Knitted & Crocheted Breast Prostheses

Earlier today I read an article about an Arkansas-based group called “Bosom Buddies” (one of many similar groups) who knit breast prostheses for women who have had mastectomies.

“We found a real need for the knitted breast prostheses,” member Sharon Loyd said. “They were excited about helping women who need a prosthesis and either couldn’t afford one or weren’t ready for a permanent reconstruction.”

Bosom Buddies also and member Charlotte Kinner says, “the alternative prosthetics have been so popular the women now make them to order”. Kinner owns Dancing Sheep, the shop where her group meets regularly to make the breasts.

Bosom Buddies of Wyoming

There’s been many articles, press and general coverage of knitted breasts, so if you’re interested in learning more, a simple Google search will uncover loads of leads. Here are a few more recent examples with credits below:

A breast prosthesis knitted by Louise Sargent.

Made by Knit-a-Boob, a breast cancer awareness event.

Made by Misty’s Crochet.

If you’d like to make your own, Lactation Consultants Great Britain have a free pattern (also available in Portuguese).

7 Comments

Barbara Williams on March 11, 2014 at 4:59 pm

I am joining a knitting group whose women are interested in knitting breast prostheses and would like to take a pattern tomorrow to my first meeting with them. I have two patterns already which I downloaded but would to take more than two so they could pick the ones they would prefer to knit. I am a breast cancer survivor also and am very interested in this endeavour.

Chris on June 4, 2015 at 12:16 pm

I would love a copy of a prostheses knitting pattern I have tried lots of sights with no success.
I am UK based but think I could follow an USA pattern I would like to use a round needle, not 3/4 open ended pins.
I have 4 friends who would love to join me to knit these prostheses.
I would be so grateful if you could help me out.
The finished items would be sent to a British Charity that would distribute
them.
Thanks
Chris
- knithack on June 28, 2015 at 11:52 am
  
  Hi Chris, there are some resources here: http://www.dailyknitter.com/blog/knitting-prosthetic-breast/
- Anna Lang on April 24, 2019 at 12:29 pm
  
  I would love a pattern for
  fot knitted breast prosthesis

Lynne on May 23, 2015 at 7:39 pm

could you tell me where I could buy a knitted breast protheses

knithack on June 28, 2015 at 12:04 pm

Hi Lynne, the best thing is to google it – there are many people making and selling all over the world – good luck!
Pamela F Tucker on October 7, 2016 at 1:38 pm

Lynn,
A wonderful organization, knittedknockers.org provides them for free!
Kind Regards,
Pamela

Barbara Williams on March 11, 2014 at 4:59 pm

I am joining a knitting group whose women are interested in knitting breast prostheses and would like to take a pattern tomorrow to my first meeting with them. I have two patterns already which I downloaded but would to take more than two so they could pick the ones they would prefer to knit. I am a breast cancer survivor also and am very interested in this endeavour.
- Chris on June 4, 2015 at 12:16 pm
  
  I would love a copy of a prostheses knitting pattern I have tried lots of sights with no success.
  I am UK based but think I could follow an USA pattern I would like to use a round needle, not 3/4 open ended pins.
  I have 4 friends who would love to join me to knit these prostheses.
  I would be so grateful if you could help me out.
  The finished items would be sent to a British Charity that would distribute
  them.
  Thanks
  Chris
  - knithack on June 28, 2015 at 11:52 am
    
    Hi Chris, there are some resources here: http://www.dailyknitter.com/blog/knitting-prosthetic-breast/
  - Anna Lang on April 24, 2019 at 12:29 pm
    
    I would love a pattern for
    fot knitted breast prosthesis
Lynne on May 23, 2015 at 7:39 pm

could you tell me where I could buy a knitted breast protheses
- knithack on June 28, 2015 at 12:04 pm
  
  Hi Lynne, the best thing is to google it – there are many people making and selling all over the world – good luck!
- Pamela F Tucker on October 7, 2016 at 1:38 pm
  
  Lynn,
  A wonderful organization, knittedknockers.org provides them for free!
  Kind Regards,
  Pamela