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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 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.

  4. 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

  5. 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!

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. 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″

  14. 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.

  15. 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)

  16. 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

  18. 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

  19. 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.

  22. 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.

  24. 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

  25. 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.

  28. 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!

  30. 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.

  32. 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.

  33. 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

  36. 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).

  37. 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.

  38. 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).

  39. 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!

  40. 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????

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.