By Knitters, For Knitters

Hey, we’re knitters too. We like soft, yummy yarns in rich colors. We like needles with sharp, well-tapered tips and flexible, sturdy cables. We like patterns for practical finished projects that are challenging and interesting, but never confusing. Ultimately we like to make and use things you like to make and use, and we strive to provide you with the best material available to enjoy our wondrous craft.

Our Start

Knit Picks was started in 2002 when accomplished knitter and spinner, Kelley Petkun, and her engineer husband Bob set out to connect knitters with books, yarns, and needles because Kelley figured there were a lot of other knitters out there like her who would appreciate getting quality products at a reasonable price. Kelley was so convinced that there had to be a way to get luxury yarns at lower prices, that in 2003, she bought Bob a plane ticket to Peru and told him not to return until he had found a quality source for knitting yarn. There Bob met with mill owners and realized that by cutting out the middle man and selling yarn directly to knitters online, he could reduce prices without sacrificing quality. Kelley joined Bob on subsequent trips to Peru and Italy, where our yarns are produced, so that she could meet the mill workers in person, and tell them exactly what she and other knitters wanted from their yarn. The spinning mills were wowed by Kelley’s knowledge of spinning and fiber content, and she was able to clearly communicate what she envisioned for Knit Picks’ signature yarns.

Once Kelley had yarn she knew other knitters would love, she set about creating the perfect set of needles. She polled all the knitters she knew (including all of us here in the office), and discovered that while there were many things different people liked about different brands of needles, there was no one brand that combined all those desired elements into one perfect needle that everyone loved. Bob’s engineering background came in handy as the pair began testing and re-testing prototypes. Once Kelley’s saw what she wanted, she bought Bob another ticket to travel the world and find the right manufacturing partner for her dream needles. Bob created a relationship with our needle manufacturer in India to ensure that we were not only partnering with a company that followed safe labor practices and gave back to local communities, but was also sensitive to the needs of us knitters. Bob’s philosophy when it comes to product development is that Knit Picks doesn’t let the engineers tell us what they can do, we tell the engineers what our customers want, and then the engineers figure out a way to do it. That means that ultimately, you’re the boss.

So if you have a suggestion, idea, or complaint, drop us a line or give us a call at (800) 574-1323, Mom-Fri 5:00am - 6:00pm PT, Sat 6:00am - 3:00pm PT.

Our Facilities and Our People

Knit Picks and KnitPicks.com are a division of the Crafts Americana Group, a privately owned business. Crafts Americana Group's three divisions (Knit Picks, Connecting Threads, The Artist's Club) employ approximately 80 people in two locations.

The Owners

Bob and Kelley Petkun enjoy working together in the business. Bob is President and responsible for marketing and finance. Kelley is Creative Director and responsible for product development and building our relationship with the knitting community.

Management Team

Bob Petkun, President
Kelley Petkun, Vice President and Creative Director
Karen Johnson, Vice President - Connecting Threads & Artist's Club
Tina Birch, Vice President - Knit Picks
Carla Salazar, Vice President - Finance and Administration
Marci Hansen, Vice President - Marketing
Brent Matson, Director of Information Systems
Mike Wakeland, Director of Software Development
Kara Tripp, Director of Operations
Brenda Ericson, Director of Customer Service

Headquarters

Knit Picks is headquartered at 13118 N.E. 4th St., Vancouver, Washington 98684. Corporate offices can be reached at (360) 260-8900 or faxed at (360) 260-8877. Crafts Americana Group Headquarters building We do not have any products for sale at our corporate office, but we do offer free shipping on all orders over $50. To speak with customer service, call 1-800-574-1323 anytime between 5am and 6pm PT Monday through Friday, 6am - 3pm Saturday.

Distribution Center

We also have a distribution center in Columbus, OH at 1250 Boltonfield St, Columbus, OH 43228. We built it there to help keep our shipping costs low. It’s just a big warehouse, but if you want to visit it, be our guest. Just call or e-mail us first to set up an appointment.

Our Manufacturing Partners

Knit Picks has very high standards for the International manufacturers we choose to work with. Executives from Knit Picks have visited each of our manufacturers' factories personally to ensure that their facilities and labor practices are in line with both Knit Picks' and our customers' expectations. Specifically, Knit Picks works only with manufacturers who:

  • Institute management practices that respect the rights of all employees
  • Provide a safe and healthy work place
  • Promote the health and well-being of all employees
  • Oppose the use of child labor
  • Have an active role in the positive development of their local community

And if you’re ever interested in visiting our facilities in India, Peru, or Italy, e-mail Customer Service for more information, and we’ll connect you with a factory representative.