Who doesn’t need a lightweight summer sweater? No need to put down your needles and hooks when the weather gets steamy. These breezy patterns make me wish I were at the beach!

Ok, so if you’re a working mother of a toddler like me, now’s probably the time to start on Christmas presents that may or may not actually become finished objects. Summer sweaters are not likely to knit themselves before it’s Fall all over again.

But if you have flying fingers, need a sweater and have the time, here’s a list of freebies that I dug up so you don’t have to waste that precious time clicking all over the web.

These all go up to at least a 1x, most to 3x.

Knit Patterns

1. Shetland Shorty - A Lace Wrap/Bolero.
2. Thira - A knit halter.
3. Inverness - 3/4 sleeve reverse stockinette sweater with stripes and seed stitch ribs.
4. Gigi - Short sleeve kimono cardigan.
5. Light Summer Vest - Sign-up/Login required
6. Summer Cardigan and Scarf - Sign-up/Login required
7. All Season Shell - Sign-up/Login required
8. Knitted Simple Shell - Sign-up/Login required
9. Ribbed Shell - Sign-up/Login required
10. Textured Shell - Sign-up/Login required

Crochet Patterns

1. Raglan T-shirt - custom fit - Sign-up/Login required
2. Crocheted Summer Pullover - Sign-up/Login required
3. Empire Top in Microspun - Sign-up/Login required
4. Empire Top in Organic Cotton - Sign-up/Login required
5. Four Seasons Bolero - Sign-up/Login required
6. Crochet Capelet - Sign-up/Login required
7. Beach Cover-up / Pullover - Sign-up/Login required
8. Beach Cover-up / Cardigan - Sign-up/Login required
9. Sleeveless Tunic/Jumper - Sign-up/Login required
10. Elegant Shell - Sign-up/Login required
11. Light ‘n Lively Swingy Tank - Sign-up/Login required

For a whole pile of patterns, check out Spring and Summer Sweaters from Berroco’s free pattern library. They have a high percentage of plus-sized patterns.

Enjoy!
Jen

Crochet! Magazine has another issue headed to the news stands any day now, so if you like any of these projects, pick up this issue before they’re hauled off to wherever old magazine go.

(I always wondered what happened to old issues at big bookstores. Anyone who works for Barnes and Noble or Borders want to enlighten us?)

This vest sizes up to 2X (49 1/2″ finished measurement) and is for the “experienced” skill level. I think it would be a flattering addition to any wardrobe.

The bolero has a finished measurement of 50 3/4″ bust and is also advanced. I think it’s cute, but it seems like a chunky piece. I’m having a hard time imagining it on myself and so probably won’t give it another thought.

This short sleeved fitted top seems fun to make and fun to wear. Finished largest bust size is 50 1/2″.

The men get something for a change! This one goes up to 2X. I like the colors and the strips, but I think I would rather see it knitted.

That’s all from the May issue. Can’t wait to get the next one!

Lion Brand featured these free patterns in today’s newsletter. I feel like I’ve seen them before but I’m posting them anyway:

Babysoft Kimono (knit)
Size: Medium, 1X, 2X

V-Stitch Wrap Around Sweater in Cotton Ease (crochet)
Size: Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X

In Lion Brand Organic Cotton, there’s a knitted Boatneck Raglan Pullover which is frighteningly off-the-shoulder but it does go up to 2X. There’s also a knitted cropped raglan sweater which is actually a cropped, buttonless cardigan that looks kinda comfy. It goes up to 2X.

For Crocheters, there’s an elegant shell in Lion Brand Organic that sizes up to 2X.

I have so much to share with you and so little time! I’m going to post a few catch-up posts this weekend about new magazines and new sewing patterns.

Thanks for stopping by and have a marvelous weekend!

Spring is here! Time to break out the crochet hooks for some light and lacy pieces. I picked up the Spring 2007 edition of Interweave Crochet at a Wal-mart in the middle of nowhere, Ohio (otherwise known as Upper Sandusky.) Every piece in it goes to at least an XL or 1X with some going to 2X. I listed the highest finished-size bust circumferences. You generally choose a size 2″ larger than yourself for a good fit.

Here are the curvy sized patterns. Follow the links to find bigger pictures and supply info.

Simplicity Top
Up to 52″ bust circumference
It’s shown with tiny cap sleeves but you can work it with optional longer short sleeves.

Beachcomber Tunic
Up to 49 1/4″ bust circumference.
This tunic combines simple knitted pieces with crocheted edging. I like this!

Weekend Jacket
Up to 46″ bust circumference.
I like the color blocking but would probably lose the horizontal strips, or maybe do a stripe or two up top and the darker purple color for the rest. You could also try to repeat the backside pattern on the front - it’s solid purple with green and gray bands around the bottom, just like the sleeves.

Linen and Lace Cardigan
Up to 48″ bust circumference with fronts meeting.

Empress Baby-Doll Top
Up to 48″ bust circumference.
I love kimono wrap tops despite always having to wear a cami under them or safety pin them to keep too much from showing.

Seafoam Vest
Up to 46″ bust circumference.

Spiderweb Cardigan
Up to 52″ bust circumference with fronts overlapping by 6 1/2″.

Sugarplum Bolero
Up to 47″ bust circumference.

Deceptively Simple Stole
18″ wide and 92″ long. One size fits all, but worth mentioning.

Versatile Wrap Top
Up to 46″ bust circumference.

Flora Kimono
46″ or 50″ finished bust circumference, “including open kimono sleeve,” they say. “The waist does not need to come together at the bottom, adding room to each size.”

ZZ Topper
50 (56, 60)” bust circumference - “choose a size 10″ greater than your bust circumference.”

I also have Vogue Knitting and Crochet Today updates to post here, and there are a few more new free patterns on the yarn company sites.

Thank you for your patience with my sporadic posting! My toddler’s been unusually clingy lately and fusses profusely if I pay more attention to anything other than him, including the computer. He’s spoiled, I know, but I have a terribly soft heart.

Have a happy rest of the weekend!
Jen

Patterns you can customize or make to fit have been a little harder to find for free. I will keep adding to this page as I find more.

The Perfect Sweater from Mason Dixon Knitting
Sized up to 4X
You customize the neckline, shoulder and hem.

General Guidelines for a Basic Raglan Sweater
Knit or Crochet
Customize the size

Sherbet Tank Top
Crochet in any size - just measure yourself

Tahki Stacy Charles threw us a few bones, but not many. Only two patterns in their Spring 2007 Crochet book go up to 2X and eight go to 1X.

Crochet uses a heck of a lot of yarn so it’s a wonder most companies haven’t figured out they could sell more yarn if they published more plus-size patterns. It’s a win-win scenario!

Patterns to 2X

Brilla Shrug
Finished bust measurements to 52″

Lacy Top Cardigan - Nice! This is my most-likely-to-make out of this book.
Finished bust measurements to 50″

Patterns to 1X

(I’m only including the ones that have a finished bust measurement of 48″ - 50″.)

Brilla Tunic
Finished bust measurements to 48″

Java Sweater
Finished bust measurements to 48″

Pink Muse Top
Finished bust measurements to 48″

Beach Skirt
Finished waist measurements to 48″

Easy Tank in Bali / in Sienna
Finished bust measurements to 50″

Striped Sweater
Finished bust measurements to 48″

Lacy Tunic (I really like this as well.)
Finished bust measurements to 50″

Lion Brand has been good lately about publishing new patterns in plus sizes. All of the following new patterns go up to 2x. Two of these are scarves but I thought they deserved a mention. Some of these are knit and some are crochet.

Round Yoke Pullover

Flared Cardigan and Scarf

Light Summer Vest

Ruffle Necklace Scarf

Trail of Blossoms Scarf

The Berroco sweaters go up to 1X, or 48″ around, so I thought I might as well mention them.

Wren

Wanda

Coming up this week, I have the latest Creative Knitting Magazine and the Tahki Crochet book for Spring 2007. I also picked up so many Simplicity patterns that half of them will surely be out of fashion by the time I get around to making them. And I’ll post Friday’s free patterns on Thursday night this time!

Have a happy, peaceful, creative week.

Jen

The great thing about shawls - anyone can wear them! As I searched for these patterns I found shawls, shrugs, wraps, ponchos, and more. For this post I just stuck to things called a shawl. I’ll do other lists for the other things.

I’m sure I could find many more if I kept looking but this should keep you busy for now.

All patterns are knit unless otherwise specified (many are crochet)

Knitty.com

Bloom - circular shawl
Ella - v-shaped lace shawl
Leaves and Waves - airy mohair shawl
Tri-Aran-Angle - triangular shawl with cabled borders

Berroco

Nicky - Triangular knit lacy shawl
Paris - Crocheted triangular shawl
Crystal Cove - suede knit shawl with fringe
Gemma - striped shawl with fringe
Patricia - knit shawl with fringe
Zeta - metallic yarn triangle shawl with fringe

Lion Brand (you have to sign in to see these)

Gossamer Shawl (new pattern!)
Half Moon Shawl (new pattern!)
Tea and Sympathy Shawl - in homespun, which I’ve heard mixed reviews on.
Diagonal Scarf/Shawl
Comfort Shawl - crochet with chenille
Country Cotton Shawl - crochet triangular shawl
Diamond Knit Shawl
Easy Triangle Shawl (crochet) / Easy Triangle Shawl (knit)
Another Easy Knit Triangle Shawl
And yet another Easy Knit Triangle Shawl
Elegant Comfort Shawl (crochet) / Elegant Comfort Shawl (knit)
Elegant Shawl (crochet)
Have it Your Way Shawl (crochet)
Joan’s Any-wear Shawl
Knitted Lace Shawl
Prayer Shawl / Healing Shawl (knit) / Prayer Shawl / Healing Shawl (crochet)
Romance Speed Hook Shawl
Suede Crocheted Shawl
Simple Shawl
Then and Now Crocheted Shawl
Trellis Triangle Shawl
Triangle Crochet Shawl Triangle Knit Shawl
Very Easy Ripple Shawl

Bernat

Masala glorious shawl (crochet)
Satin Sport Shawl (crochet)
Galaxy Shawl
Illusions Shawl
Matrix Shawl

MagKnits

Chocolate Ruffles - shawl/hat
Cobweb
Frilling
Lace Leaf Wrap
Ruffles and Ridges Wrap
Sqiggle Shawl
Three Shawl Project

Crochet me (all crochet)

Irish Oranges
Halcyon
Mariefred
Easiest Shawl Ever

Patons

Positive Energy Shawl

Moda Dea

Fashionista Wrap

I’m glad one reader recently left this comment:

What about us super plus sized gals. I need knitting patterns too!

Indeed, there are few plus-size patterns to be found and even fewer if you need something above a 2X or 3X. What’s a big crafty gal to do?

Here’s what I’ve seen in the past few weeks:

• Vermont Fiber Designs’ knitting patterns. A few people have recommended these. They go up to 6X and look great.
• Patons Yarn: Many of their free patterns go up to 5X.
• Knitty.com just published a cardigan that goes up to 5X
• Most patterns on White Lies Designs, designer of the Big Girl Knits Cherry Bomb, can be made for a 58″ bust, with some going up to 64″. (I’ll write more about them later! They definitely deserve an article of their own.)
• The Ample Knitters site lists some great places to look under “Resources” and “Free Patterns.” They also have an Ample Knitters Yahoo group where you’ll find many wonderful, helpful people.
• Here are some more great Yahoo Groups. You’ll find many patterns under “Links” and “Files” after you join.
  • ‘Big Girl Knits’ Yahoo Group
  • Crochet 4 Amply and Super Amply Blessed Yahoo Group
  • KnitPlus Yahoo Group

Let me know if you find some other great places and I’ll list them here.

It’s Free Pattern Friday! These 30 free knitting and crochet patterns size up to 2X most of the time, with some to 1X and some up to 3X. The spring collection from Berroco is especially nice. I just wish they had sized up their crochet patterns!

Enjoy!

Mag Knits (all knitted)

Delft:
Sizes
To fit bust 32 (34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50)” [81.5 (86, 90, 95, 101.5, 106.5, 112, 117, 112, 127)cm]
Finished bust 34 (36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52)” [86 (90, 95, 101.5, 106.5, 112, 117, 112, 127, 132)cm]

Donna:
Size
Chest: 40” (unstretched; 51” stretched)
Length: 25”

Flirt:
Sizes
S (M, L, XL, XXL)
Finished bust 32 (36, 40, 44, 48)” / 81 (90, 102, 112, 118)cm
Length 18 (19, 20, 21, 22)” / 46 (48, 51, 53, 56)cm

Picovoli:
Sizes
Finished bust: 28 (32, 36, 40, 44, 48) in / 71 (81, 91, 101.5, 112, 122) cm
Finished length to shoulder: 18.25 (19.5, 20.5, 21.5, 22.5, 23.5) in / 46 (49.5, 52, 54.5, 57.5, 59.5) cm
Suggested bust measurement of wearer: 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50) in / 76 (86.5, 96.5, 106.5, 117, 127) cm

Rossnyev Cardigan:
Sizes
Finished bust 39 (43, 47, 49)” [99 (109.5, 119.5, 124.5)cm]

Rufflette:
Sizes:
XS (S, M, L, XL)
Finished bust measurement: 34” (38, 42, 46, 50”)
This pattern is designed with 2” or less of ease at the bust.

Summer Nights:
Sizes
Finished bust 38 (40, 43, 48)” / 96.5 (102, 109, 122)cm

Ubernatural:
Size (Measured at underarm)
Small: 87 cm / 35 inches
Medium: 101 cm / 40 inches
Large: 116 cm / 45 inches
X Large: 130 cm / 50 inches

Vegan Suede Vest:
Sizes
Finished bust: 32 inch / 81 cm (36 inch / 91 cm, 40 inch / 102 cm, 44 inch / 112 cm, 48 inch / 122 cm, 52 inch / 132 cm)

Berroco (Knitted)

Babette:
SIZES
X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X and 3X
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Bust ( closed) – 33(35-37-39-43-47-51)”.
Length – 14(14-14 1/2-15-15 1/2-16-16)”.

Redondo:
SIZES: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Bust – 33(35 1/2-39-42 1/2-47-50 1/2)”.
Length – 19(19-19 1/2-20-20 1/2-21)”.

Sharon:
SIZES: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Bust – 33(35-37-39-43-47)”.
Length – 22 1/2(23-23 1/2-24-24 1/2-24 1/2)”.

Sonja:
SIZES: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Bust – 33(35-37-39-43-47)”.
Length – 29(29 1/2-30-30 1/2-31-31)”.

Hera:
(I would probably leave out the fringe - it’s not likely to hang straight down like that on my busty self. But if you’re a fringe person, go for it.)
SIZES: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X and 3X
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Bust – 33 1/2(35-37-38 1/2-43-46 1/2-51)”.
Length – 17 1/2(18-18 1/2-19-19 1/2-19 1/2-20)”.

Willa:
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
SIZES: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X
Bust – 32(35 1/2-41-44 1/2-48-51 1/2)”.
Length – 22(22 1/2-22 1/2-23-23 1/2-24)”.

Granite:
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
SIZES: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X and 3X
Bust – 33 1/2(35 1/2-37-39 1/2-43-47-51 1/2)”.
Length – 24(24-24 1/2-25-25 1/2-26-26 1/2)”.

Lippitt:
Just in case some of you were looking for a strapless halter top…
SIZES: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Bust – 33(35-37-39-43-47)”.
Length – 18½(18½-19-19½-20-20½)” (Not including neck ties).

Helena:
SIZES: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X and 3X
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Bust – 33(35-37-39-43-47-51)”.
Length – 22(22-22 1/2-23-23-23 1/2-23 1/2)”.

Persephone:
Oh, I like this! I wonder if it would be more slimming to leave out the stripe at the bottom and knit that in the same color as the rest?
SIZES: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, 1X
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Bust – 32(36-40-44-48)”.
Length – 20(20-20 1/2-20 1/2-21)”.

Lion Brand (crochet)

*Sign in or sign up to the site first, then come back and click through these links.*

Romance Cardigan:
SIZE: 3-6 mos, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X, 3X
Finished Bust 30 (34, 38, 42, 46) in. [76 (86.5, 96.5, 106.5, 117) cm]
Finished Length 22 (24¼, 26, 27¼, 27¾) in. [56 (61.5, 66, 69, 70.5) cm]

Squares Vest:
I love this!
SIZE: XS, Small, Medium, Large, 1X

Light ‘n’ Lively Tank:
SIZE: Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X
Finished Measurement below Bust 26½ (33½, 40, 46½, 53½) in. [67.5 (85, 101.5, 118, 136) cm]
Finished Length 24 (24½, 24½, 25½, 25½) in. [61 (62, 62, 65, 65) cm]

V-Stitch Shell:
This is midriff baring, yikes! - I would make it longer and/or put a shirt under it.
SIZE: XS, Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X
Finished Chest 32 (35, 38½, 42, 45, 48) in. [81.5 (89, 98, 106.5, 114.5, 122) cm]
Finished Length 18 (18, 19, 20½, 21½, 21½) in. [45.5 (45.5, 48.5, 52, 54.5, 54.5) cm]

Women’s Shell:
Looks the same as the last one but is done w/ MicroSpun yarn.
SIZE: XS, Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X
Finished Chest 32 (35, 38½, 42, 45, 48) in. [81.5 (89, 98, 106.5, 114.5, 122) cm]
Finished Length 18 (18, 19, 20 ½, 21½, 21½) in. [45.5 (45.5, 48.5, 52, 54.5, 54.5) cm]

Lion Brand (knitting)

Speed Stix Mini-Dress:
Use your best judgement on this one. The chunky stitches will add inches to your figure. It does look like a fun dress, though.
SIZE: Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X
Finished Chest 34 (38, 42, 46, 50) in. [86.5 (96.5, 106.5, 117, 127) cm]
Finished Length 30¼ (32¾, 32¾, 35¼, 35¼) in. [77 (83, 83, 89.5, 89.5) cm]

Fringed Skirt:
SIZE: One Size, XS, Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X, 3X
Finished Waist: 26½ (30½, 34½, 38½, 42½, 46½, 50½) in. [67.5 (77.5, 87.5, 98, 108, 118, 128.5) cm]
Finished Length: 27 in. [68.5 cm]

All-Season Shell:
SIZE: Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X
Finished Chest 33 (37, 40, 44½, 47) in. [84 (94, 101.5, 113, 119.5) cm]
Finished Length 20½ (21, 21½, 22, 22) in. [52 (53.5, 54.5, 56, 56) cm]

Organic Ribbed Shell:
SIZE: Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X
Finished Chest 36 (41, 44, 49, 52) in. [91.5 (104, 112, 124.5, 132) cm]
Finished Length 20½ (21, 21½, 22, 22) in. [52 (53.5, 54.5, 56, 56) cm]

Textured Shell:
SIZE: Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X
Finished Chest 32 (36, 40, 44, 48) in. [81 (91, 101.5, 112, 122) cm]
Finished Length 18½ (19, 19 ½, 19¾, 20) in. [47 (48.5, 49.5, 50, 51) cm]

Boucle Hooded Ski Vest:
SIZE: Medium, 1X, 3X
S/M (L/1X, 2X/3X)
Finished Chest 42 (48, 54) in. [106.5 (123, 137) cm]
Finished Length 22 (23, 24) in. [56 (58.5, 61) cm]

Coming up next week…

Happy weekend! And yes, this is still bigcrafty.com. I’m not sure that I’m sold on this look yet, so you may notice the look changing completely over the next month while I play with it. This is a Wordpress theme straight out of the box and I’d like to do something a little more custom.

The important part is that I’ll still be posted every day during the week and sometimes on weekends.

I’ve got some great stuff for next week: I picked up two Tahki Stacy Charles books at my LYS - the 2nd edition of Crochet and the Spring Summer 2007 Collection (knitted). I’ll give you the sizing scoop on those.

I also have the new Knit Simple and BHG’s Knit It!

And kindest reader Sarah has sent in a list of her favorite sewing patterns - I’ll post a list of them here.

I found out a little more about the duct-tape double but I think I’m just going to have to do it to understand it. Not sure how my toddler would react to me being immobile for 2 hours! It’ll be tantrum-ville if I can’t figure something out.

Have a great weekend! And don’t forget to leave your blog address if you want to be added to the Big Crafty Blogroll!