Knitted Knockers are breast prosthesis used by cancer patients after a mastectomy. Many of the commercially available breast prosthesis are made of silicone and wearers often complain that they are uncomfortable, heavy, hot, and can cause irritation to sensitive skin, plus they can be very expensive. Knitted Knockers are knitted in the shape of a breast with yarn (cotton or soft wool works great, acrylic yarns should be avoided) that is light weight, breathes, soft, washable, whisks moisture away from the body and are inexpensive. When Knitted Knockers are placed in a bra, they take the shape and feel of a real breast.
As the picture shows, Knitted Knockers can be made in all sizes, shapes and colors. It typically takes about two - three hours to knit a knocker. By making one or more knitted knockers and donating them to local cancer center, your act of kindness can help make a difference in another women's life. Know that all Knockers bring a smile and a feeling of love from one woman to another. For more information visit: knittedknockers.info
Knitted Knockers Pattern
With this pattern, the Knockers can be easily stuffed for perky or unstuffed a bit for a softer look, or for partials. The "slit" is small enough it doesn't have to be sewn shut to keep the stuffing in. Here's the pattern, enjoy! Size: A [B, C, D, DD] Cup
Materials:
● Ultra Pima by Cascade Yarns, approx. 45-88 yards per knocker (#3/DK weight yarn—100% Cotton) · 1 set of US #6/4mm double pointed needles · Small split ring marker or safety pin ·Sharp tapestry/darning needle · Decorative shank button for “nipple” (optional) see Nipple Note below Gauge: 22 sts/24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
Abbreviations:
BO = Bind Off CO = Cast On Dpn = Double pointed needle K = Knit Kfb = Knit in the front and the back of the same stitch K2tog = Knit two together M1 = Make One Sts = Stitches WS = Wrong Side I-Cord: CO required number of sts onto a dpn. K all sts.
Next Row:
Do not turn. Switch the needle back to your left hand and slide all sts to the other end of the needle. Bring the yarn around the back of the work, and start knitting the sts again. After the first 2 sts, give the yarn a sharp tug. Repeat this row to for I-cord. For a video tutorial, see http://www.knittinghelp.com/video/play/i-cord-continental (for continental knitters) or http://www.knittinghelp.com/video/play/i-cord-english (for English knitters)
Directions:
Front:
CO 3 sts.
Variations:
If you want to be able to attach a bead or button nipple, knit 2 rows of I-Cord. Or you can work 1.5 - 2 inches of I-Cord that can be knotted when the prosthesis is finished. It will look like a nipple through the bra (see "Nipple Note"). If you don't want a nipple, then just cast on and continue as directed below. Work one row of I-cord, increasing as follows: kfb in each st. 6 sts Divide sts between 3 double-point needles, in preparation to begin working in the round. Place marker in first stitch. ?Knit one round. · Next round: [K to last st on needle, m1, k1] around. 3 sts increased. · Repeat this round 19 [21, 25, 27, 29] times more. 66 [72, 84, 90, 96] sts total (22 [24, 28, 30, 32] sts on each needle). ·Knit two rounds with no increases. · Next round: Purl 2 sts, BO 4 sts, then purl the remaining sts to the beginning of the round · Next Round: Knit 2 sts. Then, using an e-wrap or knitted cast on, CO 4 sts, then knit the remaining sts to the beginning of the round. There should be 22 [24, 28, 30, 32] sts on each needle. · Next round: [K to last 2 sts on needle, k2tog] around. 3 sts decreased. · Repeat this round until 6 sts remain. Cut yarn, leaving a 6-8" tail. Using a darning/tapestry needle, thread the yarn through the remaining stitches and pull tight.
Back:
Nipple Note: Some women prefer perky breasts and perky nipples, some do not. Nipples can be made by ICord on sewing on a decorative small purl like button.
Finishing:
· Use the tail from the Back to tack the Front and Back pieces together through the center, so that the Back will be concave and will not sit against the scar and chafe or irritate it. Attach a small decorative bead or button for the “nipple", or knot the I-cord and sew in place if you want a nipple look. ·Weave in all ends. ?Visit www.knittedknockers.info for information on stuffing knockers, adding weights to them, washing them, and donating them, and for some design options. · Knockers are needed in all sizes and colors so have fun making the Knockers of your choice.
About the Design:
The original Tit Bit pattern was designed by Beryl Tsang who lives in Toronto. Her pattern has been modified by Tempe Yarn & Fiber, based on requests we received from the recipients of knitted knockers at our local cancer center. We changed the pattern so the knockers are knitted in one piece and have a slit for stuffing. The slit makes them more economical to mail, since they can be sent unstuffed, and it allows recipients to stuff and unstuff them for washing, and lets them add weights if desired or take them out when flying. We have also indicated Ultra Pima by Cascade Yarns as the suggested yarn because this has been the most popular yarn by far for our knitters and a favorite of recipients of the prosthetics.
Additional Information:
Visit www.knittedknockers.info for more information for knitters making knockers for themselves or for donation, and for recipients wearing the knockers. ?2012 Tempe Yarn & Fiber www.tempeyarn.com www.knittedknockers.info
