Feel Fabulous with 9 Free Knitting Patterns for Plus-Sized Tops

Want to knit something that fits you perfectly and looks wonderful? Take a look at this collection of patterns for knitted tops

Once upon a time, I received several requests for plus-sized knitting patterns.

Upon receiving one such request, I checked some of the patterns I had linked to in collections past, and I was surprised at just how few had plus-sized options.

One of my readers put it best: “I mean a real plus size. Not this ‘Size 12 equals 3XL’ nonsense.”

She raises an unfortunate truth about the fashion industry: women’s sizes mean almost nothing anymore.

These days, it seems that designers are more interested in making women feel “better” about the clothes they are wearing than making them a) easy to find and b) actually fit properly.

It’s one of the greatest things about making your own clothing–you can make it fit you. But how much does that help, when you can’t find patterns that will fit your body?

Make Mine Plus

Fortunately, my pattern-finding godsend Ravelry is incredibly helpful when it comes to finding the patterns you need.

You can find a brief guide to finding plus-sized patterns on Ravelry in this post, along with a few patterns to get you started.

(You can also invest in my Ravelry course, if you’d like to learn how to find any pattern you need using Ravelry’s pattern database!)

And now, if you’re looking for tops–T-shirts, sweaters, sweater dresses–then read on, because you’re fully covered in this collection!

Looking for plus-sized jacket patterns? You can find those here!

Make My Pullover Plus-Size

1. Simple Summer Tweed Top Down V-Neck

• What you’ll need to make it: 1300 to 1550 yards aran (heavy worsted)-weight yarn; US Size 7 to 9 circular needles (or whatever size creates the proper gauge); 1 size circular needle lower than the first; 5 stitch markers, one in a different color than the other 4

• Why you’ll want to: Need the most basic V-neck pullover without all the fuss of cables or lace or colorwork? This is your pattern. (There’s a crew neck option, too!)

2. Smithfield

• What you’ll need to make it: 1430 to 1700 yards worsted weight yarn; US Size 7 and 8 circular needles and/or DPNs, depending on how you prefer to knit in the round; stitch markers; scrap yarn; tapestry needle

• Why you’ll want to: This cozy, long pullover is designed to be slouchy and comfy, with a mock turtleneck and lots of texture.

3. Lempster

• What you’ll need to make it: 1700 to 1870 yards worsted weight yarn; US Size 8 circular needles and/or DPNs, depending on how you prefer to knit in the round; stitch markers; stitch holders/spare DPN/scarp yarn; cable needle/spare DPN; tapestry needle

• Why you’ll want to: Want a pullover with some spice? This sweater has it aplenty: two different types of cables and some eyelet lace in the center.

Cozy Up in a Plus-Sized Cardigan

4. Minetta

• What you’ll need to make it: 1750 to 2100 yards fingering weight yarn; US Size 4 circular needles and/or DPNs, depending on how you prefer to knit in the round; 13 or 14 1/2-inch buttons; 10 stitch markers in 2 colors (4 + 6); cable needle or spare DPN; scrap yarn; sewing needle and thread; tapestry needle

• Why you’ll want to: This is a relatively simple-looking cardigan with a bit of cabling down the front and back center. A true beauty.

5. Iðunn

• What you’ll need to make it: 1200 to 1420 yards aran weight yarn; US Size 7 circular needles and/or DPNs, depending on how you prefer to knit in the round; 3 to 6 buttons; about 1.5 yards woven ribbon; scrap yarn; 3 stitch markers; fabric-cutting scissors; sewing needle and thread, to match color of yarn and color of ribbon; tapestry needle

• Why you’ll want to: This is a beautiful cardigan with a simple yet gorgeous colorwork design at the yoke. Named after Iðunn, the Norse goddess of apples and youth.

6. Striped (or Not) Cardigan Option

• What you’ll need to make it: 1770 to 1910 yards DK weight yarn (in multiple colors if desired); US Size 6 straight needles, circular needles, and/or DPNs, depending on the configuration you prefer for flat and circular knitting; stitch markers; stitch holder/spare DPN/scrap yarn; 8 3/4-inch buttons (optional); sewing needle & thread (optional); tapestry needle

• Why you’ll want to: This pattern, designed by Amy Herzog, was created as a knitalong where knitters could choose from a variety of options. The options include stripes or solid, cardigan or pullover. If you choose stripes, you can choose how those stripes are placed and the width you want. It’s one pattern with a crazy variety of options!

Look & Feel Fabulous in Plus-Sized T-Shirts and Dresses

7. Gemini

• What you’ll need to make it: 900 to 1000 yards DK-weight yarn; US Size 5 and 6 circular needles and/or DPNs, depending on how you prefer to knit in the round; 4 stitch markers; 1 removable stitch marker; tapestry needle

• Why you’ll want to: This sweet T-shirt pattern features a cute lace panel along the yoke that can be worn either forward or backward, depending on whether you’d like a dressy or more casual look.

8. Buttercup

• What you’ll need to make it: 1080 to 1230 yards DK weight yarn; US Size 3 or 4 circular needles and/or DPNs, depending on how you prefer to knit in the round, and your gauge, plus a set of needles one size smaller; 4 stitch markers; tapestry needle

• Why you’ll want to: This lovely top pattern features A-line styling and a touch of lace. It offers several options; you can make the sleeves short or longer (or MUCH longer), and you can even turn it into a dress.

9. Summer Feeling

• What you’ll need to make it: 1970 to 2300 yards DK weight yarn; US Size 6 and 4 circular needles and/or DPNs, depending on how you prefer to knit in the round; stitch holder/spare DPN/scrap yarn; removable stitch markers

• Why you’ll want to: This sweater dress has a charming romantic side! Here you’ll find lacy details at the yoke and hem, cap sleeves, a wide neckline, and a swingy skirt.

Let me know if you’d like to see even more patterns for plus sizes. In the meantime, why not pick a sweater/shirt/dress to put on your knit-next list?