My new Mystery KnitAlong (MKAL) kicks off tomorrow! I’m so excited to get started. But, first, maybe you’re wondering about MKALs. Are they for you? How do they work? How do you know if it’s worth it? I’m going to explain it all to you.

Many different knitting pattern designers host MKALs. At their most basic, a MKAL is a knitalong where all of the participants are knitting the same pattern and working together. The mystery comes in because the participants don’t know exactly what they’re making. Most MKALs will tell you what kind of object you’re making be it a sock, a shawl, a cardigan; but, you’re not exactly sure what the final object will look like. Typically, the pattern is released on a weekly basis and is released in pieces or clues. For my upcoming MKAL, there are 5 separate clues that will be released every Tuesday for the next 5 weeks. Once you’ve finished the last clue, you have your finished item!

• How do you know you’ll like the finished object? Well, there are no guarantees. You might not like it. My first tip if you’re thinking about joining a MKAL is to look at the other patterns from the designer. Do you like their style and aesthetics? Does this designer use a lot of lace? Cables? Do you like their other designs? If so, chances are good you’ll like the mystery pattern.
• How do you know if the pattern will be worth it? Some pattern designers release MKALs that are free. If you don’t like it or the pattern doesn’t work out, then you’re not out anything but your time. Something that I’ve learned both from personal experience and from working at a yarn store is that knitters hate MKAL clues that are incomplete or incorrect. If you’re paying for those mistakes, it’s a big problem. So how do you know if it’s worth paying for a MKAL? Again, go look at other patterns from the designer and look at the description of the MKAL pattern on its Ravelry page. Does the designer’s other patterns have reviews about lots of errors or corrections? Does the designer make a point of using test knitters and tech editors? If a pattern says that it has been test knit and tech edited, then you’ll know that the designer has taken the steps to make sure that the pattern is complete and correct. One thing: not every designer lists test knitting and tech editing on the pattern page, but that doesn’t mean their pattern hasn’t been reviewed and edited.
• Why should you join? If you think you want to join, why should you? Well, it’s a lot of fun! You are part of a community, either online or in person, working on the same project. There’s a sense of camaraderie. You can show off your project, and you get to see what others are making. I have to say, I love this part. I adore seeing the projects that knitters are making from my patterns. Another reason to join a MKAL: The designer is on hand to answer any questions you might have and give tips on how to have a successful project. Another bonus? You might learn a new technique or a new stitch or just a handy new tip. I can tell you that one clue of my upcoming MKAL has an interesting decrease. It’s not hard to work, it’s just not common to see. I’ve explained exactly how to work that decrease. You’ll learn how to work that decrease!

If you’d like more information on my upcoming MKAL, you can check out all the details below or by clicking this link to the Ravelry pattern page. One note: the price goes up tomorrow when we cast on so don’t hesitate to join in.

MeadowBridge Mystery KnitAlong Details

Each clue contains both fully written instructions and charts, where applicable. Each clue has been professionally tech edited and test knit to ensure that the pattern is complete and correct. Each clue also contains a separate PDF with row by row stitch counts.

Skills Needed
basic knitting skills, yarn overs, decreases, double decreases.

All special stitches are fully explained in the pattern.