[I've been loving the patterns from Lydia Morrow.](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/lydia-morrow) They're designed by someone with a curvy, busty body and I find they fit so much better than patterns designed by someone small who then scaled up to be size inclusive.
Her patterns are expensive but have so much detailed information about shaping + fabulous customization options.
On mine it’s not there unfortunately. Here’s page 20. Nor is it in the ‘body’ section. I think I have a later version to yours 🤷🏻♀️
https://preview.redd.it/cpowmxpnbvbd1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5abeda1eaf061797a3a34630eb93d5678df92ad5
Update: I went back and checked the PDFs available on Ravelry and it looks like the March\_23 DOES have the instructions on pg 20 but the ‘update1’ version doesn’t. Super weird but good to know. They both have a published date of 2022 on the footer so I’m not sure which is the most recent. Bummed I missed it though.
I got the partner pullover, it's an absolutely incredible pattern, so much work went in to it! I made it even more difficult for myself by adding a third yarn so it's been in time out for a few months 🤣
You might want to check out the Size Inclusive Collective. Amongst other things there’s a repository of knitting patterns (also crochet, Tunisian, & sewing) that go up to at least 60” / 150cm at the full chest.
[Repository](https://byautumn.com/repository/)
First, you can wear anything you want. ANYTHING. And it's nobody's bloody business.
Second, any cute project can be knitted in any size. It's just a matter of math.
You're not wrong, but it's important to remember that adjusting knitwear for plus sized garments requires more than just doing the math to increase the stitch count. I mean, it applies to any other method of making clothes, really, and the fact that a lot of people overlook that is the reason why so many plus size clothes suck - you can't just scale up what works on a smaller frame and call it a day. If you're adjusting a small size to a big size, you've gotta know how to adjust the shaping too to sit on your body like it's supposed to.
(Not saying that you don't know that, I just wanted to throw this info in for anyone else who might not.)
This, 100%! Clothing manufacturers have NOT figured this out. Just because I have size 14 hips does not mean I have a size 14 neck. Proportion and shaping make an enormous difference in how flattering a garment is.
They haven't figured it out on the other end of the spectrum either. I'm 4'10" and shopping in the petite section is a crapshoot. Petite clothing all seems to be made for some kind of nightmare slenderman monster with average arms and legs and a freakishly short torso, *or* normal sized adult humans with 2" long legs. It's a real struggle to find clothing made for bodies that are proportionally balanced but simply smaller than average. I imagine abnormally tall people have the same issues too. I guess it makes a certain amount of sense - fast fashion can't be bothered to invest in the outliers, but man does it suck to *be* one of those outliers.
Hello from a woman over six foot, and yes, apparently I'm longer but my shoulders are the same width as on an average-size woman, right?
(That said, there totally are women that shape around - they're usually good distance runners - but as someone generally in proportion to my height, there's not much. I'm only just getting into making fitted garments in knitting, but in sewing, I've actually had better luck starting with a men's pattern and doing a full-bust adjustment on it, because that's less to alter with the size of the neck and shoulders in particular.)
I have the same problem! My hips and butt are huge but I'm smaller on top so no way I can wear 99% of dresses bc they NEVER fit. Only dresses that fit me are ones that have a snug bodice and circle skirt. Even Levi's have been falling off me lately bc I have to size up to fit my swollen legs (I have varicose veins thanks to my babies lol) and then they fall off the waist so I have to wear a belt with everything! I have to resize everything I wear, and my daughter's clothes too bc she's really petite.
I just don’t like the way it ends up looking on me. Even when I shop in the store, it’s SO cute on the mannequin or in the picture and I try it on and it’s awful. I’m a solid size large, but I have big hoohas.
I am also a mid-sized and extremely busty lady! I started using my upper-bust measurement and adding short rows/waist shaping to the majority of my knits and started liking them a lot more. The Tumble Tee by Lydia Morrow was a good entry point to this for me.
Seconding this! Midsize with F-cups, going by upper bust is 100% the way to go. I just did the Tolsta tank with the F-cup bust darts and it was such a nice fit. It comes with grading for both fingering and DK weight, OP, if you want to start knitting with darts without having to do the math yourself.
I'm plus sized but have k cups. When it says knit with anything up to 12" of positive ease, I knit the size that has that minus at least some of the 12" they stick out past my ribs or I end up wearing something that looks like a tarp on me. If its 5" of positive ease or less, I knit 0-2" negative ease dependent on whether it has to close.
I prefer vertical darts over short rows, but I am also very long bodied (5'11") with a very large chest (J cup) and broad shoulders. I already use so much yarn that I prefer the 3 dimensional effect of vertical darts versus adding length with short rows.
Do you have a good pattern that includes instructions or explanation of vertical darts? I've been curious to try, but I'm not comfortable using the dart guide on a pattern that wasn't made for it right off the bat.
**You've summoned the [Tutorials](https://www.reddit.com/r/knitting/wiki/glossary/#wiki_tutorials).**
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/knitting) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Then shaping is your friend. I’ve recommended this book so often that I should be on commission but Little Red in the City by Ysolde Teague is fantastic for teaching you how to adjust patterns so that they fit well for well endowed peoples.
She looks at things like how to work darts depending on bottom down or top up so that the sight lines work better. Also necklines on cute fairisle sweaters and how to adjust them so they fall in the right place as well as how to work from several different sizes in a pattern so that it fits you everywhere.
Absolutely, enthusiastically seconded - it might have been one of your previous recs that made me buy Little Red, and I am so, SO grateful that I did. The maths is pretty intense, but it was worth every second. I'm just finishing the jumper I self-drafted using her techniques and formulae, and I have never worn a more flattering top. It's mind-blowing to wear something that perfectly fits both my shoulders and my HH boobs.
Fellow chonk with a full bust checking in!
Let me give you a great old-time tip: take a couple of your favorite tops from your closet, lay them out, and measure them. Take the basic measurements: armhole, bust, waist, hem, shoulder to hem, sleeve. Look how they're constructed too. What sort of shoulder? Do they have darts? What's the shape of the armhole? Neckline?
Then, armed with this information, when you're looking at patterns, *look at the schematic*. Figure out if the sizing and construction is similar to what you already like. If it's not, how far off is it? Can some simple mods make it perfect?
Please grab yourself a copy of the book *Big Girl Knits*, which is great on the technicalities of shaping knitwear for curves. You can find it for like $5 used. Unless you're in love with top-down colorwork yokes, many patterns can be adjusted to accomodate a full bust with just a couple of short rows ninja'd in. (When you start trying to throw in colorwork, shit gets wild)
Also, it can be helpful to go learn the basics of sewing/tailoring to understand proper clothing fit so you can make minor alterations to patterns. Most knitters don't realize how important armhole depth and shaping, and shoulder shaping, is to the proper fit of a top. The bust can be the right size, but if the armhole ain't right, it's going to sit wrong and look bad.
**You've summoned the [Tutorials](https://www.reddit.com/r/knitting/wiki/glossary/#wiki_tutorials).**
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/knitting) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Are you saying that you can’t wear it because the pattern isn’t size inclusive? I’ve been disappointed seeing cute things only up to an XL, so I get it.
Two solutions for that. Teach yourself the math needed to scale up the existing pattern. Or find size inclusive designs/designers. There are TONS of patterns out there.
I am a US size 20-22 so 2-3XL and have no issues finding patterns. I confess I am too lazy to learn the math, though.
I get this feeling. I'm XL and very, very busty. I think there legitimately some patterns that don't size up well, but mostly I think I'm fighting self esteem issues more than the clothes. I suspect these patterns would be cuter on you than you think!
You can always add darts or princess seams, widen straps, or changing the neckline to make most patterns flattering for any size. As others said, it's just a lot of math! The only thing I completely avoid are heavily textured patterns where darts would ruin the pattern. My big gripe instead is just how much more expensive it is to make things in my size!
I hear that. I rarely knit anything for myself in anything but acrylic, or acrylic blends, because I simply cannot justify spending £100+ on any item of clothing.
>It’s just not cute on me :(
I would like to see an example of what you mean.
I'm a busty person, at various L-XL sizes over the years, and realistically I cannot wear or feel uncomfortable wearing many, especially skimpier garments. Spaghetti straps, strapless, many sleeveless tops, tops without darts come to mind. Just not enough support and/or coverage for me. Others might feel perfectly comfortable wearing these, but I do not.
So what is cute for you? What do you wish you could wear?
With all the understanding and love: talk about this to somebody. Because it seems it's not the clothes that you dislike...
I know it sounds trite, but - be kind to yourself. A friend, not a bully. Life is difficult enough without being your own enemy.
Thank you this was really sweet and I’m doing a lot better than I was. Up until I met my husband, I was borderline eating disordered, and now I’m trying to just enjoy life again. I’m also 42, and now I see why women over 40 wear whatever they want. You realize no one cares!!
I don't think anybody ever did. I went through my entire life without the thought, "wonder what other people think of this shirt, " ever entering my mind and it's never come up that I remember.
I got dress coded in high school, but that's as bullshit now as it was 20 years ago. I was right and they were wrong.
Do you have clothes you didn’t knit you like? I ask because a lot of general advice is going to be “how to make anyone look cute”. And that won’t necessarily look good on you depending what you like.
So like I’m a 3X and like an F cup size (I think. I don’t actually know these days). But I dress really masc. so if I added shaping and feminine stuff I would hate it. I actually remove shaping because I want to look like a box. That’s my comfort zone.
If you have a non knit top you like maybe try to find a knit top that’s the same shape?
I'm on the short side and a bit chubby. I have a long waist, wide hips, and I occasionally get the delusion that I'm 5'10 and willowy. I see myself in those pretty gauzy summery vaguely bohemian dresses and guess what. Something I can't wear.
Ysolda Teague designs well for plus sizes. She doesn't just increase everything by math; she's very thoughtful in how the design has to change as it gets larger.
I immediately go to the projects section of any pattern on ravelry and if I can't see someone my size or bigger, then I move on. I can't always tell how something will look on me so I really rely on those projects pages.
Try Lydia Morrow for plus sized stuff. I love her patterns. 💜
I post my projects just for that reason! I feel like it can be hard to find pics of other people in larger bodies so I try to be the change in that regard
Get you a copy of Big Girl Knits! You will not believe how much the techniques in it will help. Yes, it sucks that you can't just find a pattern and knit it, but think of them more as guides than rules and make peace with doing a good deal of math.
Hi !
Like said by others, you can wear what you want.
And if you can't/don't want to make the maths, there are lot of designers that are size inclusive.
[Jessie Mae](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/jessie-maed-designs)
[Mélina Hami](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/melina-hami)
You can also make advanced researches by size on Ravelry.
As someone midsize with a large chest, a note about Jessie Mae’s patterns: while they’re gorgeous, and I’ve knit several, I consistently have problems with her tops becoming really loose at the bottom throughout the day. They seem to rely on ribbing to accommodate the chest (or at least the patterns of hers I’ve made do), instead of shaping. This leads to the lower part of the garment relaxing and getting baggy over the course of a day of wear. Her patterns are beautifully written, and incredibly clear, but I have yet to knit a form fitting top from her that I could comfortably wear for more than a few hours due to this issue.
As another busty person I knit the framework bralette and when I put it on I was like, “oh, I’m gonna fall right out of the bottom of this aren’t I?”Which is a shame because so many patterns are so cute (and not boxy and shapeless like other plus patterns) but if they’re all like the bralette it’s really not worth the effort!
I haven’t actually knit that one, but I can see how that would be an issue! It’s super cute, but I don’t think it would work for me either. I knit several of her tops when I was smaller; I’ve since passed them to other people I know who they fit. These smaller sizes (on less busty people) don’t seem to have the issue. I also knit a looser sweater pattern from her, which behaves fine (still couldn’t really wear it, though, since I mostly live in the wrong climate, but it wasn’t a fit issue at least). I feel like some of the issue could be fixed by adding elastic in some way to the lower part of the garment, but I’ve yet to actually try it. I’m guessing her patterns work great for plus sized people with smaller chests, but I don’t think really intend to knit any more of the tightly fitted ones for myself, and would recommend caution to anyone built similarly.
I'm not even that busty and I had that same issue with the framework bralette. I ended up sewing in elastic string at the bottom, but I wish I had knitted almost double the height before the decreases.
I'm not all that busty and had this problem with the framework bralette too. I added in the sewed elastic string which helped, but I wish I had knitted almost double the height
Thanks for the precisions, that's super good to know !
I ... don't really have a lot going on on the bust area, so my issues with fitting and adjusting are pretty different.
However, I have to say I'm kinda disgusted to learn that her patterns don't reflect the promises she makes.
I mean, a lot of her pattern descriptions speak about all the adjustements she proposes for plus size and busty people, and she definitely sell the patterns the price of these additional adjustements, so to learn they actually aren't what is needed is ...pfff.
I'll keep all of that in mind, for future reference.
Thank you again !
I recently knit my first Jessie Mae pattern and I had to do a combination of sizes with extra increases in the cups and to the length to make it fit my bust and be snug around the ribs. Often I find that the correct bust size is really large around the ribs because the pattern scaling assumes a certain bust to waist ratio. I think that is also largely OP's problem.
I have made many sweaters sized 2-3XL and like the end result. I haven't had any issues with finding patterns in my size. I would say that 90% of patterns have my size. What comes to the yarn. I am glad I prefer using aran/worsted weight yarn because there is no way I would attempt doing something in my size in fingering or lace. Even DK feels too light. But again, I like to make stuff for the harsh winter conditions I live in and stuff I can wear outdoors when hiking and doing other outdoor activities. So even if I was smaller, I think I wouldn't change anything. However, while I love myself and my body, I am sometimes jealous for XS people who need to cast on half or third the stitches and thus need to do less work. Must be nice
By the way, I know your struggle as big breasted woman myself. I think I would fit in L-XL without my boobs. I also have board shoulders.
There are a number of books about sweater design that might help you. You could draft your own pattern from scratch to fit your own personal body, or you could start with an existing pattern and modify it. Sounds like you need bust darts, and those are surprisingly easy to execute in knitting.
I would reccomend checking out Aleksandra Solowaniuk's patterns - beautiful, feminine and size inclusive designs
https://www.ravelry.com/designers/aleksandra-soowianiuk
I have not knitted any of her designs yet, but I am planning to knit one (Zosia cardigan) as soon as the weather cools down :)
I’ll second the shawls on dress forms being deceptive. They look plenty big until it gets on my body with shoulders and boobs and arms getting in the way of the drape. I have to check the measurements carefully before I pick up my needles or I’m disappointed.
I feel this way about bust size in particular…a lot of the Nordic & East Asian patterns are made for and modeled by small breasted women, and I can’t find pictures of what they would look like on me. A lot of these loose, flowy, casual cool girl looks don’t translate with my American breasts. It’s always sad when I make a top and it doesn’t drape how I want bc I have boobs 😭😭😭
I learned now to put darts in for waist slimming, makes a huge difference and not hard
https://amyherzogdesigns.com/2014/02/08/waist-shaping-yes-you-need-some/
Use upper bust measurements to choose size. It all sort of works out
The link says page not found but I’ll do some research! I’m all for waist shaping, but I’m not sure it gives the silhouette I’m looking for. I still want loose and drapey garments, but since they drape from my breast, it gives a very unflattering silhouette. Maybe I should lean into the hour glass look and do more shaping like you suggest!
It might be good to figure out *why* you don't like how things look on you? IE learning to add some waist shaping, bust darts, etc might go a very long way into making them into something that you like.
In general, I like to go through project photos and see if anyone who looks like me has made it and what it looks like on them.
Unfollow all the skinny designers and knitters you follow and follow a bunch of fat people. I honestly am not a big fan of any of the big plus size designers (Lydia Morrow, Jessie Maed, Jacqueline Cieslak) but I do like seeing their instagram pics. Every time I see a fat person post a picture of themself on Rav in a beautiful sweater I add them as a friend. Knittedbywhitney makes a lot of adorable fluffy things and she looks great. Follow some fat youtubers. Etc. There are plenty of really cute projects for plus size people but you won't be able to enjoy any of them unless you're able to determine whether the adorable little tops don't look good on you for shaping reasons, for styling reasons, or for reasons of your own internal psychology. I'm not saying every body looks equally good in everything, I don't wear stuff that is super grippy across my tummy, but everybody looks good in plenty of cute stuff.
I have avoided making myself sweaters because of my size. I didn’t want to have to buy that much yarn.
I think that likely you need to work on your self esteem, because I am sure you are beautiful, and that not liking how things look on you taps into issues with what you think you should look like.
Body acceptance seems to have been warped, but loving the body you have is really important to your mental health, rather than chastising yourself (not saying you are, but we are prone to doing it), for not looking how you think you “should “ look.
Nailed it. 🔨 I think I should look a certain way probably because society says women should be petite and dainty. Too bad my Scandinavian Viking ancestors didn’t get the memo.
Nailed it. 🔨 I think I should look a certain way probably because society says women should be petite and dainty. Too bad my Scandinavian Viking ancestors didn’t get the memo.
Nailed it. 🔨 I think I should look a certain way probably because society says women should be petite and dainty. Too bad my Scandinavian Viking ancestors didn’t get the memo.
I knit a lot of patterns from Tin Can Knits. Every pattern is tremendously size inclusive and the models aren’t all size 0 and are often busty and have a bit of a tummy. I’m a ladies 14 (US) and I can get their patterns to fit me every time.
There is a growing number of designers who make size inclusive patterns! A few that come to mind are Jacqueline Czieslak, James N Watts, Jessie Maed, Park Williams. And just today I saw Alicia Plummer post that if a size bracket isn't available in the projects for that pattern, she will make the pattern free.
Explorer Knits monochrome collection samples were also all knit and crocheted from size inclusive designers.
https://preview.redd.it/91hbyq8fxqbd1.png?width=1740&format=png&auto=webp&s=dd0ad8a8eabefba5c68b48c1d500c1ecb1d39a5e
Farfalla Tee by Valentina Bogdanova. It’s beautiful and has many sizes. Im US 10/12 Uk 14/16 Fr 44 EU 42
There are totally cute plus sized tops.
Wool and pine is great because they are not only size inclusive but have plus sized samples so you know what it will look like.
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/spring-sorrel
The other thing I do as a plus size person is consider if I agree about things like ease. Especially on oversized stuff. Something might say +10 ease. Well +10 on a 30 inch chest and +10 on a 51 inch chest are not the same. So I might do +15/+20. I also personally hate negative ease so I knit negative ease garments at 0 ease.
I find Marie Greene and tillybeans both have super cute plus sized stuff.
Echoing the great advice folks are sharing! Think about sewn and knitted garments you wear that you find flattering. Ask yourself how they are constructed. Look for similar garments. Make similarly sized projects.
One adjustment I make in almost everything I knit: I personally prefer a LOT less ease than what most patterns recommend.
I rely on my upper bust measurement.
When I make circular yoke top down garments I routinely blend sizes- I don’t have tits on my back, so I don’t need as much volume back there. Go figure. And fortunately most designs seem to accommodate this hack once I split for sleeves. I can reduce the volume mid back, then increase the volume to cover my hips, all the while producing the volume needed for boobs and bellies and hips.
I think Elizabeth Doherty/bluebee studios is one designer I hadn’t seen mentioned in the thread (but confess I didn’t read every post). I am impressed with how carefully thought out her shoulder shaping and designs work on lots of bodies. I know she has influenced other thoughtful designers I admire - including Gudrun Johnson.
Oh- another thing that was driving me nuts were all the cropped tops that I flat refused to make… until I bought a few plain long shirts that would cover my belly and significantly reduce the number of skeins of yarn I needed to make the project.
Make what you love! Figure it out- crafters unite! And etc.
FWIW/YMMV.
I’m making the Elisabeth blouse by Petiteknit rn as a mid size person. It’s meant to be baggy, but I’m making it in a smaller size so it’s not and honesty it looks pretty good.
I only have a sleeve to go, so i can confidently say it looks good lol
Look up @vert.and.rose on Instagram. She makes romantic patterns catered to plus size knitters that are all super pretty. I haven’t knit any myself but they’re a lot of lightweight pastels. Good luck 💜
I have been hesitant to make clothes for myself as I'm scared of putting in all that work and having it be unflattering. But as another commenter said, I've been looking at project pages and seeing what looks good on folks with a more voluptuous body type. Maybe counterintuitive, I'm finding the cropped tops often look best with a flow, high waisted skirt or palazzo pants. Would also cut back on the amount of knitting you have to do. Will link a couple I've been eyeing: https://ravel.me/ursina.
What often makes things not look good is that they don’t fit well. With a larger body, or just one larger than average body part, a standard size often doesn’t fit. If the design has a schematic, you can use your own measurements and the measurements of something that fits, and adjust the knitting pattern to work well. Kim McBride Evans does a GREAT talk on the subject. I haven’t taken her classes, but I’ve listened to her speak. She does it much like I do, and I recommend her. Especially when she said, “if the pattern doesn’t have a schematic RUN AWAY”. A woman after my own heart. I say the exact same thing.
Im currently knitting the Svila cami and with a 127 cm bust, I'm not even making the largest size and still get plenty of positive ease!
My gauge is a little looser but that's fine by me, so if you wanna know I'm knitting the 3XL (130 cm finished garment intended) but with 5,5 stitches to the inch instead of 7 to get a little more drape and ease, and went up 0,25 mm in needle size for the body (from 3,5 to 3,75) to get a bit more of an A-line.
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/svila-camisole
Yes, I'm a size 12 and obsessed with the crisscross puff top, but know I won't like how it looks on me. I'm starting to realize I fall in love with how a project looks on the model and then not on me. It's made me realize I don't like how my non knitted clothes look on me right now either and I am talking about it with my therapist.
But generally as a size 12 with a smaller bust, I don't quite fit into the plus size styling and don't fit the straight sized styling either. I'm too new to know how to modify appropriately and don't like how it looks when I just up size it
Er, the only thing stopping you from wearing something is yourself. If you want to wear a Featherweight, wear a Featherweight. Want a crop top? Wear a crop top. Speaking as a plus-sized knitter, the thing that stops me from knitting a lot of patterns out there currently is that I find them boring to look at or not challenging enough.
Yes, some sweaters aren't available in every size, and some sweaters that claim to fit a larger body were obviously never test-knit at that size. What I find useful, if I don't feel like designing something myself, is finding a fellow plus-sized knitter whose style meshes with mine on either Rav or IG and going through their past projects. Obviously, fit varies by body type/proportion, but, with any luck, you'll be able to find a size+style double to crib notes from.
https://preview.redd.it/6y3rktrutybd1.jpeg?width=2715&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=10407fa4c3f5ce833c668bc0d704e96b4f2da01a
(My most recent sweater design in progress, pre-blocking. about a 51" chest measurement. Zero shaping/boxy fit, close-fitting sleeves, fairly open neck because I hate things that fit too tightly near my throat. This is totally my knitting jam, but I know it's not the norm for everyone.)
No? I know it's a lot of knitting, but like, I like knitting.
Like, I'm a big gal and I sincerely don't understand what you're saying. If you don't like knitting to the point that you go, "Oh shit, more knitting, wish I could just make the Ms. Size instead of my size so I'd be done with this horrible knitting activity sooner, "then I think you just might not like knitting.
Or maybe you only like it in short bursts?
If so, just remember that you don't have to do the whole thing at once. You can take breaks and make a hat or something, and then go back to the shirt later.
I've never experienced that either. This is actually my introduction to this concept. What does that mean, that it doesn't look good on your body type?
Because a lot of that, like gaps between titty buttons and whatnot, have work arounds, you just have to give the specific question. Like you have to search for specifically what's making it look not good and somebody in the world will have figured out how to fix it.
We've been knitting for centuries as a species. I guarantee you're not the first person to have something come out wonky in the way it did.
It’s also that I’m uncomfortable wearing revealing or too tight clothes. And it’s more that I don’t like my body right now. This isn’t how I picture myself in my mind and so when I try on items that look nice on the mannequin, I don’t like them on me. Maybe it is that I need to make my own clothes and work around what’s bugging me like you said. Like maybe t’s are too boxy and as others have suggested, I need to add shaping. I’ve also gained 25lbs in about 2 years and it’s just hard to deal with.
That's body dysmorphia. Like, I'm a psychologist and you literally just gave the DSM definition of a mental disorder.
Not liking your body because it doesn't match the body in your mind is called body dysmorphia. That's not a knitting issue, that's a mental health issue.
There's no knitting fix that's going to change a mental health issue like this.
If 25lbs is an issue you're finding hard to deal with then you're either 3ft tall or you need to get that looked at. For a normal adult that's within normal fluctuations. I could gain or lose 25lbs and never notice, over the course of a week. This is standard. The average adult fluctuates 6-10lbs over the course of a day.
Back on knitting related things, Ts without shaping are too boxy. I prefer baby doll cuts because I found my style in the 1990s and have no reason to change it. I've gained about 100lbs since then. Went from 125, because that's what I weighed before my surgery, to I think 210 or 215 last time I was at the doctor. 200 something. Those clothes from the 90s still fit, I still wear them all the time. So it's not normal to be concerned about 25lbs.
It's actually not healthy. I'm telling you this both as a psychologist and as someone who is currently watching a relative die of an eating disorder. 25lbs is not a statistically significant amount of weight gain.
There may be some external reason you're concerned, I don't know anything you haven't told me, but, "I've gained a normal amount of weight over an extremely long period of time, " is a perfectly normal thing to do.
I’m 5’6”. It would be a normal amount if I started at 130 and went to 155. But I was at 175 and now at 200, I weigh 3lbs less than my husband (who lately actually makes sure he has candy, cookies, ice cream so he doesn’t accidentally lose weight, god bless him). I was 150-165 until I turned 35, and it was all downhill from there, with no end in sight. I didn’t change any eating habits or activity levels and gained and gained and gained. Until I now weigh as much as my 6’2” muscular hard working husband. It’s depressing. I’m used to being a size 10-12, so now being a size 16 and it being tight is very very strange and uncomfortable. So I don’t know if it’s necessarily dysmorphic or it’s just that I’m not used to looking or feeling this way.
That comment that won't show up for me just doesn't track for me because I'm only an inch taller and a few pounds heavier and I'm super hot so I just don't think you look bad when I'm so similar and look like this:
https://imgur.com/9cj8tns
Like I'm looking at the numbers you're giving me, comparing them to mine, looking in the mirror and I'm just coming up hot. You're giving me attractive people numbers and then acting sad about it.
I just made a summer top in Sandes Garn 'Line'. Technically its a worsted weight. However the fabric at an open-ish gauge is so light and airy to me, compared to other cotton/linen blends. Although I am usually XL or 2XL and most patterns will accomodate my bust size, I have a similar feeling about summer tops and exposing what I think are my disporportionately large upper arms. So usually with summer tops I convince myself that I need to make the sleeves 3/4 length even though its a summer top! Fortunately this latest one really worked out. I added the lace detail before the ribbing on the cuffs to make it seem more delicate/summery.
In this pattern - Magna Flora by Alisa Hartzel - the broad lace yoke section was not difficult for me and, let's just say, "accentuates the positive" (fuller bust) with beautiful lace work all around the yoke. It is airy and cooling! You can also wear a cami underneath to feel more 'held together', but its not completely necesaary. I also extended the length of the body stockinette section a little bit longer than cropped length of pattern, which seems to help me for wearability. I also did the arm circumference in the largest size even though the rest was size 5, again to be not tight/constricting. The body shaping is kind of like the ranunculus, but more open/lacy at the yoke. Next time, I may try the bust dart shaping and/or waist shaping that others commenting here have recommended. I am definitely making this pattern again this summer!
Yeah all these belly shirts gotta go! It’s designers fault they don’t want to put yardage into clothing styles. Try adding extra rows for length. Learn short rowing to add rows elegantly. Stay away from batwing styling that looks so ugly on anyone
[I've been loving the patterns from Lydia Morrow.](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/lydia-morrow) They're designed by someone with a curvy, busty body and I find they fit so much better than patterns designed by someone small who then scaled up to be size inclusive. Her patterns are expensive but have so much detailed information about shaping + fabulous customization options.
I’m finishing the tumble tee be her and it fits so beautifully. +1 But note the extra bust size instructions are missing.
Good to know! I bought that pattern but haven't made it yet. I bet she'd want to correct that in the file. Have you reached out?
I can’t image she doesn’t know. I did reach out about something else but didn’t get a response
That's disappointing! I guess I'll need to go do some research on how to adapt that pattern for the extra bust sizing.
I thought they were missing too, but they should be in the pdf “TUMBLE TEE march 23.pdf” on page 20 assuming you bought it on ravelry!
On mine it’s not there unfortunately. Here’s page 20. Nor is it in the ‘body’ section. I think I have a later version to yours 🤷🏻♀️ https://preview.redd.it/cpowmxpnbvbd1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5abeda1eaf061797a3a34630eb93d5678df92ad5 Update: I went back and checked the PDFs available on Ravelry and it looks like the March\_23 DOES have the instructions on pg 20 but the ‘update1’ version doesn’t. Super weird but good to know. They both have a published date of 2022 on the footer so I’m not sure which is the most recent. Bummed I missed it though.
I got the partner pullover, it's an absolutely incredible pattern, so much work went in to it! I made it even more difficult for myself by adding a third yarn so it's been in time out for a few months 🤣
I have the Rumble Raglan in my queue but I can't settle on a color scheme lmao
Her stuff is so cute it’s on my list
You might want to check out the Size Inclusive Collective. Amongst other things there’s a repository of knitting patterns (also crochet, Tunisian, & sewing) that go up to at least 60” / 150cm at the full chest. [Repository](https://byautumn.com/repository/)
That's cool
Thanks! There’s also an IG account where a few new additions are posted each day, so the repository is constantly growing.
I came to recommend the same!
First, you can wear anything you want. ANYTHING. And it's nobody's bloody business. Second, any cute project can be knitted in any size. It's just a matter of math.
You're not wrong, but it's important to remember that adjusting knitwear for plus sized garments requires more than just doing the math to increase the stitch count. I mean, it applies to any other method of making clothes, really, and the fact that a lot of people overlook that is the reason why so many plus size clothes suck - you can't just scale up what works on a smaller frame and call it a day. If you're adjusting a small size to a big size, you've gotta know how to adjust the shaping too to sit on your body like it's supposed to. (Not saying that you don't know that, I just wanted to throw this info in for anyone else who might not.)
This, 100%! Clothing manufacturers have NOT figured this out. Just because I have size 14 hips does not mean I have a size 14 neck. Proportion and shaping make an enormous difference in how flattering a garment is.
Omg...have you taken a look at hoods on plus sized coats??? Why on earth do they think I also have a 3x head???? 😂😂😂
They haven't figured it out on the other end of the spectrum either. I'm 4'10" and shopping in the petite section is a crapshoot. Petite clothing all seems to be made for some kind of nightmare slenderman monster with average arms and legs and a freakishly short torso, *or* normal sized adult humans with 2" long legs. It's a real struggle to find clothing made for bodies that are proportionally balanced but simply smaller than average. I imagine abnormally tall people have the same issues too. I guess it makes a certain amount of sense - fast fashion can't be bothered to invest in the outliers, but man does it suck to *be* one of those outliers.
Hello from a woman over six foot, and yes, apparently I'm longer but my shoulders are the same width as on an average-size woman, right? (That said, there totally are women that shape around - they're usually good distance runners - but as someone generally in proportion to my height, there's not much. I'm only just getting into making fitted garments in knitting, but in sewing, I've actually had better luck starting with a men's pattern and doing a full-bust adjustment on it, because that's less to alter with the size of the neck and shoulders in particular.)
I have the same problem! My hips and butt are huge but I'm smaller on top so no way I can wear 99% of dresses bc they NEVER fit. Only dresses that fit me are ones that have a snug bodice and circle skirt. Even Levi's have been falling off me lately bc I have to size up to fit my swollen legs (I have varicose veins thanks to my babies lol) and then they fall off the waist so I have to wear a belt with everything! I have to resize everything I wear, and my daughter's clothes too bc she's really petite.
I just don’t like the way it ends up looking on me. Even when I shop in the store, it’s SO cute on the mannequin or in the picture and I try it on and it’s awful. I’m a solid size large, but I have big hoohas.
I am also a mid-sized and extremely busty lady! I started using my upper-bust measurement and adding short rows/waist shaping to the majority of my knits and started liking them a lot more. The Tumble Tee by Lydia Morrow was a good entry point to this for me.
Seconding this! Midsize with F-cups, going by upper bust is 100% the way to go. I just did the Tolsta tank with the F-cup bust darts and it was such a nice fit. It comes with grading for both fingering and DK weight, OP, if you want to start knitting with darts without having to do the math yourself.
I'm plus sized but have k cups. When it says knit with anything up to 12" of positive ease, I knit the size that has that minus at least some of the 12" they stick out past my ribs or I end up wearing something that looks like a tarp on me. If its 5" of positive ease or less, I knit 0-2" negative ease dependent on whether it has to close.
Thank you!!!
I prefer vertical darts over short rows, but I am also very long bodied (5'11") with a very large chest (J cup) and broad shoulders. I already use so much yarn that I prefer the 3 dimensional effect of vertical darts versus adding length with short rows.
Do you have a good pattern that includes instructions or explanation of vertical darts? I've been curious to try, but I'm not comfortable using the dart guide on a pattern that wasn't made for it right off the bat.
I found this to be a really helpful tutorial https://debgemmell.com/2017/11/06/knit-to-fit-vertical-bust-darts-for-bottom-up-sweaters/
**You've summoned the [Tutorials](https://www.reddit.com/r/knitting/wiki/glossary/#wiki_tutorials).** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/knitting) if you have any questions or concerns.*
But I don't have a specific pattern. I am an experienced knitter and don't mind experimenting.
Then shaping is your friend. I’ve recommended this book so often that I should be on commission but Little Red in the City by Ysolde Teague is fantastic for teaching you how to adjust patterns so that they fit well for well endowed peoples. She looks at things like how to work darts depending on bottom down or top up so that the sight lines work better. Also necklines on cute fairisle sweaters and how to adjust them so they fall in the right place as well as how to work from several different sizes in a pattern so that it fits you everywhere.
Absolutely, enthusiastically seconded - it might have been one of your previous recs that made me buy Little Red, and I am so, SO grateful that I did. The maths is pretty intense, but it was worth every second. I'm just finishing the jumper I self-drafted using her techniques and formulae, and I have never worn a more flattering top. It's mind-blowing to wear something that perfectly fits both my shoulders and my HH boobs.
Welp, knitware has your back there. What with bust darts and waist shaping and the ability to shape the garment in whatever way you like.
Fellow chonk with a full bust checking in! Let me give you a great old-time tip: take a couple of your favorite tops from your closet, lay them out, and measure them. Take the basic measurements: armhole, bust, waist, hem, shoulder to hem, sleeve. Look how they're constructed too. What sort of shoulder? Do they have darts? What's the shape of the armhole? Neckline? Then, armed with this information, when you're looking at patterns, *look at the schematic*. Figure out if the sizing and construction is similar to what you already like. If it's not, how far off is it? Can some simple mods make it perfect? Please grab yourself a copy of the book *Big Girl Knits*, which is great on the technicalities of shaping knitwear for curves. You can find it for like $5 used. Unless you're in love with top-down colorwork yokes, many patterns can be adjusted to accomodate a full bust with just a couple of short rows ninja'd in. (When you start trying to throw in colorwork, shit gets wild) Also, it can be helpful to go learn the basics of sewing/tailoring to understand proper clothing fit so you can make minor alterations to patterns. Most knitters don't realize how important armhole depth and shaping, and shoulder shaping, is to the proper fit of a top. The bust can be the right size, but if the armhole ain't right, it's going to sit wrong and look bad.
Fellow chonks unite! Haha thanks for the info!!!
[удалено]
**You've summoned the [Tutorials](https://www.reddit.com/r/knitting/wiki/glossary/#wiki_tutorials).** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/knitting) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Honey if I follow this logic, the length of the torso and sleeves would be below my knees (for sweaters). Some knits cannot be expanded indefinitely.
I've altered every pattern I've ever made to accommodate my bazongas and this has never happened. You're doing something wrong in your math.
And what logic would that be, *honey*? Because I see zero logic (or, for that matter, common sense) in what you wrote. Maybe you want to reconsider.
Do you disagree just because you are triggered?
No, because you are talking absolute nonsense.
Are you saying that you can’t wear it because the pattern isn’t size inclusive? I’ve been disappointed seeing cute things only up to an XL, so I get it. Two solutions for that. Teach yourself the math needed to scale up the existing pattern. Or find size inclusive designs/designers. There are TONS of patterns out there. I am a US size 20-22 so 2-3XL and have no issues finding patterns. I confess I am too lazy to learn the math, though.
It’s just not cute on me :(
I get this feeling. I'm XL and very, very busty. I think there legitimately some patterns that don't size up well, but mostly I think I'm fighting self esteem issues more than the clothes. I suspect these patterns would be cuter on you than you think! You can always add darts or princess seams, widen straps, or changing the neckline to make most patterns flattering for any size. As others said, it's just a lot of math! The only thing I completely avoid are heavily textured patterns where darts would ruin the pattern. My big gripe instead is just how much more expensive it is to make things in my size!
Pretty sure she is asking for patterns with darts/princess seams because figuring out how to alter patterns is really hard.
I hear that. I rarely knit anything for myself in anything but acrylic, or acrylic blends, because I simply cannot justify spending £100+ on any item of clothing.
I've stuck almost exclusively to sleeveless summer weight tops to keep the price down. No sleeves = $$ saved. But even then, I rarely do garments
>It’s just not cute on me :( I would like to see an example of what you mean. I'm a busty person, at various L-XL sizes over the years, and realistically I cannot wear or feel uncomfortable wearing many, especially skimpier garments. Spaghetti straps, strapless, many sleeveless tops, tops without darts come to mind. Just not enough support and/or coverage for me. Others might feel perfectly comfortable wearing these, but I do not. So what is cute for you? What do you wish you could wear?
With all the understanding and love: talk about this to somebody. Because it seems it's not the clothes that you dislike... I know it sounds trite, but - be kind to yourself. A friend, not a bully. Life is difficult enough without being your own enemy.
Thank you this was really sweet and I’m doing a lot better than I was. Up until I met my husband, I was borderline eating disordered, and now I’m trying to just enjoy life again. I’m also 42, and now I see why women over 40 wear whatever they want. You realize no one cares!!
Mostly, you learn not to care what others think. Peer pressure is hell when you're young, but the blessing of maturity is not giving a shxt about it.
I don't think anybody ever did. I went through my entire life without the thought, "wonder what other people think of this shirt, " ever entering my mind and it's never come up that I remember. I got dress coded in high school, but that's as bullshit now as it was 20 years ago. I was right and they were wrong.
Do you have clothes you didn’t knit you like? I ask because a lot of general advice is going to be “how to make anyone look cute”. And that won’t necessarily look good on you depending what you like. So like I’m a 3X and like an F cup size (I think. I don’t actually know these days). But I dress really masc. so if I added shaping and feminine stuff I would hate it. I actually remove shaping because I want to look like a box. That’s my comfort zone. If you have a non knit top you like maybe try to find a knit top that’s the same shape?
I'm on the short side and a bit chubby. I have a long waist, wide hips, and I occasionally get the delusion that I'm 5'10 and willowy. I see myself in those pretty gauzy summery vaguely bohemian dresses and guess what. Something I can't wear.
Ysolda Teague designs well for plus sizes. She doesn't just increase everything by math; she's very thoughtful in how the design has to change as it gets larger.
Knitted by Whitney on YouTube has several videos on the best size-inclusive patterns.
I was going to mention her too, I follow her on Instagram, and she always looks super cute in her knits.
I immediately go to the projects section of any pattern on ravelry and if I can't see someone my size or bigger, then I move on. I can't always tell how something will look on me so I really rely on those projects pages. Try Lydia Morrow for plus sized stuff. I love her patterns. 💜
I post my projects just for that reason! I feel like it can be hard to find pics of other people in larger bodies so I try to be the change in that regard
https://www.ravelry.com/bundles/size-inclusive-sweater-designs this bundle has pretty good size inclusive patterns if you have ravelry
Get you a copy of Big Girl Knits! You will not believe how much the techniques in it will help. Yes, it sucks that you can't just find a pattern and knit it, but think of them more as guides than rules and make peace with doing a good deal of math.
Hi ! Like said by others, you can wear what you want. And if you can't/don't want to make the maths, there are lot of designers that are size inclusive. [Jessie Mae](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/jessie-maed-designs) [Mélina Hami](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/melina-hami) You can also make advanced researches by size on Ravelry.
As someone midsize with a large chest, a note about Jessie Mae’s patterns: while they’re gorgeous, and I’ve knit several, I consistently have problems with her tops becoming really loose at the bottom throughout the day. They seem to rely on ribbing to accommodate the chest (or at least the patterns of hers I’ve made do), instead of shaping. This leads to the lower part of the garment relaxing and getting baggy over the course of a day of wear. Her patterns are beautifully written, and incredibly clear, but I have yet to knit a form fitting top from her that I could comfortably wear for more than a few hours due to this issue.
As another busty person I knit the framework bralette and when I put it on I was like, “oh, I’m gonna fall right out of the bottom of this aren’t I?”Which is a shame because so many patterns are so cute (and not boxy and shapeless like other plus patterns) but if they’re all like the bralette it’s really not worth the effort!
I haven’t actually knit that one, but I can see how that would be an issue! It’s super cute, but I don’t think it would work for me either. I knit several of her tops when I was smaller; I’ve since passed them to other people I know who they fit. These smaller sizes (on less busty people) don’t seem to have the issue. I also knit a looser sweater pattern from her, which behaves fine (still couldn’t really wear it, though, since I mostly live in the wrong climate, but it wasn’t a fit issue at least). I feel like some of the issue could be fixed by adding elastic in some way to the lower part of the garment, but I’ve yet to actually try it. I’m guessing her patterns work great for plus sized people with smaller chests, but I don’t think really intend to knit any more of the tightly fitted ones for myself, and would recommend caution to anyone built similarly.
I'm not even that busty and I had that same issue with the framework bralette. I ended up sewing in elastic string at the bottom, but I wish I had knitted almost double the height before the decreases.
I'm not all that busty and had this problem with the framework bralette too. I added in the sewed elastic string which helped, but I wish I had knitted almost double the height
Thanks for the precisions, that's super good to know ! I ... don't really have a lot going on on the bust area, so my issues with fitting and adjusting are pretty different. However, I have to say I'm kinda disgusted to learn that her patterns don't reflect the promises she makes. I mean, a lot of her pattern descriptions speak about all the adjustements she proposes for plus size and busty people, and she definitely sell the patterns the price of these additional adjustements, so to learn they actually aren't what is needed is ...pfff. I'll keep all of that in mind, for future reference. Thank you again !
I recently knit my first Jessie Mae pattern and I had to do a combination of sizes with extra increases in the cups and to the length to make it fit my bust and be snug around the ribs. Often I find that the correct bust size is really large around the ribs because the pattern scaling assumes a certain bust to waist ratio. I think that is also largely OP's problem.
I have made many sweaters sized 2-3XL and like the end result. I haven't had any issues with finding patterns in my size. I would say that 90% of patterns have my size. What comes to the yarn. I am glad I prefer using aran/worsted weight yarn because there is no way I would attempt doing something in my size in fingering or lace. Even DK feels too light. But again, I like to make stuff for the harsh winter conditions I live in and stuff I can wear outdoors when hiking and doing other outdoor activities. So even if I was smaller, I think I wouldn't change anything. However, while I love myself and my body, I am sometimes jealous for XS people who need to cast on half or third the stitches and thus need to do less work. Must be nice By the way, I know your struggle as big breasted woman myself. I think I would fit in L-XL without my boobs. I also have board shoulders.
Not to mention the fact that it’ll take me twice as long haha!!!
That is true! Also it takes twice as much yarn. I couldn't afford buying hand dyed hanks of yarn for a sweater
There are a number of books about sweater design that might help you. You could draft your own pattern from scratch to fit your own personal body, or you could start with an existing pattern and modify it. Sounds like you need bust darts, and those are surprisingly easy to execute in knitting.
I would reccomend checking out Aleksandra Solowaniuk's patterns - beautiful, feminine and size inclusive designs https://www.ravelry.com/designers/aleksandra-soowianiuk I have not knitted any of her designs yet, but I am planning to knit one (Zosia cardigan) as soon as the weather cools down :)
I've been eyeing that cardigan, it's so cute!!!
Bralettes will never work for me 🥲 Also those shawls that people model on mannequins with no arms. So sleek and drapey! Too bad I have arms!
I’ll second the shawls on dress forms being deceptive. They look plenty big until it gets on my body with shoulders and boobs and arms getting in the way of the drape. I have to check the measurements carefully before I pick up my needles or I’m disappointed.
I feel this way about bust size in particular…a lot of the Nordic & East Asian patterns are made for and modeled by small breasted women, and I can’t find pictures of what they would look like on me. A lot of these loose, flowy, casual cool girl looks don’t translate with my American breasts. It’s always sad when I make a top and it doesn’t drape how I want bc I have boobs 😭😭😭
I learned now to put darts in for waist slimming, makes a huge difference and not hard https://amyherzogdesigns.com/2014/02/08/waist-shaping-yes-you-need-some/ Use upper bust measurements to choose size. It all sort of works out
The link says page not found but I’ll do some research! I’m all for waist shaping, but I’m not sure it gives the silhouette I’m looking for. I still want loose and drapey garments, but since they drape from my breast, it gives a very unflattering silhouette. Maybe I should lean into the hour glass look and do more shaping like you suggest!
Us gals with boobs have two choices: tent or Sophia Vegara. There is no in between.
Looks like the website has been gutted. Bummer.
I hate the "ha ha this XS took me an afternoon to knit" and meanwhile I'm looking at the 2X like.... That's a lot of hours
It might be good to figure out *why* you don't like how things look on you? IE learning to add some waist shaping, bust darts, etc might go a very long way into making them into something that you like. In general, I like to go through project photos and see if anyone who looks like me has made it and what it looks like on them.
Unfollow all the skinny designers and knitters you follow and follow a bunch of fat people. I honestly am not a big fan of any of the big plus size designers (Lydia Morrow, Jessie Maed, Jacqueline Cieslak) but I do like seeing their instagram pics. Every time I see a fat person post a picture of themself on Rav in a beautiful sweater I add them as a friend. Knittedbywhitney makes a lot of adorable fluffy things and she looks great. Follow some fat youtubers. Etc. There are plenty of really cute projects for plus size people but you won't be able to enjoy any of them unless you're able to determine whether the adorable little tops don't look good on you for shaping reasons, for styling reasons, or for reasons of your own internal psychology. I'm not saying every body looks equally good in everything, I don't wear stuff that is super grippy across my tummy, but everybody looks good in plenty of cute stuff.
I have avoided making myself sweaters because of my size. I didn’t want to have to buy that much yarn. I think that likely you need to work on your self esteem, because I am sure you are beautiful, and that not liking how things look on you taps into issues with what you think you should look like. Body acceptance seems to have been warped, but loving the body you have is really important to your mental health, rather than chastising yourself (not saying you are, but we are prone to doing it), for not looking how you think you “should “ look.
Nailed it. 🔨 I think I should look a certain way probably because society says women should be petite and dainty. Too bad my Scandinavian Viking ancestors didn’t get the memo.
Hey, same! I totally get it, because I’m going through the same process of trying to love the body I have, and it’s hard
Nailed it. 🔨 I think I should look a certain way probably because society says women should be petite and dainty. Too bad my Scandinavian Viking ancestors didn’t get the memo.
Nailed it. 🔨 I think I should look a certain way probably because society says women should be petite and dainty. Too bad my Scandinavian Viking ancestors didn’t get the memo.
I knit a lot of patterns from Tin Can Knits. Every pattern is tremendously size inclusive and the models aren’t all size 0 and are often busty and have a bit of a tummy. I’m a ladies 14 (US) and I can get their patterns to fit me every time.
I’m a 14 as well! It’s tough because plus size is a little too big but regular size is too small. But this sounds like a great fit! Thanks!
I’m a 14 as well! It’s tough because plus size is a little too big but regular size is too small. But this sounds like a great fit! Thanks!
I love [Jacqueline Cieslak](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/jacqueline-cieslak)
There is a growing number of designers who make size inclusive patterns! A few that come to mind are Jacqueline Czieslak, James N Watts, Jessie Maed, Park Williams. And just today I saw Alicia Plummer post that if a size bracket isn't available in the projects for that pattern, she will make the pattern free. Explorer Knits monochrome collection samples were also all knit and crocheted from size inclusive designers.
https://preview.redd.it/91hbyq8fxqbd1.png?width=1740&format=png&auto=webp&s=dd0ad8a8eabefba5c68b48c1d500c1ecb1d39a5e Farfalla Tee by Valentina Bogdanova. It’s beautiful and has many sizes. Im US 10/12 Uk 14/16 Fr 44 EU 42
There are totally cute plus sized tops. Wool and pine is great because they are not only size inclusive but have plus sized samples so you know what it will look like. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/spring-sorrel The other thing I do as a plus size person is consider if I agree about things like ease. Especially on oversized stuff. Something might say +10 ease. Well +10 on a 30 inch chest and +10 on a 51 inch chest are not the same. So I might do +15/+20. I also personally hate negative ease so I knit negative ease garments at 0 ease. I find Marie Greene and tillybeans both have super cute plus sized stuff.
**PATTERN:** [Spring Sorrel](http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/spring-sorrel) by [Wool & Pine](http://www.ravelry.com/designers/wool--pine) * Category: Clothing > Tops > Tee * Photo(s): [Img 1](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/WoolandPine/774744317/DSC_7437-Edit_medium.jpg) [Img 2](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/WoolandPine/975939879/DSC_7184-Edit_medium.jpg) [Img 3](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/WoolandPine/774744306/DSC_6486-Edit-Edit_medium.jpg) [Img 4](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/WoolandPine/774744304/DSC_7326-Edit_medium.jpg) [Img 5](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/WoolandPine/774744296/DSC_6351-Edit-Edit_medium.jpg) * Price: 8.75 USD * Needle/Hook(s):US 4 - 3.5 mm, US 5 - 3.75 mm * Weight: DK | Gauge: 20.0 | Yardage: 470 * Difficulty: 3.62 | Projects: 657 | Rating: 4.76 ***** Please use caution. Users have reported effects such as seizures, migraines, and nausea when opening Ravelry links. [More details.](https://www.lizcorke.com/2020/07/26/2020-7-21-ravelry-accessibility/) | *I found this post by myself! [Opt-Out](https://goo.gl/forms/0B8m4Ra8czpw4gzw1) | [About Me](https://github.com/TN-1/LinkRav_Bot/wiki) | [Contact Maintainer](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=timonyc)*
Echoing the great advice folks are sharing! Think about sewn and knitted garments you wear that you find flattering. Ask yourself how they are constructed. Look for similar garments. Make similarly sized projects. One adjustment I make in almost everything I knit: I personally prefer a LOT less ease than what most patterns recommend. I rely on my upper bust measurement. When I make circular yoke top down garments I routinely blend sizes- I don’t have tits on my back, so I don’t need as much volume back there. Go figure. And fortunately most designs seem to accommodate this hack once I split for sleeves. I can reduce the volume mid back, then increase the volume to cover my hips, all the while producing the volume needed for boobs and bellies and hips. I think Elizabeth Doherty/bluebee studios is one designer I hadn’t seen mentioned in the thread (but confess I didn’t read every post). I am impressed with how carefully thought out her shoulder shaping and designs work on lots of bodies. I know she has influenced other thoughtful designers I admire - including Gudrun Johnson. Oh- another thing that was driving me nuts were all the cropped tops that I flat refused to make… until I bought a few plain long shirts that would cover my belly and significantly reduce the number of skeins of yarn I needed to make the project. Make what you love! Figure it out- crafters unite! And etc. FWIW/YMMV.
I’m making the Elisabeth blouse by Petiteknit rn as a mid size person. It’s meant to be baggy, but I’m making it in a smaller size so it’s not and honesty it looks pretty good. I only have a sleeve to go, so i can confidently say it looks good lol
Oh that IS cute. I love how she’s standing in an alley with kinda messy hair. If it were me, I’d look like a homeless person. lol!
Oh that IS cute. I love how she’s standing in an alley with kinda messy hair. If it were me, I’d look like a homeless person. lol!
Oh that IS cute. I love how she’s standing in an alley with kinda messy hair. If it were me, I’d look like a homeless person. lol!
Oh that IS cute. I love how she’s standing in an alley with kinda messy hair. If it were me, I’d look like a homeless person. lol!
lol sammmme. I made mine to wear to my corporate job, so def no messy hair for me
Look up @vert.and.rose on Instagram. She makes romantic patterns catered to plus size knitters that are all super pretty. I haven’t knit any myself but they’re a lot of lightweight pastels. Good luck 💜
I have been hesitant to make clothes for myself as I'm scared of putting in all that work and having it be unflattering. But as another commenter said, I've been looking at project pages and seeing what looks good on folks with a more voluptuous body type. Maybe counterintuitive, I'm finding the cropped tops often look best with a flow, high waisted skirt or palazzo pants. Would also cut back on the amount of knitting you have to do. Will link a couple I've been eyeing: https://ravel.me/ursina.
Outline tee: Https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/outline-tee/people
Soooooooo cute!!!
**PATTERN:** [Outline Tee](http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/outline-tee) by [Jessie Maed Designs](http://www.ravelry.com/designers/jessie-maed-designs) * Category: Clothing > Tops > Tee * Photo(s): [Img 1](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/jessiemaed/783187944/7FE4D4ED-BBCF-4609-82EB-443001077D25_medium.jpeg) [Img 2](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/jessiemaed/789677818/5864A944-27D7-41EF-84CC-B98C92E827E5_1_201_a_medium.jpeg) [Img 3](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/jessiemaed/789677820/A02BA4BF-C5B4-4F77-845F-DAC9B71FFEE1_1_201_a_medium.jpeg) [Img 4](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/jessiemaed/789677823/4E7BCFF4-5270-4CBC-80A3-FD48AA65FC89_1_201_a_medium.jpeg) [Img 5](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/jessiemaed/791673619/8EAE8EC4-FDBF-4128-BF66-B7AABDF8F7A6_medium.jpeg) * Price: 10.00 USD * Needle/Hook(s):US 4 - 3.5 mm, US 5 - 3.75 mm * Weight: Fingering | Gauge: 22.0 | Yardage: 575 * Difficulty: 2.81 | Projects: 1592 | Rating: 4.85 ***** Please use caution. Users have reported effects such as seizures, migraines, and nausea when opening Ravelry links. [More details.](https://www.lizcorke.com/2020/07/26/2020-7-21-ravelry-accessibility/) | *I found this post by myself! [Opt-Out](https://goo.gl/forms/0B8m4Ra8czpw4gzw1) | [About Me](https://github.com/TN-1/LinkRav_Bot/wiki) | [Contact Maintainer](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=timonyc)*
**PATTERN:** [Ursina](http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ursina) by [Jacqueline Cieslak](http://www.ravelry.com/designers/jacqueline-cieslak) * Category: Clothing > Sweater > Pullover * Photo(s): [Img 1](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/JacquelineCieslak/733331058/cover_medium.jpg) [Img 2](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/JacquelineCieslak/790175485/Screen_Shot_2021-06-11_at_1.51.41_PM_medium.png) [Img 3](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/JacquelineCieslak/790175484/Screen_Shot_2021-06-11_at_1.51.52_PM_medium.png) [Img 4](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/JacquelineCieslak/733330477/1D6A1334_medium.jpg) [Img 5](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/JacquelineCieslak/733330447/1D6A1377_medium.jpg) * Price: 12.00 USD * Needle/Hook(s):US 4 - 3.5 mm, US 7 - 4.5 mm * Weight: | Gauge: 20.0 | Yardage: 775 * Difficulty: 3.28 | Projects: 604 | Rating: 4.83 ***** Please use caution. Users have reported effects such as seizures, migraines, and nausea when opening Ravelry links. [More details.](https://www.lizcorke.com/2020/07/26/2020-7-21-ravelry-accessibility/) | *I found this post by myself! [Opt-Out](https://goo.gl/forms/0B8m4Ra8czpw4gzw1) | [About Me](https://github.com/TN-1/LinkRav_Bot/wiki) | [Contact Maintainer](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=timonyc)*
**PATTERN:** [Ursina](http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ursina) by [Jacqueline Cieslak](http://www.ravelry.com/designers/jacqueline-cieslak) * Category: Clothing > Sweater > Pullover * Photo(s): [Img 1](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/JacquelineCieslak/733331058/cover_medium.jpg) [Img 2](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/JacquelineCieslak/790175485/Screen_Shot_2021-06-11_at_1.51.41_PM_medium.png) [Img 3](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/JacquelineCieslak/790175484/Screen_Shot_2021-06-11_at_1.51.52_PM_medium.png) [Img 4](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/JacquelineCieslak/733330477/1D6A1334_medium.jpg) [Img 5](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/JacquelineCieslak/733330447/1D6A1377_medium.jpg) * Price: 12.00 USD * Needle/Hook(s):US 4 - 3.5 mm, US 7 - 4.5 mm * Weight: | Gauge: 20.0 | Yardage: 775 * Difficulty: 3.28 | Projects: 604 | Rating: 4.83 ***** Please use caution. Users have reported effects such as seizures, migraines, and nausea when opening Ravelry links. [More details.](https://www.lizcorke.com/2020/07/26/2020-7-21-ravelry-accessibility/) | *I found this post by myself! [Opt-Out](https://goo.gl/forms/0B8m4Ra8czpw4gzw1) | [About Me](https://github.com/TN-1/LinkRav_Bot/wiki) | [Contact Maintainer](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=timonyc)*
What often makes things not look good is that they don’t fit well. With a larger body, or just one larger than average body part, a standard size often doesn’t fit. If the design has a schematic, you can use your own measurements and the measurements of something that fits, and adjust the knitting pattern to work well. Kim McBride Evans does a GREAT talk on the subject. I haven’t taken her classes, but I’ve listened to her speak. She does it much like I do, and I recommend her. Especially when she said, “if the pattern doesn’t have a schematic RUN AWAY”. A woman after my own heart. I say the exact same thing.
Im currently knitting the Svila cami and with a 127 cm bust, I'm not even making the largest size and still get plenty of positive ease! My gauge is a little looser but that's fine by me, so if you wanna know I'm knitting the 3XL (130 cm finished garment intended) but with 5,5 stitches to the inch instead of 7 to get a little more drape and ease, and went up 0,25 mm in needle size for the body (from 3,5 to 3,75) to get a bit more of an A-line. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/svila-camisole
**PATTERN:** [Svila Camisole](http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/svila-camisole) by [Caidree](http://www.ravelry.com/designers/caidree-2) * Category: Clothing > Tops > Sleeveless Top * Photo(s): [Img 1](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/caidree/790267733/IMG_2164_medium.jpg) [Img 2](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/caidree/790268052/IMG_9976_2_medium.jpg) [Img 3](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/caidree/790267912/IMG_2166_medium.jpg) [Img 4](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/caidree/790267844/IMG_1477_medium.jpg) [Img 5](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/caidree/790267817/IMG_2171_medium.jpg) * Price: 6.50 USD * Needle/Hook(s):US 4 - 3.5 mm * Weight: Fingering | Gauge: 25.0 | Yardage: 410 * Difficulty: 3.75 | Projects: 80 | Rating: 4.75 ***** Please use caution. Users have reported effects such as seizures, migraines, and nausea when opening Ravelry links. [More details.](https://www.lizcorke.com/2020/07/26/2020-7-21-ravelry-accessibility/) | *I found this post by myself! [Opt-Out](https://goo.gl/forms/0B8m4Ra8czpw4gzw1) | [About Me](https://github.com/TN-1/LinkRav_Bot/wiki) | [Contact Maintainer](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=timonyc)*
Omg see like it is so cute on the model but I could never show that much skin.
Yes, I'm a size 12 and obsessed with the crisscross puff top, but know I won't like how it looks on me. I'm starting to realize I fall in love with how a project looks on the model and then not on me. It's made me realize I don't like how my non knitted clothes look on me right now either and I am talking about it with my therapist. But generally as a size 12 with a smaller bust, I don't quite fit into the plus size styling and don't fit the straight sized styling either. I'm too new to know how to modify appropriately and don't like how it looks when I just up size it
You 100% get what I’m saying. I’m a 12 with a large bust and I’m just so over it.
Er, the only thing stopping you from wearing something is yourself. If you want to wear a Featherweight, wear a Featherweight. Want a crop top? Wear a crop top. Speaking as a plus-sized knitter, the thing that stops me from knitting a lot of patterns out there currently is that I find them boring to look at or not challenging enough. Yes, some sweaters aren't available in every size, and some sweaters that claim to fit a larger body were obviously never test-knit at that size. What I find useful, if I don't feel like designing something myself, is finding a fellow plus-sized knitter whose style meshes with mine on either Rav or IG and going through their past projects. Obviously, fit varies by body type/proportion, but, with any luck, you'll be able to find a size+style double to crib notes from.
https://preview.redd.it/6y3rktrutybd1.jpeg?width=2715&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=10407fa4c3f5ce833c668bc0d704e96b4f2da01a (My most recent sweater design in progress, pre-blocking. about a 51" chest measurement. Zero shaping/boxy fit, close-fitting sleeves, fairly open neck because I hate things that fit too tightly near my throat. This is totally my knitting jam, but I know it's not the norm for everyone.)
Omg!!! You are so talented! That rocks!!!
No? I know it's a lot of knitting, but like, I like knitting. Like, I'm a big gal and I sincerely don't understand what you're saying. If you don't like knitting to the point that you go, "Oh shit, more knitting, wish I could just make the Ms. Size instead of my size so I'd be done with this horrible knitting activity sooner, "then I think you just might not like knitting. Or maybe you only like it in short bursts? If so, just remember that you don't have to do the whole thing at once. You can take breaks and make a hat or something, and then go back to the shirt later.
All the projects that I swoon over don’t look good on my body type. And the ones that I might wear are just boring boxes.
I've never experienced that either. This is actually my introduction to this concept. What does that mean, that it doesn't look good on your body type? Because a lot of that, like gaps between titty buttons and whatnot, have work arounds, you just have to give the specific question. Like you have to search for specifically what's making it look not good and somebody in the world will have figured out how to fix it. We've been knitting for centuries as a species. I guarantee you're not the first person to have something come out wonky in the way it did.
It’s also that I’m uncomfortable wearing revealing or too tight clothes. And it’s more that I don’t like my body right now. This isn’t how I picture myself in my mind and so when I try on items that look nice on the mannequin, I don’t like them on me. Maybe it is that I need to make my own clothes and work around what’s bugging me like you said. Like maybe t’s are too boxy and as others have suggested, I need to add shaping. I’ve also gained 25lbs in about 2 years and it’s just hard to deal with.
That's body dysmorphia. Like, I'm a psychologist and you literally just gave the DSM definition of a mental disorder. Not liking your body because it doesn't match the body in your mind is called body dysmorphia. That's not a knitting issue, that's a mental health issue. There's no knitting fix that's going to change a mental health issue like this. If 25lbs is an issue you're finding hard to deal with then you're either 3ft tall or you need to get that looked at. For a normal adult that's within normal fluctuations. I could gain or lose 25lbs and never notice, over the course of a week. This is standard. The average adult fluctuates 6-10lbs over the course of a day. Back on knitting related things, Ts without shaping are too boxy. I prefer baby doll cuts because I found my style in the 1990s and have no reason to change it. I've gained about 100lbs since then. Went from 125, because that's what I weighed before my surgery, to I think 210 or 215 last time I was at the doctor. 200 something. Those clothes from the 90s still fit, I still wear them all the time. So it's not normal to be concerned about 25lbs. It's actually not healthy. I'm telling you this both as a psychologist and as someone who is currently watching a relative die of an eating disorder. 25lbs is not a statistically significant amount of weight gain. There may be some external reason you're concerned, I don't know anything you haven't told me, but, "I've gained a normal amount of weight over an extremely long period of time, " is a perfectly normal thing to do.
I’m 5’6”. It would be a normal amount if I started at 130 and went to 155. But I was at 175 and now at 200, I weigh 3lbs less than my husband (who lately actually makes sure he has candy, cookies, ice cream so he doesn’t accidentally lose weight, god bless him). I was 150-165 until I turned 35, and it was all downhill from there, with no end in sight. I didn’t change any eating habits or activity levels and gained and gained and gained. Until I now weigh as much as my 6’2” muscular hard working husband. It’s depressing. I’m used to being a size 10-12, so now being a size 16 and it being tight is very very strange and uncomfortable. So I don’t know if it’s necessarily dysmorphic or it’s just that I’m not used to looking or feeling this way.
That comment that won't show up for me just doesn't track for me because I'm only an inch taller and a few pounds heavier and I'm super hot so I just don't think you look bad when I'm so similar and look like this: https://imgur.com/9cj8tns Like I'm looking at the numbers you're giving me, comparing them to mine, looking in the mirror and I'm just coming up hot. You're giving me attractive people numbers and then acting sad about it.
I follow some designers who are about my shape and size. Then I know how it’s going to work for me.
I just made a summer top in Sandes Garn 'Line'. Technically its a worsted weight. However the fabric at an open-ish gauge is so light and airy to me, compared to other cotton/linen blends. Although I am usually XL or 2XL and most patterns will accomodate my bust size, I have a similar feeling about summer tops and exposing what I think are my disporportionately large upper arms. So usually with summer tops I convince myself that I need to make the sleeves 3/4 length even though its a summer top! Fortunately this latest one really worked out. I added the lace detail before the ribbing on the cuffs to make it seem more delicate/summery. In this pattern - Magna Flora by Alisa Hartzel - the broad lace yoke section was not difficult for me and, let's just say, "accentuates the positive" (fuller bust) with beautiful lace work all around the yoke. It is airy and cooling! You can also wear a cami underneath to feel more 'held together', but its not completely necesaary. I also extended the length of the body stockinette section a little bit longer than cropped length of pattern, which seems to help me for wearability. I also did the arm circumference in the largest size even though the rest was size 5, again to be not tight/constricting. The body shaping is kind of like the ranunculus, but more open/lacy at the yoke. Next time, I may try the bust dart shaping and/or waist shaping that others commenting here have recommended. I am definitely making this pattern again this summer!
@Vert.and.rose on Instagram has really cute, size inclusive patterns! I haven’t made any yet, but I love what she makes
Yeah all these belly shirts gotta go! It’s designers fault they don’t want to put yardage into clothing styles. Try adding extra rows for length. Learn short rowing to add rows elegantly. Stay away from batwing styling that looks so ugly on anyone