EP EXTRA Connection Magazine |
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How to Find Plus Size Knitting
Patterns and Guidance
Part II
by EP EXTRA Editors
In Part II of this article you'll learn about:
- Where to locate online plus size garment and lingerie knitting patterns.
- Where to acquire free plus size garment knitting patterns.
- Knitting machines versus hand knitting. Where to find knitting machines and what you
should know before purchasing one for plus size garments.
Plus Size Garment and Lingerie Knitting Patterns:
We would like to remark that the following knitting pattern
designers have our utmost respect. We believe a designer has a unique intelligence to be
able to design various knitted garments and clearly detail the instructions within each
knitting pattern.
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Vermont Fiber Designs
This is just two examples of the many plus size knitting patterns up to plus size 6X-Large
that they offer. The founder, Sue McCain, has over 20 years experience designing knitting
patterns. They have a list of over 400 yarn shops in the United States and Canada that carry
their pattern line. They also offer a service for pattern writing, technical editing, and
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White Lies Designs
Joan McGowan-Michael is an author and designer who offers knitting patterns in plus sizes
for women's pullovers, cardigans, suits, vests, and sexy lingerie. She also offers
knitting patterns for a large size men's pullover and vest.These are just four examples of the many knitting patterns that is offered on
White Lies Designs. Uppper Left: Ladies' Cardigan with finished bust
sizes 34" to 60". Upper Right: There's a nice selection of
lingerie here too. Ladies' Pullover with finished bust sizes 34" to 50". Lower
Left: Corselette with finished bust sizes 34" to 50", A-D cups. Lower
Right: Camisole and Boy-Short with finished bust sizes 36" to 54".
You can get just the pattern or you can get a kit, which
includes the yarn and instructions for many designs, including fishnet stockings and much
more. |
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Joan McGowan-Michael began designing for
larger women because there was such a lack of pretty, sexy designs for the big girls. Many
of her styles go up to a 49" chest and a few up to 59".
We asked Joan, "Will you be offering more
knitting patterns for big men too, for example, jackets or sweaters?"
Joan's reply, "I am more intimately
familiar with the challenges of being a plus size gal, so naturally am able to address the
needs of women a bit more concisely. I have done a few patterns for men when my husband
makes enough noise. Those go up to a 50" chest."
We also asked Joan if she would like to share
any knitting tips or advice that she believes would be helpful to a new knitter interested
in knitting garments.
Joan suggests, "Join a guild or knitting
group. It's amazing what golden information can be gleaned from contact with other
knitters, and guilds exist to educate their members. I see them as a very valuable
resource for the newer knitter."
Joan also passed on some figures when asked
about the cost of knitting a garment. "The yarn for a vest could run as little as $20
depending on the fiber chosen. A cocktail dress? $75 to $200 again depending on the yarn
and the size to be made."
Just One More Row!
Jill Vosburg is a designer who offers a selection of garment knitting patterns that can
used for a variety of different sizes. The Heartbeat Sweater in particular can be made in
sizes from infant to XXXXL adult. She carries garment knitting patterns and kits for
sweaters, pullovers, a camisole, jackets, vests and more.
Continue Below:
Free Garment Knitting Patterns
Bad Penny - Pullover
Stephanie Japel is a designer who has a free short sleeved pullover pattern on Knitty.com
named Bad Penny. The pattern sizes are from small to XXXL, with chest measurements up to
46 inches.
Shapely
Tank Top or Tee
Designer Joan McGowan-Michael of White Lies Designs has a free printable pattern for a
Shapely Tank Top that can be finished with bust sizes from 36 to 58 inches. Add
sleeves to the Shapely Tank Top and make it into a Shapely Tee.
Sonata
Crest of Wave Tank Top
This tank top knitting pattern is designed by Michelle Ciccariello. The finished bust
measurements can be from 32 to 50 inches. The tank top requires no sewing or finishing.
Did You Know?
Perhaps you have a knitted garment that you made earlier and have outgrown or do not like
any more. Don't discard it or push it to the back of your sweater drawer. If the yarn has
not been damaged by washing or wear, you may unravel the garment, re-claim the yarn, and
knit something new. Here's
how.
Knitting Machines versus Hand Knitting and More:
Our objective for seeking information in regards to knitting machines versus hand
knitting was to ascertain the differences between the two. So that we could give you a
better understanding about knitting garments with a machine or doing it by hand.
When we asked knitting designer, Joan McGowan-Michael of White Lies Designs, her expert
opinion as to machine knitting versus hand knitting. She replied, "I do both and both
have their uses. Machines are great for speed or yards and yards of stockinette. Hand
knitting has a nicer look to it in my opinion, and is more relaxing to do. I combine both
methods in a single garment regularly, especially when I am knitting to deadline!"
Machine Knitting: What You Should Know Before You Buy
The link above leads to a PDF file (you must have Acrobat Reader installed). This is a
four part series by Sonja Kathleen of Sonja Kathleen. She details in Part I - Knitting
Machine Choices, Part II - How Knitting Machines Work, Hand Versus Machine Knitting, Part
III - What Knitting Machine Can Do, and Part IV - mentions the Accessories, including
Ribber, Garter Carriage, Single Bed Color Changer, Double Bed Color Changer, Linker,
Transfer Carriage, Lace Carriage, Intarsia Carriage, and Knit Leader. We believe this
machine knitting information will give you some great information about the machines
before you consider a purchase.
Selecting Your Knitting Machine
Angelika Burles of Angelika's Yarn Store has an article that explains about the Brother,
Silver Reed and Artisan brand knitting machine models.
As you know, any plus size garment usually costs you more. We have found out that the
same holds true when purchasing a knitting machine. You should be observant to the fact
that a knitting machine may need to be extended in order to knit larger garments with it.
Extensions are sometimes added to a knitting machine to get the desired sized garment.
The Ultimate Sweater Machine® from Bond America® can make up to a size XXXL sweater by adding an
Extension Kit. They mention that two knitting machines can be joined together to knit
larger items. Their suggestion, "If you plan to purchase three or more Extension
Kits, you may want to consider just purchasing an additional Ultimate Sweater Machine. It
will cost nearly the same and you’ll have two carriages, etc. for doing other fancy
stitches."
They have a "Knitting Help Line" for callers with questions
about their machines, pattern questions or information on where the caller can purchase
the machine. They also provide free knitting projects on their website that can be done with their
knitting machine, some in larger sizes.
Another interesting website that deals in knitting machines is the Rocking Horse Farm.
They offer yarn, patterns, and knitting and embroidery machines.
We would like to extend a special thanks to the knitters who have helped
us in bringing this plus size knitting information to you. When it comes down to it, it's
all about people helping people! If you find helpful plus size knitting information that
you believe will help others, please don't be shy, simply contact us and we will be glad
to let other readers know about it!
Back To:
How to Find Plus
Size Knitting Patterns and Guidance
Part I
More: EP
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