Knitted Knocker (worked flat on straight or circular needles) Knitted Knockers are breast prosthesis used by cancer patients after a mastectomy. They 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.
To be part of the worldwide Knitted Knockers effort all you have to do is make a single Knitted Knocker. Then contact one of the organizations identified at knittedknockers.info. These organizations will then give the Knitted Knockers free-of-charge to a mastectomy patient. You've just made a difference in women's life! Size: A[B, C, D, DD] Cup
Materials:
DK weight yarn (approx. 45-88 yards per knocker) Ultra Pima by Cascade Yarns (100% Cotton), US #6/4mm needles, Stitch markers, Sharp tapestry needle, Stuffing (cotton fleece or polyester fiberfill), Button or bead for nipple (optional), Small weight or smooth stone (optional)
Abbreviations:
CO = cast on, K = knit, k2tog = knit two stitches together, kfb = knit in the front and the back of the same stitch, RS = right side, st(s) = stitch(es), WS = wrong side
Knitted Knocker (worked flat on straight or circular needles)
Gauge: 22 sts/ 24 rows = 4 in. in stockinette st.
Directions:
CO 4 sts. Work 2 rows of i-cord. Variation: knit 1.5 - 2 inches of i-cord to knot and make a “nipple" when knocker is finished. Row 1 (RS):Work one more row of i-cord, increasing as follows: kfb in each st. (8 sts.) Row 2 (WS): Purl Row 3 (RS): K2, (place marker, kfb) 6 times (14 sts.) Row 4 (WS): Purl Row 5 (RS): [K to one st before marker, kfb, slip marker] 6 times, k2 (20sts.) Row 6 (WS): Purl Repeat rows 5 & 6 until there are 68 [74, 86, 92, 98] stitches on needle, ending with a RS row. Next row (WS): Knit 5, bind off 4 sts, knit remaining stitches across. Next row (RS): Knit until you reach the place where the 4 sts were bound off, cast on 4 stitches using an eloop or knitted cast on, then knit the remaining 5 sts. Next row (WS): Purl Next row (RS): [K to 2 sts before marker, k2tog, slip marker] 6 times, k1 Repeat these 2 rows until 14 stitches remain. Next row (WS): Purl Next row (RS): Removing markers as you come to them, k1, k2tog 6 times, k1 (8 stitches) Cut yarn, leaving a 20-24" tail. Thread the tail onto a darning needle and draw it through the remaining stitches, removing them from the knitting needle as you go. Pull tight to draw the stitches together, then use the tail to sew the knocker closed. Tack the front and back together through the center so the back is concave. Weave in all ends. Stuff, using the opening where the sts were bound off and cast back on again. Add small stone or weight, if desired. Attach bead or button, if desired, or knot i-cord and sew into place.
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.
Additional Information:
Visit www.knittedknockers.info for more information for knitters making knockers for themselves or for donation, and for recipients wearing the knockers.
