Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

What Body Sizes Should Patterns Have?

by

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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?

How to Make a Crochet Vision Board – Plan the Crochet Projects You Actually Want to Make

If your saved crochet patterns are starting to resemble a small digital library and your yarn stash contains enough “future projects” to keep you occupied until approximately 2047, you might need a crochet vision board.

And yes, I absolutely understand the irony of spending craft time making a board about all the other crafts we intend to make.

But hear me out.

A crochet vision board isn’t simply a pretty collage of yarn photographs. It can be a genuinely useful way to decide which crochet projects you actually want to make, which techniques you’d like to learn and — perhaps most importantly — which yarn you already own that deserves to become something.

Instead of scrolling through hundreds of saved crochet patterns every time you feel like starting something new, you create one visual collection of your crochet plans for the next few months or the year ahead.

Think blankets, cardigans, granny squares, amigurumi, Christmas gifts, new stitches, beautiful colour combinations and those slightly ambitious projects you keep telling yourself you’ll tackle “one day.”

Let’s turn one day into an actual plan.

What Is a Crochet Vision Board?

A traditional vision board contains pictures, words and ideas representing things you’d like to achieve.

A crochet vision board simply gives that idea a yarn-loving makeover.

Your board might include:

  • Crochet patterns you’d like to make
  • Yarn colours you want to work with
  • Crochet stitches you want to learn
  • Wearable crochet projects
  • Blanket inspiration
  • Amigurumi projects
  • Handmade Christmas gift ideas
  • Crochet projects for your home
  • Stash-busting goals
  • Photos of yarn you already own
  • Crochet techniques you’d like to master
  • Bigger “dream projects” that challenge your skills

It can be physical, digital or a combination of both.

Personally, I rather like the physical version. There is something satisfying about seeing all that colourful crochet inspiration sitting above your craft desk — especially when the alternative is having 387 screenshots buried somewhere on your phone.

What You’ll Need to Make a Crochet Vision Board

You really don’t need anything fancy.

For a physical crochet project vision board, try:

  • Corkboard, magnetic board, foam board or large piece of cardstock
  • Printed crochet project photographs
  • Magazine clippings
  • Yarn labels
  • Small yarn samples
  • Colour swatches
  • Pattern thumbnails
  • Pins, tape or glue
  • Scissors
  • Marker pens
  • Sticky notes
  • Decorative stickers or scrapbook supplies

A simple cork noticeboard from Amazon works particularly well because projects can be moved, removed and replaced as your crochet plans change.

And they will change.

We are crocheters. A new yarn colour can derail six months of carefully organised plans in approximately three minutes.

Step 1: Decide What You Want From Your Crochet Year

Before printing gorgeous photographs of 27 blankets you couldn’t possibly finish, think about what you’d genuinely like to accomplish.

Try dividing your crochet plans into a few categories.

Projects I Really Want to Make

Start with the projects you’ve been thinking about repeatedly.

Maybe it’s:

  • A granny square cardigan
  • A beautiful crochet throw
  • A summer crochet bag
  • A chunky winter blanket
  • A handmade baby gift
  • A crochet sweater
  • A set of Christmas decorations
  • Your first amigurumi toy

If amigurumi has been sitting on your “someday” list, browse these 21 crochet amigurumi projects and choose one or two favourites rather than attempting to populate your vision board with an entire crocheted zoo.

Skills I Want to Learn

Your board doesn’t have to be purely project based.

Add techniques you’d like to learn, such as:

  • Tapestry crochet
  • Tunisian crochet
  • Mosaic crochet
  • Crochet cables
  • Corner-to-corner crochet
  • Colourwork
  • Garment construction
  • Blocking
  • Joining granny squares
  • Reading crochet charts
  • Invisible joins
  • Amigurumi shaping

If you’re still building your basic skills, our Crochet for Beginners stitch and project guide is a useful place to start.

Don’t make every goal difficult, either. One challenging project surrounded by several comfortable ones is far more likely to keep you crocheting than a board full of projects that require concentration, counting and complete silence from everyone in the house.

Step 2: Choose Your Crochet Colour Palette

This might be my favourite part.

Instead of choosing individual projects first, try choosing colours you’re drawn to.

Pin up snippets of yarn, paint chips, fabric scraps or printed colour palettes.

You might discover you’re repeatedly choosing:

Soft neutrals: oatmeal, cream, sage and dusty pink.

Retro brights: mustard, orange, avocado, turquoise and brown.

Coastal colours: aqua, navy, sand and white.

Cottage colours: faded rose, lavender, cream and soft green.

Jewel tones: emerald, plum, ruby and deep blue.

Once you’ve spotted a colour direction, finding projects becomes much easier.

It can also stop the classic craft-shop problem where you buy six beautiful balls of yarn individually and arrive home to discover none of them actually want to be friends.

Step 3: Photograph Your Yarn Stash

This is where a crochet vision board becomes genuinely useful rather than simply decorative.

Take photographs of yarn you already own.

Especially photograph those yarn purchases that were bought because:

“It was too pretty to leave behind.”

You know the ones.

Print small photographs and add them to your board with a note showing approximately how much yarn you have.

For example:

8 balls cream DK — cardigan

4 balls mustard worsted — cushion?

Mixed sock yarn — scrap project

Leftover cotton — market bag or coasters

Then match your existing yarn to potential projects.

If using up leftovers is high on your list, have a look at these scrap yarn crochet project ideas for inspiration.

Suddenly your crochet vision board becomes part inspiration board and part stash-management system.

Which, frankly, some of us desperately need.

Step 4: Add Your Dream Crochet Projects

Now you can indulge yourself.

Choose several crochet projects you would absolutely love to make, regardless of whether you’re quite ready for them yet.

Maybe you’ve always wanted to crochet:

  • An intricate heirloom blanket
  • A fitted cardigan
  • A floor-length coat
  • A large mandala
  • A detailed amigurumi collection
  • A beautiful textured bedspread
  • An elaborate Christmas blanket

For blanket inspiration, something like this Woodland Wonders Crochet Blanket makes a brilliant “stretch project” because it incorporates several textured crochet techniques.

Don’t put ten enormous blankets in this section.

Pick one or two dream crochet projects.

Otherwise it stops being a vision board and becomes evidence against you when someone asks why there are another twelve boxes of yarn arriving.

Step 5: Include Some Quick Crochet Wins

This is important.

Not every crochet goal should involve 2,000 metres of yarn and several months of your life.

Add quick projects too:

  • Crochet coasters
  • Scrunchies
  • Dishcloths
  • Headbands
  • Granny squares
  • Small bags
  • Baby hats
  • Crochet flowers
  • Cup cosies
  • Fingerless gloves
  • Small amigurumi
  • Christmas ornaments

Quick projects keep your crochet motivation going between larger makes.

They’re also wonderful stash-busters and handmade gifts.

I particularly like adding a little “Weekend Crochet” section to the board. These are projects you could realistically start on Friday night and have finished — or at least recognisably underway — before Monday rolls around.

Step 6: Create a Crochet Gift List

If you crochet gifts for birthdays and Christmas, dedicate one area of your board to recipients.

For example:

Mum: shawl
Grandchild: amigurumi
Teacher gift: crochet mug cosy
Christmas: four ornaments
New baby: blanket

Add deadlines underneath.

This is considerably better than suddenly remembering on December 17 that you’d planned to crochet eight handmade presents.

Ask me how I know.

Crochet kits can also be useful for gift projects because you’re not hunting around for matching yarn and supplies at the last minute. Mary Maxim crochet kits are worth browsing when you want a complete project ready to start rather than assembling everything separately.

Step 7: Add One Stash-Busting Challenge

Give yourself one goal that involves yarn you already have.

For example:

Crochet 12 projects from my existing stash before buying more yarn.

Or, if we would like to remain within the realms of reality:

Use three skeins before buying another six.

Your challenge could be:

  • Finish one WIP each month
  • Make a scrap blanket
  • Crochet only from your stash for 30 days
  • Use all your cotton scraps
  • Turn leftover yarn into granny squares
  • Make six gifts entirely from stash yarn
  • Finish three abandoned crochet projects

The goal isn’t to make yourself feel guilty about owning yarn.

Yarn collecting and crocheting are, after all, closely related hobbies.

The idea is simply to reconnect some of that beautiful yarn with the reason you bought it in the first place: to make something.

Step 8: Add a “Finish These First” Corner

Ah yes.

The WIPs.

Most crocheters have at least one project quietly judging them from a basket.

Take photographs of your unfinished crochet projects and create a small Finish These First section.

Don’t add everything.

Choose perhaps three.

A blanket needing twelve more rows feels far less intimidating when you can actually see how close it is to completion.

And there’s something deeply satisfying about removing a project from the board when it’s finished.

Step 9: Add Crochet Inspiration That Isn’t a Pattern

Not everything on your crochet vision board needs to link to a particular project.

Add things that simply make you want to create:

  • A beautiful cottage interior
  • Vintage crochet
  • Flowers
  • Fashion photographs
  • Interesting architecture
  • Traditional textiles
  • Colour combinations
  • Nature photography
  • Interior design
  • Old blankets
  • Crochet stitches
  • Favourite quotes

A photograph of autumn leaves might eventually inspire a rust-and-mustard blanket.

A vintage floral wallpaper might become the colour palette for granny squares.

You don’t always need to know why something appeals to you.

Pin it up and see where it takes you.

Try a 12-Month Crochet Vision Board

If a big board feels overwhelming, divide yours into twelve smaller monthly crochet goals.

For example:

January: finish an old WIP
February: crochet something red or pink
March: learn a new stitch
April: make a bag
May: stash-busting project
June: crochet something cosy
July: start a blanket
August: crochet a wearable
September: begin handmade Christmas gifts
October: Halloween crochet
November: Christmas decorations
December: finish gifts and choose next year’s projects

You don’t have to follow it religiously.

This is crochet, not military training.

Move things around when inspiration strikes.

Make a Digital Crochet Vision Board

Prefer everything on your phone or tablet?

You can make exactly the same style of board digitally using:

  • Pinterest
  • Canva
  • Google Slides
  • A photo collage app
  • Notes on your phone
  • A private Pinterest board

Create sections for projects, colours, yarn stash, techniques and gifts.

Pinterest is particularly dangerous — I mean useful — for this because one crochet blanket inevitably leads to another blanket, which leads to a cardigan, which leads to a granny square tote bag and suddenly it’s midnight.

The important part is to curate rather than continuously save.

Choose the projects that still excite you after you’ve looked at them several times.

Those belong on your actual crochet vision board.

Don’t Turn Your Crochet Vision Board Into Another To-Do List

This is probably the most important part.

Your crochet vision board should make you want to pick up your hook.

It shouldn’t make you feel behind.

Crochet is meant to be enjoyable.

If you lose interest in that enormous neutral-coloured blanket you pinned six months ago, take it off.

If you suddenly fall in love with ridiculously colourful crochet flowers, add them.

If your carefully planned beige-and-sage year becomes bright orange granny squares by March, congratulations — you’re a crafter.

Plans change.

Creativity should be allowed to change with them.

A Simple Crochet Vision Board Formula

If you’re not sure where to begin, try this:

1 Dream Project
Something ambitious that you’d love to accomplish.

2 Wearables
Cardigans, scarves, hats, bags or other crochet accessories.

3 Quick Projects
Projects you can finish when you need an easy win.

1 New Technique
A crochet skill that stretches you slightly.

1 Stash Project
Something made primarily from yarn you already own.

3 Handmade Gifts
Specific projects for specific people.

1 WIP to Finish
Because we both know it’s sitting there.

That’s enough inspiration to keep you interested without turning your craft room wall into a five-year production schedule.

Your Crochet Board Should Make You Want to Pick Up Your Hook

The best crochet vision board isn’t necessarily the prettiest one.

It’s the one you actually use.

Put it somewhere near your yarn or crochet chair. When you’ve finished a project, remove it, date it or add a little tick beside it.

Over time you’ll have a lovely visual record of what you’ve made — and probably a few projects that have stubbornly survived on the board for several years.

Those are allowed too.

Sometimes we need practical projects.

Sometimes we need to learn new things.

And sometimes we simply need a beautiful photograph of an absurdly complicated crochet blanket pinned above our desk so we can continue telling ourselves:

One day. I’m definitely making that.