When Beryl Tsang lost a breast to cancer, she found it difficult to find a comfortable prosthesis that fit properly. So she knit her own. Soon, other breast cancer survivors were asking for them, so she started up Tit Bits: Hand-Knitted Breasts. And now she is sharing her instructions on how to make them for free. Note: This pattern is provided for your personal use only.
Click here to view a larger image of the finished craft
Size
A[B,C,D,DD] Cup
Materials
1 skein Butterfly Super 10 Cotton (100 per cent merqcerized cotton; 250 yds/230 m per 100 g skein)
1 set of four 4mm double-pointed needles (DPN)
3.75 mm double-pointed needles (DPN)
Small split ring marker or safety pin
Sharp tapestry needle
Decorative shank button for "nipple" (I find vintage buttons work best)
Stuffing (cotton fleece or polyester fibrefill)
Small weight, such as a smooth stone (see "Designer's Notes," below)
Gauge: 22 sts/24 rows = 10 cm (4 in) in stockinette stitch, before felting. To save time, take time to check gauge.
Stitches:
I-Cord:
CO 3 sts onto DPN. K all sts.
Next Row: *Instead of turning the work around to work back on the WS, slide all sts to the other end of the needle, switch the needle back to your left hand, 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 from * to form I-cord.
To make:
Outer Piece:
Using larger needles, CO 3 sts. Work 2 rows of I-Cord.
(Variation: If you don't want to use a bead or button nipple, knit 4 to 5 cm/1.5 to 2-in of I-Cord before beginning to shape outer piece. This cord can be knotted when the boob is finished. It will look like a nipple through your bra.)
*Work one more row of I-Cord, increasing as follows: kfb in each st. 6 sts now on needle.
Divide sts between 3 DPN, in preparation to begin working in the round. Place marker in first stitch.
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 now on needles. P 2 rounds. BO all sts.*
You will now have what looks like a small, sweet triangular hat (or in the words of my breast surgeon who is Jewish, "A very badly-made kippah"). Don't worry; it will make a perky breast!
Inner Piece:
Using smaller needles, CO 3 sts. Work 1 row of I-Cord.
Work from * to * as for Outer Piece.
Page 1 of 2 -- On page 2, learn how to finish your Tit Bit, as well as helpful designer's notes.
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