I find knitting and crochet patterns for clothing items very frustrating. There is the whole sizing issue – just making more rows or making the pattern “bigger” does not mean it will fit right when you’re done. Putting hours and hours into a project and then have it not be a useful item is defeating. I’m working on a circle vest, because I like vests, and they are generally easier to fit than items with sleeves. Up until this point I have followed the pattern by LazyTCrochet, checking fit as I went. I used the largest version XL, and added the “Plus size” extensions, which are a joke.

Fitting for multiple body sizes is hard. Most designers add rows and call it “good.” Frankly, there are more body types than XS-5XL (this particular pattern went from S-XL). Arm circumference, bust size, height, arm length, waist size, shoulder to hip, are all so individual. I could flail and complain about pattern designers, but I think it is the crafter’s duty to know their body and learn how to make adjustments to fit. For me, patterns are starting places, they just have to be. For this vest, I’m going to add more rows in the same style as the rest of the vest, not only to balance colors, but to get more coverage. I did purchase this pattern, but it wasn’t expensive (warning sign), but I won’t be purchasing from the designer again.