Customer Reviews

Knitting Goes Large: 20 Designs to Flatter Your Figure

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am very pleased with the patterns in this book. They're classy but not frumpy. Many of the plus-size knitting books try to push trendy, kid-like styles that do nothing for the full figure.

Of the 20 designs, I would probably knit more than half of them. Normally, I'm lucky to find one or two I like in a whole book.

It will be so nice to be able to knit something without having to modify the heck out of it so that it will be big enough! The patterns range from 38" to 48" bust and use Rowan yarns.

There's a lot to love in Knitting Goes Large. Standout patterns include the Cabled Tunic, Lace Tunic, Textured Top, Scarf & Stole, Peplum Jacket and the Camisole. The Scarf and Stole is absolutely lovely, and simple enough that even a modestly hand-painted yarn could shine. The Peplum Jacket has stolen my heart, and so has the Lace Tunic. That's not to say that there aren't more in there I'd be happy to wear any day, but those are the ones that jump out.

The patterns are realistic and flattering, the kinds of patterns (on the whole) that you can look back on five years from now and still see yourself wanting to wear, timeless with more than a hint of class. There are a few that are either too bland or to fussy for my taste, but most of the patterns in the book should appeal to a wide audience, especially in the mature taste/non-faddish crowd.

Sizing is where this book really shines, to be honest. Sure it's got a beautiful layout with a moody, photo-journal look, but the sizing makes my heart happy. When you glance at a pattern the first thing you see are clearly stated bust sizes and finished bust sizes. No guessing as to whether they mean before or after, ease or no ease. Everything is clearly labeled and goes to a before-bust size of 48". Finished garment sizes go up to 54". I wear a size 2 or 3X top, depending, and that covers my needs and then some.

Knitting goes Large, not Extra large, and certainly not 2XL.
I'm hoping the advice given on how to modify garments is enough to, yet again, form a pattern to my own size.
NOT what seemed to be advertised.
Goddess Sized women, beware!

the majority of the sweaters in this book are knit in relatively fine gauge yarns on small needles. The Rowan Yarns specified are fairly expensive and few good substitutions seem to exist. The styles are generally "classic," with a kind of English country vibe. Few seem altogether suitable for professional working wear. But oh those gorgeous Rowan photos -- makes even us big girls look amazing.

I don't always purchase knitting books and pay full price, but this time I couldn't resist and purchased a signed copy at my local yarn store (LYS). The information provided about creating a garment that flatters your body is useful. If you are looking for beautiful patterns for bust sizes from 38" to 48" this is the book for you.

Knitting Goes Large: 20 Designs to Flatter Your Figure
This is a great book and I really appreciate the authors' tips on flattering the figure larger than size 4. There are several projects in this book that I am going to knit this year. I especially like the lacy cardigan, the camisole, the colored tunic, the surprisingly cute bow sweater, and the jackets are really nice as well. I guess I will be knitting for a couple years out of this book as the projects are quite fun.
Carol

I've looked over Knitting Goes Large several times, and every time I'm reminded of why I wouldn't buy it. All the patterns are baggy, saggy, frumpy, and boring. Everyone needs a few oversized, comfy sweaters to bum around in, but there isn't a single fitted garment in the book. Most women, plus-sized or no, look better in something shaped to fit, rather than draped to conceal. That being said, the patterns aren't ugly or undignified--just boring. Save your money, buy Big Girl Knits, and learn to make something that will actually flatter your figure (and use less yarn to boot).

I don't have a problem with the pattern styles. I prefer basic, classic styles in my knitting patterns -- if I'm going to spend a month or two handknitting a garment, I'd like to think I could wear it for more than a single season.

The problem (as others have noted) is that the sizes don't go high enough. Patterns with even a 50" bust would help -- 48" is just not that big. Sorry, Rowan.

I prefer designs with more verve and less subtle style.

Big Grl Knits: 25 Big, Bold Projects Shaped for Real Women with Real Curvesand More Big Girl Knits: 25 Designs Full of Color and Texture for Curvy Women have large sweater patterns and patterns for other items for large (statuesque) women who love themselves and their bodies and want to stand out in a crowd.

Knitting Goes Large has pretty enough designs if you want to sit around and not be noticed too much. If you are looking for large size sweaters that are subtly attractive, this isn't a bad choice. Just too conservative for my tastes.

The book is okay, not much new and exciting, although the sizing does go up more so than the typical book. My review is neutral.