EP EXTRA Connection Magazine |
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How to Find Plus Size Knitting
Patterns and Guidance
Part I
by EP EXTRA Editors
Researching for plus size knitting patterns and where to find guidance has taken us to
accommodating locations on the web. We've met very likable engaging knitters and pattern
designers who are extremely experienced. They have contributed with plus size knitting
information that's not always easy to find.
Having a desire to knit garments for people with larger bodies is one thing, but where
to obtain a specific pattern and experienced advice is another. Save yourself hours of
searching time by following along on the journey to what we've discovered. You may be
amazed!
In this article you'll learn about:
1. The available plus size knitting pattern books.
2. Where to locate online and offline plus size garment knitting assistance.
3. How to combine knitting and fabric and make your own patterns and garments.
4. Where to locate online plus size garment and lingerie knitting patterns.
5. Where to acquire free plus size garment knitting patterns.
6. Knitting machines versus hand knitting. Where to find knitting machines and what you
should know before purchasing one for plus size garments.
Books with plus size knitting patterns:
Big Girl Knits
This book is by authors and designers Jillian Moreno and Amy R. Singer. We've read a lot
of high praise around the internet in regards to this book. It has 25 patterns, including
sweaters, coats, skirts, pants and accessories. Also, a measurement guide and tips that
assist you in selecting yarn, colors, and styles. With a focus on what the authors refer
to as the three Big Girl Bs – boobs, belly and butt. |
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Plus Size
Fashions to Knit
This book is by Kathleen Power Johnson. It contains 5 knitting patterns for sizes 1X to
5X, including a sweater, collared pullover, and cardigan. |
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Plus Size Sweater Wardrobe
Another book by Kathleen Power Johnson. It contains 9 patterns for knitting a Lacy Cable
Pullover, Double Moss Stitch Polo, Flouncy Wave Tunic, Fair Isle Turtleneck, Boxy
Basketweave Vest, Spiral Rib V-Neck, Eiffel Tower Top, Plush Chenille Jacket, and Twin Set
Pullover and Cardigan. Designed for women size 14 to 4X. |
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Knitting Lingerie
Style
Authored by Joan McGowan-Michael, a petite to plus size knitting pattern designer. This
book contains instructions for knitting 32 pieces of lingerie and lingerie garments. Many
of the styles go up to a 49" chest and a few up to 59". Knit an underwired bra
in sizes 32A-38D, an underwired body shaper shown on the cover, a corsetry-inspired
cocktail dress, camisoles, slips, bedjacket, romantic hosiery and more. Also, read more
about the author of this book and her knitting pattern designs and kits within Part II of
this article. |
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Where to find plus size knitting guidance:
Receiving knitting guidance for plus size garments can be
quite effortless, if you know where to get it. During our exploration into plus size
garment knitting assistance, we encountered an online Yahoo! Group with a focus on
knitting large sized garments. The Ample-knitters is an online email discussion group that has some very
experienced garment knitters. A couple of the Ample-knitters from the group have provided
us with significant wisdom into knitting garments for large people.
Rosie is one of the members of the Ample-knitters' group
who kindly gave us permission to show you a couple examples of her beautiful knitted
garments. And, she provided insight on how to obtain even more garment knitting guidance.
Diamond
Patch Dress
Rosie mentions, "This design is by Jill Vosburg - Just One More Row It started
life as a sweater and grew into a dress, although a short one. I thought I could get away
with it. At least my hubby likes it! Yarn: Cottrica (acrylic/cotton/polyster) in Silver
Topaz." |
Click to Enlarge
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Midnight
Express Vest
"This is a side to side pattern by Sue Esser. You can find the pattern here. I used a
bulky wool and adapted the pattern for a long, straight edged version. Next time I knit
it, I'll make it shorter and shorten the armholes as well. It was one of my first projects
I knitted for myself." |
Click to Enlarge
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"One issue with amples (as with everyone else in the
world) is that we have different shapes, although all ample. The book Big Girl Knits
addressed this issue. Prior to this, even in plus size clothing catalogs, all models have
an hour-glass figure, just larger. No one showed clothes on those of us with bigger
bellies - apple shaped. The book divides the garments into those that would flatter the
figure with a larger bust, butt or belly. A big step from my point of view."
Rosie also mentioned about the various knitting meetings
and events the Ample-knitters group have. The group has these knitting meetings at various
times of the year. You can find out more about the knitting meetings and when and where
they are scheduled by joining the Ample-knitters group. "Even if we don't have a
"formal" meeting, we keep in touch by email and manage to gather at some point
during the events," Rosie explains.
Rosie has a small group of knitters who meet several times
a year at her fabulous Gabriel's
Hill Bed and Breakfast in Lancaster County, PA. View more photos and descriptions of
her beautiful knitted garments within her online Knitting Album.
The Ample-knitters group also have Knit-a-longs (KAL). The
group chooses a certain garment knitting pattern, and then all who join the KAL online
participate in sharing with each other as the project progresses. A KAL is a wonderful
means for the knitting group to connect and associate with one another.
We highly suggest you join the Ample-knitters
group if you seek knitting guidance, knitting friendship, or other information in regards
to knitting larger sized garments.
Continue Below:
How To Combine Knitting
and Fabric &
Make Your Own Patterns and Garments
Expand your knitting talent, and design your
own knitted garments. We've re-published government information that was originally
available in 1966 from the Cooperative Extension Service, Oregon publication titled Knitting
- Creative Use of Leisure Time.
We've expanded the standard measurements chart
that's within this article to go up to women's size 24, and men's size 44, however, you
can use the standard measurements to make even larger sized garments by expanding it
yourself even further. We believe you'll find this article very useful for acquiring
garment knitting knowledge, whether you are a professional knitting designer or just want
to learn more about designing.
In the How To Combine Knitting and
Fabric & Make Your Own Patterns and Garments article you will learn:
1. How to take measurements.
2. How to make your own patterns for a knitted garment.
3. How to make knitted trims and knitted bias.
4. How to shape shoulders by turning.
5. How to knit in hem.
6. How to combine knitting with fabric and make your own patterns.
Continue:
How to Find
Plus Size Knitting Patterns and Guidance
Part II
More: EP
EXTRA Connection Magazine Articles
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