POLL TIME – WHAT SIZE DO YOU WANT TO SEE?

There always seem to be crocheters complaining about the lack of patterns in particular sizes, especially larger sizes for women. Most patterns, especially those in current magazines, are pictured on slim models. The pattern instructions always include wording like ‘Pattern is for size small. Medium and Large sizes are in parentheses.’ What about those who are 1X or larger? What about those who are petite? What about women who are tall AND thin? Most patterns require quite a bit of adjusting to produce a garment that fits properly unless you’re a size 4. When I look around, I don’t see that many adult women who are size 4.

Sooooo. I’m interested to learn what might be the most popular or common size of sweater pattern that adult women would prefer to see. Help me out here. Please send in your responses to the categories below. I’ll tally them and report back in about two weeks. That should give time enough for everyone who wants to cast his/her vote. Posting can be anonymous if you send me a private email (jdwln@sbcglobal.net). Otherwise, just post your size preference – only ONE vote each, please – in the comment boxes below.

Thanks in advance. SCROLL DOWN FOR SIZE DEFINITIONS TO CAST YOUR VOTE.

SIZES FOR POLL: (Okay, these are MY groupings not necessarily the designers. Please vote for SIZE AND HEIGHT GROUPINGS.)
EXTRA SMALL – SIZE 0-4

SMALL – SIZE 6-10

MEDIUM – 12-14

LARGE – 16-18

XL – 20-22

XXL – 24-26

XXXL – 28-32

PETITE – UNDER 5’3″ HEIGHT

REGULAR – 5’3″ – 5’6″

TALL – 5’6″ – 5’10″

XTALL – 5’11″ – 6’1″

TALLER THAN 6’1″

91 Comments so far

1. Julie on September 22, 2007 12:22 am

   I like 2XL and larger.

2. Margaret Denny on September 22, 2007 2:31 am

   I’d love to see more patterns go up to 3X. I’ve seen several that I’d like to use that go up just to 2X, and while I can adjust a pattern with a little math, it is nice not to have to do so.

3. Joyce on September 22, 2007 5:32 am

   1x

4. Ada on September 22, 2007 7:05 am

   I wuld like to see the latger size patterns as well. Also mens sizes in the xxl and larger.

5. Chris Davis on September 22, 2007 7:28 am

   It would be nice to see patterns in xl and 1x.
   That’s the range I fit into. Thanks.
   Chris

6. Betty Crowther on September 22, 2007 7:33 am

   I’m a 4-5x.

7. marykz on September 22, 2007 7:34 am

   For myself I want sizes 6-8, with options to make longer sleeves and torso.

   but I want to SEE the pattern in a medium. or larger! Seeing a picture of a model in the smallest version of a garment with the pattern rarely shows a “real life” result. I want to see it on an average person with average flaws.

   just my 2 cents worth…

8. Maria Brown on September 22, 2007 8:12 am

   I would like to see 1X and up. I am a big girl and love to see some attractive things in my size.

   Thanks,
   Maria

9. maddy on September 22, 2007 8:40 am

   couldn’ vote

   when I clicked on the poll, this comment window is the only change I got to the page. am I missing something? Other folks posting on CP were also complaining

   re poll:

   women’s plus sizes!

   18-20

10. Jean DeRoest on September 22, 2007 8:48 am

    I would like to see a large size.
    Thanks
    Jean

11. Edie Kittleson on September 22, 2007 9:00 am

    I prefer average to a little larger than average sizes, depending on the item. Sweaters I like in larger sizes. I am, however, very short, only 4 ft 11 in, so always have to adjust. I would like to see some garments (especially sweaters and vests) in shorter lengths.

    Thanks for listening.

12. Charlotte Geier on September 22, 2007 9:47 am

    Size Poll: Would love to see more sweater patterns in women’s sizes from 1X to 5X. Also, it would be nice to find pretty afghan patterns in Queen and King sizes.

13. Beth on September 22, 2007 9:50 am

    size XL

14. Cece Bercier on September 22, 2007 10:07 am

    I guess this is where I vote?? anyhow I would like to see more plus sizes 3x-5x

15. Mary H on September 22, 2007 10:24 am

    I would like to see patterns in size Petite Large (12-14).

16. Cathrine on September 22, 2007 10:34 am

    I would like to see from medium size and up for those that are in the larger sizes, then everyone would be happy then.

17. Hilary in Germany on September 22, 2007 12:02 pm

    SIZES FOR POLL:

    SMALL – SIZE 6-10

    MEDIUM – 12-14

    LARGE – 16-18

    XL – 20-22

    XXL – 24-26

    XXL – 28-32

    PETITE – UNDER 5′3″ HEIGHT

    REGULAR – 5′3″ – 5′6″

    TALL – 5′6″ – 5′10″

    Personally, I do make garments for gifts as well as for myself, so I would like to see a large size range.

    http://360.yahoo.com/h_detmers
    Ravelry: HilaryGermany

18. Arlene in the Adirondacks on September 22, 2007 12:04 pm

    I really would like to see more patterns go to size 2X from sm on up.
    Arlene in the Adirondacks

19. Patricia Galloway on September 22, 2007 12:12 pm

    I would love to see the XXL or XXXL in a petite. Just because we get heavier doesn’t mean we get taller. I am just 5’2″ but wear the XXXL

20. Leah on September 22, 2007 12:40 pm

    I fall into the sizes the designers “write” for, the small or medium but I’m tall and that sometimes poses a problem with body length or sleeve length…… Though, I know a lot of people who would really appreciate more patterns that go to xl and xxl.

21. Wendy Foxx on September 22, 2007 2:24 pm

    I would like to see more patterns in the 2X to 5X size. Average length. Thank you for asking.

22. Sandra Perez on September 22, 2007 3:01 pm

    I vote for XL and medium ,height — I am not overweight, just under tall.(Garfield the cat)

23. Pat Qualy on September 22, 2007 3:49 pm

    In women’s sizes, I want to see up to large AND extra large. Too many patternd give S, M,L only.

24. Jan Clausen on September 22, 2007 4:02 pm

    I would like to see extra tall 1x. But not shaped as though I were “Fluffy”. I am tall (5′ 11″) and broad across the back, with large shoulders, hence the 1x, but I am not overweight. Usually patterns in 1x are like tents, great flowing things with monstrous large arms, and don’t fit a woman who wants normally shaped clothes, just bigger! In other words, I want the same styles as the size 2′s, just bigger!

25. Luanne on September 22, 2007 4:52 pm

    XL and XXL are what I usually need and petite since I’m 5 foot nuthin’!!

26. Cecile on September 22, 2007 4:58 pm

    I would love to see patterns in XL-XXL in petite.

27. Valerie on September 22, 2007 5:12 pm

    I would like to see more petite medium sizes available.

28. carol on September 22, 2007 5:38 pm

    Sense no person is really the very same size… I would like to see lots of different size. I don’t think anyone in my family is the same sizes.

29. Patricia Steeves on September 22, 2007 5:45 pm

    I like to see a wide range of sizes, I am losing weight, but my daughter is not and large and xl just don’t cut it for her anymore.

30. Ann on September 22, 2007 6:13 pm

    I vote for 3X, Large, and tall.

31. Mary B. on September 22, 2007 6:56 pm

    I’d like to see larger sizes. I am 5’1″ but “fluffy”. A XXL in a pretty design, not just a bag shape, would be lovely.

32. Chirsty M on September 22, 2007 7:29 pm

    2-3X…I’m supersized barbie!

33. Cathrine on September 22, 2007 7:34 pm

    not the small sizes, but more medium to larger sizes would be more appropriate for todays women

34. Cathrine on September 22, 2007 7:35 pm

    read the following from yesterdays comment

35. Lori Jerome on September 22, 2007 7:58 pm

    I would like to see designers actually design a pattern for the modern woman. That size is anywhere between and size 10 and size 18…….I am a size 12….my daughter a size 20…my daughter in law a size 22..and my other daughter in law a size ummmmmm 3 I think.

    btw I am vertically challenged at 5’4″

36. Jamey on September 22, 2007 9:18 pm

    I would need xxl and petite

37. krisr on September 23, 2007 4:35 am

    I’m a XXL by your standards, typically a 26 on top and XTall. Go on with your bad self, KrisR

38. Mary Helgesen on September 23, 2007 5:51 am

    After seeing your size list, I need to change that to size petite medium. However, I might sometimes be a petite large. By petite, I don’t just mean shorter length and sleeve length. Those are easy enough to change. What I need is NARROW SHOULDERS for a petite size! I don’t need the shoulder seam 1/3 of the way down my arm.

    Thanks for taking this poll!

39. Kathy Gamboa on September 23, 2007 6:05 am

    I like seeing sizes from 1X – 3X for those of us who are BBW’S or just like to wear clothes that are loose-fitting or comfortable, whether we are just putzin’ around the house or out on the town. Also not just for women’s clothing but for our fellas as well! More men’s sizes too please (1X – 4X)!!
    Thanks and have a warm and fuzzy day my friend!

40. Ronnie on September 23, 2007 7:44 am

    I liked to see more xl and taller.

    Schematics need to be required…I personally have a short torso, and long legs and arms.

    I have to adjust most patterns to get a comfortable fit.

41. Connie Fish on September 23, 2007 8:16 am

    I am only 5’1″ & an XL, but would prefer size ranges from small to 2X to use as gifts as well as things for me.

42. Deb on September 23, 2007 8:43 am

    It is a hard one to choose. I know people in all sorts of sizes so…I would choose the larger sizes since that is what I see the most. I guess I’m not much help LOL!

43. sharon on September 23, 2007 8:50 am

    I’d like 2x-3x in regular. It is so difficult for me to find patterns in this size range. Upsizing patterns isn’t my special gift. Love to knit and crochet. Would love patterns that fit me.

44. Glena on September 23, 2007 9:31 am

    I very rarely make wearables because it’s hard to find EX SM Petite. I can’t even find clothes that fit me at WM, so shop dollar stores for kids size 12-14

45. susan kuta on September 23, 2007 9:44 am

    2x petite for me.

46. Pam on September 23, 2007 1:07 pm

    I would like to see med. to the biggest size, I also make gifts, and sometimes doing all the calculations take up too much time.

47. Jenny A on September 23, 2007 3:57 pm

    I would like to see XXL sizes please.

48. jd wolfe on September 23, 2007 7:55 pm

    Please keep those cards and letters coming. I mean VOTE!! Spread the word!!! Pass the web address along to other crocheters you know. I’m planning to send the collected data to some publishers.

    Thanks,
    jd

49. mugsy on September 23, 2007 9:17 pm

    I would like to see garments in all sizes. I know this is asking alot, but we crocheters come in all sizes. Thanks for the question.

50. Stef on September 24, 2007 8:44 am

    I wear 18W … but I wouldn’t want to see any of the patterns pictured in your column on a woman that big because the patterns pictured in your column are made for very petite women (regardless of their height) who can show a lot of skin without showing a lot of … rolls.

    For garments appropriate for women of all sizes, I don’t necessarily feel I need to see them in all sizes, but I would like the work already done for me to figure out how to make them in MY size. It seems to me that’s a great deal of what I’m paying for if I buy a pattern in the first place, and if I’m not getting that, then I usually move on to a different pattern which does provide the information I require.

51. Pamela Robert on September 24, 2007 2:53 pm

    I’d like the size Large and 1X

52. POLL TIME - WHAT SIZE DO YOU WANT TO SEE? · Craft Gossip :: Craft Blog Network on September 24, 2007 6:34 pm

    [...] Read the full post POLL TIME – WHAT SIZE DO YOU WANT TO SEE? [...]

53. Diane Morlan on September 24, 2007 6:41 pm

    I am an XXL Petite. Designers seem to think you can’T be chubby and short. They probably don’t think you can be chubby and tall. In fact, most designers just ignor chubby all together.

54. carmella on September 24, 2007 7:04 pm

    thru 3X please. we al know people of various sizes!!!

55. Tina on September 26, 2007 10:57 am

    I would like 2x to 3x (depending on the item) as well as for 6ft 1 in. I am not built like usual large women. Thanks

56. Veronica Smith on September 27, 2007 3:47 am

    I have had need to alter patterns for “out of pattern range” folk.
    Men’s and women’s need to come in sizes up to about 150cm (60 inch) FINISHED SIZE and not “daggy” designs. I am appalled that they are not made. Some people carry extra weight, it is discrimination. What about body builders? Have you seen some of those (particularly men) Taller people aren’t catered for either. I have a 6’8″ male grid iron player brother – find one for him!

57. judy on October 1, 2007 7:01 pm

    I wish to vote for the size small – 6 to 10. I wear a small and like to see how a pattern will look if I make it.

58. Barbara Stuart on October 2, 2007 2:17 pm

    I would just like to see the patterns state the pattern repeat information. If I know that the pattern is x number of chains, plus 2, then I can make the item any size I need. I make clothing items for youngsters and adults from small to XXX or 4XL. I don’t expect a designer to provide the instructions for every size, but if I have a clue how to adjust it, I’ll happily do that myself.

59. Cay on October 2, 2007 2:20 pm

    I’m finding more patterns in the plus sizes, but they are still modeled by bulimic little girls. Hard to imagine what they will look like on a real person with hips and boobs.

60. Carol Johns on October 2, 2007 2:25 pm

    I would like to see patterns for tall persons, I am thin 126 lbs, and 5’10″ tall, and hard to find clothes to fit.

61. Dejay on October 2, 2007 2:48 pm

    1X tall

62. barb olufe on October 2, 2007 2:54 pm

    xl
    regular

63. vashti on October 2, 2007 2:59 pm

    Ideally, I’d like to see more than one size because it makes the design more interesting to me as a designer. At the crochet conferences some of us get together and try on each other’s designs and learn LOTS about the design itself this way. For example three different size Large people could all wear your design differently because one has wide bony shoulders, another is short and rounded, another needs a very different color or texture for it to look good at all on her. Not only that but it’s amazing how differently people stand and move, so if you design something with a lot of drape, it will also look very different from person to person.

    A lot of the time, one size really does fit many when designers try on each other’s designs, because crochet stretches (despite what knitters say). But one size can look like many different sizes. At the very least maybe publishers could show the same garment on more than one model? And include the comments we ourselves make to each other, like, “This fits me well except that I’d make the upper arms roomier.” Or, “I’d need more bust shaping so the front doesn’t hike up on me.”

    However if I have to pick ONE size, I guess I’d pick my own size and height so that I can wear the design after it’s published So I’d vote for Medium, average height.

64. DeeDee on October 2, 2007 3:57 pm

    These are the sizes I would be interested in. There are lots of cute things inthe smaller sizes, it would be fun to make something cute in my size.

    thanks!

    LARGE – 16-18

    XL – 20-22

    TALL – 5′6″ – 5′10″

    XTALL – 5′11″ – 6′1″

    TALLER THAN 6′1″

65. Essie on October 2, 2007 4:54 pm

    I would like more patterns in size XL and up. Also agree with the other ladies, would love to see the patterns on a “real” person with hips, butt, boobs and not some skinny “walking toothpick” whose shulder blades stick out farther than her boobs do.

66. Wilma Keith on October 2, 2007 5:09 pm

    I would like to see up to 2x in petite. I am long in torso but short legged. Even most petites are too long in the legs.(skirt length)

67. Eddia on October 2, 2007 5:40 pm

    I am 5’5″ and a size XL
    My adopted DDIL is 5’3″ and wears a size 1 (adult!!)
    Also I wish they would have more raglan-style sweaters, both cardigans & pullovers, for us who have large upper arms.
    Eddia

68. Lorri on October 2, 2007 5:46 pm

    petite in large to 1x and tall in med and large

69. dj on October 2, 2007 6:34 pm

    large and xl would be very helpful and i totally agree with the others about seeing real-size models. what a boon that would be!
    dj

70. Joycie on October 2, 2007 6:56 pm

    I would like to see a variety of sizes. Many patterns do not have XL or larger. Since I am also tall, I would like to see modifications that could be added to make the body of a sweater and/or sleeves longer – or shorter as I know there are a plenthora of petite women out there.

71. cyan on October 2, 2007 7:00 pm

    xsm to large

72. Marie on October 2, 2007 7:22 pm

    Please sizes 12-14 like “normal women” and height 5’3″ to 5’6″

73. Chris on October 2, 2007 8:28 pm

    I would like to see more patterns in XXL & XXXL, depending on style. Some things I like to fit closer to the body and some things I like loose.

74. anne on October 2, 2007 8:42 pm

    I would love plus/tall sizes! That look as pretty as the small patterns!

75. Debbie on October 3, 2007 4:39 am

    2xl and Tall! i’m not sure of my size in american terms but i know my height. i follow only american patterns as thats what i started on pattern wise and learnt from american instructions

    Debz
    UK

76. Caprice Savage on October 3, 2007 5:40 am

    I’m a very petite woman and I’d like to see sizes 1 to 3 more often. I’m 5′ 3″ and 96 pounds. It seems to me like they forget that there are women that are small.

77. Rachel on October 3, 2007 6:56 am

    I would like to see more pretty designs for 2x and larger.

78. Georgia on October 3, 2007 8:27 am

    Both XXL and Small. One for me, one for my daughter!

79. Pauline Williams-Greasley on October 3, 2007 8:50 am

    I’m fine with small, medium and large sizes …. I know how to make adjustments, so it doesn’t bother me if the size I need is not listed!

80. Sue W. on October 3, 2007 9:01 am

    I am a petite in height and a 3x around. Thanks for giving us a voice!!!!!

81. Nancy on October 3, 2007 9:50 am

    1X to 5X would be great for those of us who have been relagated to the tents and tunics for years. It’s time for us to be fashionable!!!!! More patterns in larger sizes would be a welcome change.

    thanks for the poll.

82. Jeanne Sprague on October 3, 2007 10:07 am

    I like to see size L or XL(1X)

83. Emma on October 3, 2007 12:05 pm

    I would like to see sizes xl & xxl and tall 5’6-5’10 and extra tall 5’11 to 6’1. My daughter is extra tall and I just tall. It would be nice to have a pattern that I didn’t have to fiddle to get it to fit either of us.

84. ej on October 3, 2007 12:29 pm

    i wouldn’t like tight sweaters and the people i would crochet for would be from a large to 4xl…..looks like the yarn companies would love us…..lol….more yarn to sell….
    ej in az

85. Laura Harrison on October 4, 2007 1:57 am

    I would like to see patterns in 1 to 5x for both women and men.

86. Cindi on October 4, 2007 10:05 am

    I would like lrg petite thanks for asking

87. Sandy Shaw on October 5, 2007 10:36 am

    I like to see large, regular for myself, but I also like to see items in sizes that pertain to other people I crochet for, such as my daughters (med., regular) and/or my grandson (who will be 3 soon).

88. Lee Ann Beausejour on October 6, 2007 9:43 am

    I like sizes that range from a small 1x-usually size 18 with variations given to large 3x -size 30. Since you want only 1 size I would have to say size 3x. It is easier to downsize a pattern than upsize-expecially when yarn amounts have to be calculated-knowing how much of a certain yarn and buying the same dye lot-it is easier to return (or add to stash) than it is to get more for the sleeve or collar.

89. Karen Wicks on October 15, 2007 8:09 pm

    I know I am out of the ordinary but I want to see more extra smalls or, even better, patterns that are easily convertible for people who aren’t “average” (not only am I short and skinny but I am also flat chested, I always end up with too much fabric where I am apparently supposed to have boobs).

90. Barbara Nicoll on October 25, 2007 2:47 pm

    I think patterns should be made for all sizes, after all, knitters and crocheters come in all sizes.

    For me personally, I need a 2X for a 5’4 apple frame. The “average” woman’s size is a 14. If she is well endowed, her bust may not be that of a regular 14, so it just makes sense to make patters in all sizes!

    Think of the thousands and thousands of added revenue for the pattern makers, book companies and yarn companies that they are losing out on now because they don’t accommodate the appropriate consumer. It’s a no-brainer folks!

91. Ruby on July 15, 2011 7:01 am

    2 XL and larger (although many patterns I’ve seen are XS, S, and MED…the average woman now is a size 16 they say…so where are the LARGE and bigger patterns????