[btibbs70]

Mother is in a wheelchair and needs a sweater that will slip front-wise, has a large upside-down U shaped back (the sweater will only connect at the top). I can hand or machine knit. I'm not sure what search phrase I should use. I've looked at Buck and Buck, Silverts, and Iz Adaptive. Please provide suggestions on how to search or if you know of any sites I can buy a pattern or finished product.

 

[woolywoman]

I found this one on google using "wheelchair backless sweater knit pattern" i didn't look any further than this one.
https://www.bergeredefrance.com/open-back-sweater.html

 

[Grannie Sandy]

I'm glad Woolywoman found a pattern for you. When my son was a toddler I made a corderoy hoodie jacket for him and put a long zipper up the back and part of the hoodie. I just added a little extra seam to support the zipper. That made it much easier to dress him and he couldn't take it off. I suppose you could do the same with a standard pullover sweater pattern.

 

[k2p3-knit-on]

Can't you modify a pullover sweater by knitting the back in two pieces (side to center plus a few stitches to insert a zipper )? It's what I would do.

 

[woolywoman]

In the 80's we wore our button up sweaters backwards. I don't know if she can sit up and forward for that. It's just an idea.

 

[btibbs70]

I found this one on google using "wheelchair backless sweater knit pattern" i didn't look any further than this one.
https://www.bergeredefrance.com/open-back-sweater.html

That's even better than what I had envisioned. Thank you so much.

 

[wgornick]

If I was wearing that, I'd like more fabric in the back to block drafts. I always feel cold around my kidneys.

 

[Spreuss]

You could add more ties to it. That is so neat looking. Can’t wait to see your sweater.

 

[ChasingRainbows]

My niece is in a wheelchair and lives in a nursing home. I bought her a pocket shawl for Christmas last year. She loves it, since it's lightweight, covers her back (she's always cold) and arms, and has pockets. It had to be machine wash/dry for the home's laundry requirements.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B074JKXQS1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you don't have those requirements, how about a bolero/shrug type sweater that she can wear backwards, or a library shawl.

Or, something like this, but don't attach the bottom.

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/open-back-sweater-3

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/faux-circle-jacket

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nervatura-shrug

 

[btibbs70]

Thank you all for the links and suggestions. Those lead me to (sigh) purchase (I despise shopping) a cowl-necked sweater, cut it up the back, sew double fold bias tape up each cut side, attach hooks and eyes at the neck area, and call it "done." Not the product I originally envisioned, but thirty minutes from start to finish, Mother was happy, warm, and comfortable.

 

[Spreuss]

That’s what counts is your Mother happy, warm and comfortable. That is the most important, cherish each moment with her. Take care and stay safe. Sandi