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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?

The Miffy Crochet Book Review: 16 Sweet Projects for Bunny Lovers

Some characters need elaborate outfits and a whole collection of accessories to be recognisable. Miffy manages it with two long ears and the simplest little face. There is something rather lovely about that, especially when you’re looking for crochet projects that feel sweet without being overly fussy.

The Miffy Crochet Book brings that familiar storybook charm to a collection of handmade toys, decorations and home accessories. If you have a Miffy fan in the family, or you’re rather fond of the little bunny yourself, this is a crochet book worth a closer look.

What appeals to me is the possibility of making several coordinating gifts from one collection. A bunny is lovely on its own, but a bunny with a matching blanket? That is how a small project quietly becomes an entire gift basket.

What Is The Miffy Crochet Book?

Created by crochet designer Kimberley Zwaans, with designs based on Dick Bruna’s illustrations, this official Miffy crochet book is published by Search Press.

The 128-page paperback contains 16 projects, with a mixture of smaller makes and larger pieces. You can find The Miffy Crochet Book at Knit Picks.

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

More Than a Miffy Bunny Crochet Pattern

The collection includes Miffy and friends as amigurumi toys, alongside projects such as a blanket, motif cushion and moon-and-stars mobile.

There is also a birthday theme, with a crochet cake, placemats, bunting and a crown. That gives the book an appeal beyond toy making, particularly if you enjoy creating decorations that can come out again for family celebrations.

I like that mixture. Sometimes you want a small character project with a face to embroider. Other times, a larger piece of crochet is exactly what you want beside your chair for the evening.

The collection uses seven yarn shades, which gives it a cohesive feel. You will still need to check the quantities and requirements for each project before shopping. Seven colours does not necessarily mean seven balls, much as our yarn budgets might wish otherwise.

Is It Suitable for Beginners?

The publisher describes the book as beginner-friendly and says it includes illustrated guidance for the key stitches. There are also projects offering more challenge.

My practical advice is to choose your first make by the techniques involved, rather than simply picking the smallest item. Small amigurumi pieces can require quite a bit of counting, shaping and careful assembly.

If working in the round is still new territory, our magic ring crochet tutorials for beginners are useful preparation. You can also build confidence with these easy crochet projects that start with a magic loop.

Before starting, check the book’s stitch terminology, recommended yarn and hook size. Those details matter more than choosing a colour that happens to look lovely in the basket.

The Appeal, and What to Consider

For me, the strongest selling point is the coordinated theme. This would be particularly appealing for crocheters who love Miffy, enjoy character projects or want several related handmade gift ideas.

The narrower theme is also something to consider before buying. If you prefer a crochet book packed with different animals and styles, this collection may feel too specific. Its appeal depends on how much you enjoy Miffy’s simple, recognisable world.

Simple faces also deserve careful finishing. A tiny change in eye placement or the angle of an ear can alter a character’s expression, so I would allow time for pinning and checking before sewing everything permanently.

If you would like a separate bunny project to try first, our free kawaii bunny crochet pattern on CraftBits offers another option. It is a different pattern, rather than an extract from this book.

Who Would Enjoy This Book?

I would put The Miffy Crochet Book on the shortlist for a crocheter who enjoys nostalgic characters and likes the idea of making a coordinated collection.

The combination of toys, home accessories and celebration projects gives those 16 designs several different uses. You could choose one special make or gradually work towards a whole Miffy-themed gift.

That is the charm for me: familiar, cheerful designs with room to make something personal. Just decide which project you’re starting before buying the yarn. Otherwise, “one little bunny” has a habit of acquiring a blanket, bunting and its own birthday party.