How to Find Free Knitting Patterns for Plus Sizes

A brief guide to finding plus-sized knitting patterns, and a handy selection of patterns to get you started

On one hand, one of the marvelous things about knitting clothing is that we can adjust what we’re knitting to make it precisely the right size.

On the other hand, one of the most frustrating bits about knitting clothing is that, too often, plus-size figures are harder to find patterns for. 🤔

The latter issue is represented by an email I once received from a reader named Leslie:

“I would love to learn more about knitting for larger sizes. I find it very frustrating when knitting a shawl it’s too small for someone who is larger than a size L or even XL. If there is a way to see patterns for plus sizes that would be fantastic!”

First, a Little About the Ravelry Pattern Database

This question is a great introduction to the pattern database of a website called Ravelry!

You may already be familiar with Ravelry, which has been around for a few decades now. I was fortunate that Ravelry opened its doors not long after I learned to knit, at a time when I was so obsessed with it that I signed up immediately. (At that time, Ravelry was still new enough that you had to request invitations to it. I still remember obsessively checking my inbox many times a day hoping for that coveted invite!)

At the time I joined, I was quite enamored with the Ravelry forums. And if you’re a charity knitter, you might want to get to know these forums as well; many of them host charity knitting groups of various kinds. There’s even a general Charity Knitting group with a wide variety of folks promoting their own charity groups and requesting items for specific causes. 😍

Over time, I learned about the pattern database that, in my opinion, is one of the most useful tools that Ravelry offers. It is so powerful that I now offer a course on how to use it to its fullest potential. (If you’re curious, you can read about it here and enroll if you want to dig deeper!)

The Ravelry pattern database is a one-stop resource for inspiration or finding a particular type of pattern, and it is exactly the sort of resource you’ll need if you’re looking for plus-sized patterns.

If you’d like an idea of how to use the Ravelry pattern database to find the knitting patterns you need, read on!

Using the Ravelry Pattern Database to Find Plus-Size Patterns

These instructions assume that you’re already a Ravelry member. If not, you’ll want to rectify that first! Signing up for a Ravelry membership is easy and, more importantly, free. 🙌 Visit Ravelry.com and follow the prompts.

Once you’re a member (or once you’ve logged in), here’s what you’ll need to do:

Step One: Click on the heading at the top of the page marked Patterns.

Step Two: Find the search box at the top left of the page. Right below it, you’ll see a link reading “Advanced Search.” If you prefer either knitting or crochet, I recommend clicking the appropriate link under “Personalize” before you click the “Advanced Search” link. This will ensure that when you’re taken to the pattern database, you’ll see nothing but knitting or crochet patterns.

Now, go ahead and click that “Advanced Search” link!

Step Three: At the left, you’ll find a column of filters. Here’s where the browser works its magic. Look for the one labeled “Gender/Age/Size/Fit.” It will most likely be at or near the top.

Click first on “Fit”; this will bring up another menu. Within this menu, you’ll find “plus fit.” Click the checkbox next to it; it’s now selected, and the patterns that fill the screen will all offer plus sizes! 🎉

(You’ll see other types of sizes as well, including “oversized fit” and “maternity fit,” both of which can also come in handy.)

A Few Plus-Sized Patterns to Get You Started

If you don’t feel like searching the pattern database and just want to leap right into a selection of plus-sized patterns, I’ve got you covered!

You can use any or all of these as a starting point, and then when you wish to find more, you can follow the steps above.

1. Iced

• What you’ll need to make it: 880 to 1080 yards super bulky yarn; US Size 11 DPNs and/or circular needles (depending on how you prefer to knit in the round); US Size J crochet hook; stitch markers; scrap yarn; locking stitch markers or safety pins; 2 large buttons; 2 large plastic snaps

• Why you’ll want to: This is a lovely, loose cardigan that is meant to go with everything. This is especially true when knitted in a neutral color.

2. Carol’s Clever Little Shawl

• What you’ll need to make it: 650 yards worsted weight yarn; US Size 10.5 needles (possibly circular to allow for large number of stitches) and US Size 10 DPNs or circular needles (depending on how you prefer to knit in the round); stitch markers

• Why you’ll want to: This is a fun little shawl based on an historic shawl designed in the 1800s. The texture of the body and the lacy edging make this a unique and stylish work of art.

3. Blissful Blue Top

• What you’ll need to make it: 850 yards worsted weight yarn; US Size 9 needles; stitch holder (or scrap yarn or spare DPN)

• Why you’ll want to: This lovely feminine tank top offers pretty detailing over the chest and shoulders. And of course, you can use any color of yarn–it doesn’t have to be blue! (You’ll need to register on the Lion Brand website to access the pattern, but registration is free.)

4. Golden Flame Poncho

• What you’ll need to make it: 572 yards aran or worsted weight yarn; US Size 8 circular needle or DPNs (depending on how you prefer to knit in the round)

• Why you’ll want to: This lovely, light, and lacy poncho can be worn over your shoulders or around your neck. It features a beautiful scalloped lace design that can be challenging (it’s fully charted), but the results are breathtaking! While the sample obviously uses a bright orange, you can use any color for equally beautiful results.

5. Fillan Cowl

• What you’ll need to make it: 255 yards sport weight yarn; US Size 6 DPNs or circular needles (depending on how you prefer to knit in the round); cable needle or spare DPN

• Why you’ll want to: The texture of this lovely cowl makes it special. We’re used to seeing gently curving cables, but this cowl features fascinating cables that resemble tree limbs and trunks. It’s a fascinating piece that you can easily make a little looser with additional sets of stitches and/or a thinner yarn.

6. River Deep, Mountain High Cowl

• What you’ll need to make it: 90 to 200 yards bulky weight yarn; US Size 11 DPNs or circular needles (depending on how you prefer to knit in the round); stitch markers

• Why you’ll want to: This lovely cowl pattern features a delightfully stylish chevron lace pattern. You can knit it in one of two versions: short, to be worn close to the neck, or long, to be wrapped twice around the neck.

7. Simple Raglan Cardi

• What you’ll need to make it: 800 to 990 yards aran/worsted weight yarn; US Size 6 and 7 circular needles (at least 29 inches long); stitch markers; stitch holder or scrap yarn or spare DPN

• Why you’ll want to: This adorable, short-sleeved, cropped cardigan can be worn over sundresses and tank tops. It’s knitted all in one piece with minimal seaming.

Now you’ve got an assortment of plus-sized patterns to try… and the ability to find more, if you’d like!