Book Review: Go Big Knits

It can be really difficult to find nice knitting patterns that are designed for larger women. Sometimes patterns that were originally designed for smaller sizes are graded up to fit a wider range of figures, but that conversion isn’t always successful. A larger chest measurement doesn’t guarantee proportionally larger arms, for example.

Go Big Knits: 20 Projects Sizes 38-54, collected by the editors of Marie Claire Idées magazine, eliminates that problem because the designs started out with larger sizes in mind. The book was originally produced in France and uses Bergere de France yarns, but there are many options more widely available in America if you do a little hunting.

The projects are sweaters, vests, shrugs, ponchos and cowls. About half the patterns are shown on one model and half on another. It might have been nice to see the projects on a wider variety of bodies. Most of the projects are pretty simple, straight sided garments without waist shaping, but many are also designed to be closer fitting than is often seen when patterns are upsized to fit larger figures.

Some of my favorites include a boatneck sweater worked in garter stitch; a long tunic worked mostly in Stockinette; the long cardigan, featuring an easy dropped stitch pattern;the open front collared jacket, which uses a fun fuzzy yarn; and the jacket with square collar, which has a ribbed eyelet pattern.

This book has a lot of great wardrobe staples for larger women, many of which are easy to knit and look great. If you’re plus sized (or even not plus sized, since the projects start at a size 36 or 38) and want to knit yourself sweaters and other great garments that will look and feel amazing, this book is a great choice.

About the book: 96 pages, paperback with interior flaps, 20 patterns (8 of the patterns are flagged as “easier to make”). Published July 2016 by Trafalgar Square Books, retail price $18.95.

Looking for more knitting patterns for knitted Cardigans? Check out these Knitting patterns we found on Etsy.

Specific to knitters, you can join our Knitting Patterns Only group to get, well, knitting patterns, ask questions and gain inspiration for what to knit next.

Looking for Yarn online? Check out Lionbrand our preferred source for purchasing yarn online.

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about a pair of handmade bed socks, isn’t there? They are practical, pretty, and just the sort of project that feels like it belongs beside a cup of tea, a good film, and a basket of wool that is pretending not to be overflowing.

This vintage Bed Socks knitting pattern is one of those sweet little patterns that still feels useful today. Originally from the Jaeger Hand-Knit Series No. 44, the design features a simple garter-stitch foot, a ribbed cuff, eyelet holes, a crochet chain tie, and little tassel-style pom-poms at the front. The original pattern even describes them as “a very acceptable present,” and honestly, I don’t think much has changed there.

These would make a lovely handmade gift for someone who is always cold, someone recovering or resting, or anyone who appreciates a bit of old-fashioned comfort. They would also be beautiful as a Mother’s Day gift, a winter birthday present, a Christmas stocking filler, or a “just because you deserve cozy feet” project.

The pattern itself is delightfully simple in construction. The socks are knitted flat, beginning at the lower edge, with the foot worked in garter stitch before moving into the ribbed upper section. The decorative eyelet row allows for a crochet chain cord to be threaded through, and the finishing tassels give the socks that charming vintage look. The top edge is finished with a row of double crochet, which adds a neat handmade touch.

The original measurements list the socks as approximately 10½ inches from the top to the lower edge of the heel, with a 9¾ inch foot length, and the pattern notes that the size can be adapted. As with many vintage knitting patterns, modern knitters will want to check gauge carefully and choose a soft yarn that feels comfortable against the skin. A cozy wool blend, soft acrylic, or washable yarn would all work depending on whether you are making these for everyday use or as a special gift.

I especially love that this pattern has that “giftable” quality without being a massive project. It is small enough to feel achievable, but still special enough that the finished pair looks thoughtful. And let’s be honest, handmade socks with pom-poms are always going to beat a last-minute candle from the supermarket.

The PDF version has been cleaned up and formatted for easier reading while keeping the original vintage design intact. It also includes a modern pink mockup image and the original vintage scan, so you get both the historical charm and a fresh idea of how the finished socks could look today.

If you enjoy vintage knitting patterns, cozy handmade gifts, or quick projects that feel useful rather than just decorative, this sweet little bed socks pattern is a lovely one to add to your collection.

You can find the Vintage Bed Socks Knitting Pattern PDF in the CraftGossip Etsy store.

For supplies, this is also a nice stash-friendly project. A soft yarn from Mary Maxim or Amazon would work well, and if you make pom-poms regularly, a small pom-pom maker is one of those inexpensive tools that saves a surprising amount of fiddling.

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