Jackie Ebdon has been responsible for many of the designs you will have seen on Coats Crafts UK’s website over the past few years.

Jackie has been crafting since she was a child, and first taught herself to crochet at the tender age of six, before progressing to knitting.

However, despite her impressively young age, some of her earliest efforts did not meet her sister’s approval... “As a child my two elder sisters used to make fun of some of my attempts, but now I have got my own back. Now, they come to me for advice! I think they have done me a great favour over time, and I love them both,” laughs Jackie.

She began cross stitch in her twenties, and later went to college and gained City and Guilds qualifications in embroidery, patchwork and quilting, and machine embroidery. A multi-skilled designer emerged!

She first worked for Coats in the early 80’s, working on the finishing of garments in the handknit department. She had to ensure garments were made up professionally, work any embroidery and ensure they were perfect to be photographed for the finished patterns. Here she learnt the art of pattern writing and contributed to Patons and Jaeger brands.

After a spell abroad with her husband’s job, Jackie returned to Patons, Coats Crafts, when her daughter was small. Four years ago she moved into a design role, and has worked extensively on patterns and designs for Coats.

Jackie created some of the Patons knit kits - her favourite ones include Shaun the Sheep, and Timmy the Sheep.

Jackie most enjoys designing crochet patterns, particularly using cotton yarns. “I love the nice crisp finish they give.” She also enjoys designing accessories, cushions, simple toys or decorations, using simple stitches with colour for impact.

Jackie now works as a freelance designer and her work features regularly here on Coats Crafts, and in UK craft magazines.