Linda Ohrn-McDaniel

Linda Ohrn-McDaniel is a Professor and Faculty Director of the KnitLAB at Kent State University's School of Fashion, part of the College of the Arts. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Fashion Design from the University of North Texas (2003) and a B.Ed. in Textiles & English as a 2nd language from Uppsala University, Sweden (2000). Her research focuses on knitted textiles, sustainable practices, and interdisciplinary collaborations in architecture, medicine, and advanced materials. She leads the KnitLAB, fostering innovation in textile development and industry partnerships.

Her creative work includes exhibitions such as Knitting Beyond the Body (2023–2024) at the Kent State University Museum and the Knit Futures Symposium (2024). She has curated over 40 exhibitions globally, with 71 accepted entries and 15 peer-reviewed presentations. Linda also offers consulting services in knit programming and textile development, bridging academia and industry. Her teaching emphasizes patternmaking, draping, and knit specialization, having developed three knitting-focused courses. Professional services include roles in the U.S. knit industry and international collaborations.

Linda’s creative scholarship explores shape, sustainability, and design process, resulting in 40 original designs and 15 awards. She advocates for waste reduction in fashion, exemplified by her Eco Fashion: From 0 to 100 exhibit (2017). Her work integrates cultural heritage with modern technology, such as her Swedish Blackwork-inspired knitted garments and pleat-engineered textiles.