Quick tip on making multi-size patterns easier to read

I have a little bit of a love/hate relationship with multi-size patterns.  I LOVE that I get several size options (usually 2 or 3) within a single pattern, but they aren't the most fun to read especially when you are dealing with multiple sizes or measurements.

To make things easier on myself, I took a back to school approach and grabbed some highlighters.  Normally, I don't like to mark on my patterns unless there is an error or change that I know I want to make as a more "permanent" adjustment (something that I would want to do every time I make the pattern).

Before I even begin to make anything for the pattern, I will read through the pattern and mark each multi-size measurement in a different color (I usually mark all of one size at a time).  In the case of the example that I show here, The Write Stuff  from Patterns by Annie, I marked all references to the small in yellow, references to the medium in pink, and references to the large in orange.  In patterns where there are 2 sizes, I will usually mark only one.  The same thing is true for when I'm making a pattern where I know that I want to make a certain size.  I don't necessarily mark all of them.

In the cutting instructions, I simply marked the header of the column for each size with the appropriate color.  Using the highlighter gives your eye a visual cue of where to look, and in my opinion, helps you to minimize mistakes caused from mis-reading the line.  Just take your time when you mark the pattern, and don't forget which size you're making!

So, that's that!  Now, go forth and mark!