Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Book Review: Go Big Knits

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Go Big Knits reviewIt 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.

Have you read?

Free Knitted Crown Pattern for Kids and Adults: A Sweet Handmade Dress-Up Idea

There’s something wonderfully charming about a knitted crown. It’s playful, useful for the dress-up basket, and just the sort of small project that gives a leftover ball of yarn a proper purpose. Much better than letting it roll around the cupboard for another three years.

This free knitted crown pattern for kids and adults combines a simple garter-stitch band with shaped triangular points. The mustard-gold colour gives it that storybook crown look, although pink, purple or woodland green would be equally lovely.

A Manageable Next Step for Beginner Knitters

The construction is the appealing part of this design. Everything is knitted flat, so you won’t need double-pointed needles or experience joining stitches in the round.

You knit the band first, then work each crown point separately over a group of 12 stitches. Paired decreases gradually narrow each triangle, giving you a small, repeatable section to concentrate on.

I’d describe this as a confident beginner knitting project. You’ll need to know how to knit, work two types of decreases, hold unused stitches and sew a simple seam. There are several yarn tails to weave in, so a little patience with finishing will help.

Three Sizes With Room to Personalise

The pattern includes three sizes, with seven, eight or nine crown points. Choose by the wearer’s head measurement rather than age, and check your gauge carefully. Yarn stretch will make a noticeable difference to the fit.

For birthdays, an embroidered initial would be a sweet finishing touch. Contrasting yarn diamonds could suggest little jewels without adding hard embellishments.

What to Know Before Casting On

This is a soft knitted crown, so expect gentle points rather than a rigid costume accessory. A springy wool or wool-blend yarn should give the shaping more support than a very drapey yarn.

The stitch calculations have been checked, but the design has not yet been sample-knitted. The accompanying image is an illustrative mockup, so the finished texture and proportions may vary with your yarn and tension.

For a small handmade birthday accessory or a cheerful addition to the dress-up box, this is an appealing idea. And if an adult needs a matching crown for supervising the royal household, the larger size has that covered too.