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What Body Sizes Should Patterns Have?

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cro-sweaters.jpg
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?

Vintage Crochet Baby Dress Pattern Review

There is something especially charming about a vintage baby dress pattern, and this Crocheted Cutie Dress #3112 has all the details that make older crochet designs so appealing.

The dress features a neatly shaped bodice, short sleeves, contrast stripes and a full lace skirt with a scalloped finish. It has that classic heirloom look without feeling overly formal, which makes it suitable for birthdays, family photos, baby showers or simply as a special handmade outfit.

One of the nicest things about this design is the balance between the structured upper section and the much softer, more decorative skirt. The bodice is worked in a simple repeating texture, while the skirt opens into a detailed lace pattern that gives the dress plenty of movement and fullness. The white trim around the neckline, sleeves and hem also helps define the shape beautifully.

The pattern includes instructions for sizes 1 and 2, with the second size shown in parentheses throughout. As with many vintage patterns, the sizing does not line up neatly with modern age labels, so it is important to check the gauge and finished proportions rather than relying on the size number alone.

This would be best suited to an intermediate crocheter, or a confident beginner who is comfortable reading traditional pattern instructions. The design uses chain stitches, single crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, colour changes, shaping, repeated lace sections and separate pieces that are sewn together during finishing.

The sleeves and collar are made separately and attached to the completed bodice. The back is finished with three buttons, giving the dress a practical opening while keeping the front clean and decorative.

The original version uses pink and white mercerized crochet cotton, but the design works beautifully in more modern combinations too. Sage and cream give it a soft botanical feel, lemon and white make it fresh and summery, while orange and ivory create a much warmer retro look.

Because the pattern was originally written for vintage crochet cotton and a steel hook, I would strongly recommend making a gauge swatch before beginning. Modern threads and hook-sizing systems can vary, and the bodice needs to fit correctly before the lace skirt is added.

The professionally reformatted PDF is much easier to follow than an unedited scan. It keeps the original stitch counts and construction while improving spacing and readability. It also includes a modern mockup and the original vintage reference image, which is helpful when visualising the finished shape.

Overall, this is a lovely pattern for anyone who enjoys making vintage-inspired baby clothes. The lace skirt is the real highlight, but the striped bodice and matching collar give the finished dress a polished, complete look.