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What Body Sizes Should Patterns Have?

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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 ([email protected]). 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.

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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″

Comments

  2. 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.

  7. 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. 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. 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

  11. 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.

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

  19. 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. 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.

  24. 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!

  28. 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. 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.

  31. 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.

  35. 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″

  38. 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. 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. 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.

  42. 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. 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. 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

  46. 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.

  48. 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. 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. 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.

Have you read?

Make To Donate: Crochet Chemo Cap Patterns

There are some crochet projects that are lovely to make, and then there are the ones that feel like they have a little more purpose stitched into them. Chemo caps definitely fall into that second category.

A handmade crochet chemo cap can provide warmth, privacy and comfort to someone experiencing treatment-related hair loss, but this is one charity crochet project where the yarn and pattern really do matter. A beautiful hat made with scratchy yarn or an open lace stitch may look lovely sitting on your craft table but be completely wrong for a sensitive scalp.

If you are new to making handmade donations, our broader Make To Donate crochet pattern collection is a useful place to start. 20 Crochet Patterns Perfect for Donating to Charities You can also read our guide to crocheting for a cause before choosing an organisation to support. Crochet for a Cause: Using Your Skills to Make a Difference

Before you start crocheting, contact your chosen cancer centre or organisation and check its current requirements.

Crochet for Cancer asks that donated caps are new, clean and free from perfume, smoke and pet hair. They recommend soft cotton, acrylic, silk, fleece or blends and specifically advise against wool and alpaca because they may irritate sensitive scalps. They also recommend close stitches without large gaps. Knots of Love similarly asks makers to avoid lacy or see-through designs and maintains its own approved yarn list.

In other words, this is not the project for that mystery skein of scratchy wool you bought on clearance twelve years ago and have been trying to justify ever since.

Crochet Chemo Cap Patterns to Make and Donate

1. Simple Crochet Chemo Cap

Get the Simple Crochet Chemo Cap free pattern

This is a very practical place to start. The pattern was specifically designed as a chemo cap and comes in sizes from children through adult extra large.

It uses a cotton and rayon blend and combines half double crochet with subtle ridged sections, giving the hat some texture without creating big open spaces. I particularly like having several sizes in one pattern because cancer treatment affects people of every age.

2. Canadia Chemo Cap

Get the Canadia Hat free crochet pattern

The Canadia Hat from Banana Moon Studio was designed specifically with chemo care in mind. It uses a light worsted yarn and linked stitches that help create a fairly solid fabric without making the hat stiff.

The pattern includes a range of sizes and the free version is available directly on the designer’s website.

3. Lily of the Valley Chemo Cap

Get the Lily of the Valley Chemo Cap pattern

If you would like something a little prettier without wandering into overly open lace territory, this floral-textured chemo cap is a lovely option.

It was created for the Crochet Cancer Challenge and is designed using soft lightweight yarn for comfortable wear. It has enough detail to feel special while still being intended specifically for cancer patients and donation programs.

4. Velvet Ridge Chemo Cap in Four Sizes

Get the free Velvet Ridge Chemo Cap pattern

This newer chemo cap pattern includes four sizes from approximately age five through adult XL.

It uses plush chenille-style yarn and has a simple ridged band for a little visual detail. The designer also suggests checking with your local cancer centre before making donation caps, which is advice I wish every charity pattern included.

5. Soft Heart Chemo Hat

Get the Soft Heart Chemo Hat free crochet pattern

The Soft Heart Beanie was created for the 2025 Crochet Cancer Challenge and comes in six sizes, from preemie through adult.

The design is seamless, soft and designed to work up relatively quickly, making it a particularly useful pattern if your crochet group is planning to make multiple hats.

6. Diane Beanie Chemo Cap

Get the Diane Beanie free crochet pattern

The Diane Beanie is a simple top-down design made primarily with single crochet and finished with a back-loop ribbed brim.

The result is a fairly dense fabric, which is exactly what we want for a chemo cap. The pattern includes teen/small adult and large adult sizing.

7. Textured Stripes Chemo Cap

Get the Textured Stripes Chemo Cap free pattern

I like this one for anyone who gets bored making completely plain hats.

The texture gives the cap a little personality, but the designer has kept the inside comfortable and smooth. It was created specifically for cancer-hat donation projects, so it fits our Make To Donate theme beautifully.

8. Elixir Chemo Cap

Get the Elixir Chemo Cap free crochet pattern

The Elixir is another pattern created specifically for charity donation and cancer awareness.

It includes three sizes and was designed to be lightweight, breathable and gentle. You can also choose a yarn colour associated with a particular cancer awareness cause if you are making hats for a specific fundraising or support event.

9. Cancer Ribbon Crochet Beanie

Get the free Cancer Ribbon Beanie pattern

This one makes the symbolism quite literal, with an awareness ribbon worked into the hat design.

The pattern comes in toddler, child and adult sizes and uses front-post colourwork to create the ribbon motif.

For actual chemo use, I would pay particular attention to the yarn choice and inside texture. For awareness events, fundraising or support gifts, though, the ribbon detail is especially meaningful.

10. Hopeful Butterfly Chemo Hat

Get the Hopeful Butterfly Hat free pattern

This hat was originally created as a chemo cap and incorporates awareness-inspired detailing along with butterfly symbolism.

It is a lovely choice when you want something that looks less like a basic medical head covering and more like a thoughtfully designed handmade accessory.

11. Summer Chemo Cap With Sun Hat Brim

Get the Summer Chemo Cap free crochet pattern

Most chemo-cap collections lean heavily towards cold-weather beanies, so I was pleased to find this summer option.

It combines a lightweight cap with a small sun-hat-style brim and was designed specifically for people undergoing treatment or experiencing sensitive scalps.

It is also a good reminder that people undergoing cancer treatment may need comfortable head coverings all year round, not just when the temperature drops.

12. Consuelo Beanie

Get the Consuelo Beanie free crochet pattern

The Consuelo Beanie was created for the Crochet Cancer Challenge and the complete crochet pattern remains available free on the designer’s blog.

It is beginner-friendly and was designed specifically as a hat suitable for donating to someone living with cancer.

13. Linda’s Easy Chemo Cap

Get Linda’s Easy Chemo Cap pattern

This is an older pattern, but still a useful one to keep bookmarked.

The adult-small version remains available as a free download, and the design was created specifically for makers pledging to donate a hat to a cancer patient or treatment centre.

14. Just Chenille Chemo Cap

Get the Just Chenille Chemo Cap free pattern

If the receiving organisation accepts chenille yarn, this plush option is worth considering.

The free pattern includes three adult sizes from XS through XL and uses soft chenille yarn to produce a warm, velvety cap. As always, check the charity’s yarn list first because individual cancer centres may have different requirements.

15. Kim’s Chemo Hat Crochet Pattern

See Kim’s Chemo Hat crochet pattern on Etsy

For our paid Etsy option, Kim’s Beanie from ThroughTheLoopYC was originally designed for the Crochet Cancer Challenge.

The PDF includes child, adult small and adult large sizing plus a photo stitch tutorial. It is labelled as an easy to advanced-beginner pattern and was designed specifically as a soft, comfortable chemo cap.

Choosing Yarn for Crochet Chemo Caps

This is one area where I would choose yarn for the recipient rather than because I happen to love the colour.

A yarn that feels perfectly comfortable against your hand may feel completely different against a scalp made sensitive by chemotherapy.

Look for soft, smooth and washable fibres and avoid heavily textured, scratchy or hairy yarn unless the receiving organisation has specifically approved it.

Knots of Love actually maintains a required yarn list for its own donations, which is a good reminder that there isn’t one universal “best chemo-cap yarn.”

If you’re buying yarn specifically for charity projects rather than raiding the stash, I would choose practical washable colours and yarn you can reliably buy again. Nobody needs to discover halfway through a 20-hat charity project that the beautiful bargain yarn was discontinued in 2009.

What Makes a Good Crochet Chemo Cap?

For most donation programs, think:

soft rather than scratchy

close stitches rather than open lace

comfortable seams

good scalp coverage

washable yarn

no heavy embellishments unless the charity specifically allows them

a useful range of sizes

And always make the hat to the requirements of the organisation receiving it.

For more general hat donations, you can also browse our 10 crochet beanie patterns to make and donate. See the charity crochet beanie roundup

CraftBits also has a free vintage child’s crochet beanie pattern that can be useful for general children’s winter charity projects. Free Vintage Crochet Child’s Beanie Pattern on CraftBits For cancer-care donations, however, I would only use it after checking the yarn, fit and stitch coverage against the receiving organisation’s chemo-cap requirements.

There is something quietly powerful about making a chemo cap for someone you may never meet. It is not going to change their diagnosis or make treatment easier, but it can make one cold waiting room, one difficult morning or one vulnerable moment a little more comfortable.

Sometimes a ball of yarn really can become something much bigger than we expected.