Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

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?

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.