Below I’ve gathered together a bunch of resources for fat knitters, on everything from pattern discovery to customising fit to fat activism. Take what you need!
You might also be interested in Sweater Quantity / Fat Tax Discounts on yarn, which you can find on my Financial Accessibility Resources Roundup page.
Know of a resource that belongs on this page? Let me know!
Size & Shape Inclusive Patterns
Yes, I really am linking you to other designers! And why not – there’s lots of ways to be size inclusive.
Size Inclusive Collective
What started as a simple spreadsheet of size inclusive designers has grown into a repository of data and resources, an Instagram account showcasing inclusive patterns, and a wonderfully supportive community. I am honoured to be a small part of it!
The repository in particular is the one resource I recommend all knitters (but especially fat knitters) check out. Every pattern in there goes up to at least 60″ at the full chest and you can sort by yarn weight, intended gender, and more. Since the upgrade to Airtable there are even pictures now, so you can just browse. And the best part is it’s not only knitting – crochet, including Tunisian, and sewing are in there too!
Fasten Off YAL
Started as an accessible, inclusive stitchalong, the Fasten Off Yarnalong is an off-Rav alternative that’s grown into its own wonderful corner of yarnie community. With it comes a detailed, filterable database of patterns, with criteria for patterns that come in sizes XL and above.
Yarn Database
Nancy created the Yarn Database to better serve knitters seeking off-Rav designers. There are filters for a large number of criteria, including sizes in four different bands.
Sizing With Spreadsheets
Created by Sarah Mitchell of Swanky Emu Makes, Sizing With Spreadsheets patterns take your measurements and generate custom instructions to fit YOUR body. It’s a radically inclusive way to knit!
Measurements & Mods
I’ve written about The Limitations of Size Charts before. Whilst I strongly believe that it’s the designer’s responsibility to accommodate common and straightforward mods, understanding what your body needs and how to achieve that is an invaluable skill to have in your knitting toolkit.
All of the resources below are focused on getting a great fit.
Adjusting Knitwear to Fit a Fuller Bust
Jacki of Woolly Badger Knits is a huge advocate for great bust fit. Her workshop, Adjusting Knitwear to Fit a Fuller Bust, empowers knitters who need more room in the bust to achieve exactly that. Her patterns also include mods for bust fit as standard.
Data: Body Growth Sitting vs Standing
Lolie is a disabled maker and wheelchair user, conducting research into body growth seated vs standing. You can help by submitting your measurements.
Fat Activism
NAAFA
The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance is a US-based organisation working to advocate for and reduce discrimination against fat people. They have a wealth of resources, both for individuals and for organisations.
The Fat Doctor
Dr Asher Larmie is, as the name suggests, a doctor who happens to be fat. He focuses on providing clear and evidence-based information regarding fatness and health.
Body Liberation with Lindley
Lindley Ashline is a photographer specialising in fat positive photography. In her own words: “I fight weight stigma by giving people in large bodies a safe place to explore how their bodies look on camera and by increasing the representation of fat bodies in photography, advertising, fine art, and the world at large”. Many of her resources are available online; her studio is in the Pacific Northwest.
If this free information helped you, please consider buying me a coffee.