Crochet Knockers are a special kind of handmade creation that people around the world make with love and care to offer comfort to those who have undergone mastectomies. Using soft, cozy yarn, volunteers crochet these soft, lightweight breast prosthetics, offering a heartwarming alternative to traditional options. The process involves crocheting in rounds, increasing, and then decreasing to form the perfect shape.
Crochet Knockers
Materials Needed:
- Approximately 70g of approved yarn
- 4.5 mm crochet hook
- Stitch markers (3 needed, two of one color, one of another)
- Darning needle
- Tape measure
- Polyester fiberfill for stuffing
Recommended Yarns:
- Please refer to the Knitted Knockers official site for a list of approved yarns.
- It's important to use soft, breathable, washable yarns that do not irritate sensitive skin.
Crochet Pattern:
Start with a Magic Ring:
- Make a loop with the yarn, insert hook and pull up a loop, chain one to secure. This forms your starting point.
Round 1:
- Work 6 single crochets into the ring.
Round 2:
- Increase by making two single crochets in each stitch around. You should have 12 stitches at the end of this round.
Continue Increasing:
- For each subsequent round, you will be systematically increasing at three equidistant points around the circle to create a triangular shape.
- This mimics the natural shape of a breast.
- Use stitch markers to mark the points of increase. You’ll increase at each marker by making two single crochets in the marked stitch and the following stitch.
Progressive Rounds:
- You will continue increasing in this pattern until the piece measures about the size of the intended cup (A, B, C, etc.).
- The size of the increases and the number of rounds will depend on the desired size.
- Reference the official Knitted Knockers pattern for specific counts and measurements.
Shaping the Cup:
- Once you reach the desired size, you should stop increasing and work a few rounds evenly (no increases or decreases) through the back loops only.
- This creates a soft edge that’s more comfortable to wear.
Final Rounds and Closure:
- Decrease evenly around the top of the knocker to narrow the opening. Decrease strategically to maintain a round shape. Do not close off completely.
- Leave a long enough tail for sewing. Thread through remaining stitches and pull to gather, but do not knot tightly. This allows for stuffing adjustment.
Finishing:
- Stuff the knocker firmly with polyester fiberfill.
- Use the tail to stitch through the final round to close, ensuring the stuffing stays in place yet remains adjustable.
- Weave in all ends neatly.
Leave a Reply