knit for Food will take place Saturday, April 5th from 10 am to 10 pm ET.

 

All Nelkin Designs patterns are available for sale to wholesale accounts through the Ravelry In-Store Sales Program.

If you have questions about patterns I will attempt to answer them within 24 hours of receiving your e-mail, my Facebook group and Ravelry group are also excellent places to get support and gain community!

I am also available to teach workshops on my patterns, one of my favorite things to do.  Please contact me if you'd like to hear more.