2021 Stash Busting Sampler Afghan Crochet Along

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Are you ready to do some stash busting! I am so excited to announce our 2021 Stash-Busting Crochet Along.

I’ve enjoyed doing these blanket crochet alongs with you over the past couple of years but they are a lot of work for me as a designer. That is why I’ve invited some of my designer friends to join us this year!

What is a Crochet Along?

Well I’m glad you asked. It’s a group of crocheters all working on the same project over a period of time. Simple as that. It’s a fun way to get to know other crocheters, share your projects, get inspired and learn some new skills.

Part of what makes doing a CAL fun is sharing with other crocheters who are also participating. I invite you to join my crochet group on Facebook, this is a great place to share your progress, ask questions and participate in other fun yarny shenanigans.

The Details

We are making another blanket. In total there will be 20 – 12” squares each designed by a different talented designer.

A new square will be published every 2 weeks on Tuesdays by Noon EST. This works out to be about 2 a month. I’ll include a schedule below. We’re going to start in a couple of weeks and should finish up by the end of October.

I’ll make a post here on The Unraveled Mitten linking to the featured designer’s pattern. The patterns are all hosted on the designer’s websites, not mine. That’s a little bit of a change from previous years.

In my post, I’ll share a finished photo of the square in my CAL colors as well as any tips and tricks for making the square. There will also be a link to the designer’s pattern.

The Yarn and Materials

– 3500 yds #4 Worsted Weight Yarn (this is an estimate)

-5mm crochet hook

Now let’s get to the good stuff! This is a stash-busting CAL so there is no shopping required. Dive into your stash and pick a selection of worsted weight yarn to get started.

I am using a 4 color neutral palette of Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice. This is one of my favorite worsted weight yarns. If you want your squares to be 12 inches I recommend using something similar to that some options are:

You can absolutely use one of the thinner worsted weights (Caron Simply Soft, Red Heart Soft) but your squares will likely end up smaller than 12 inches.

Whatever yarn you use just make sure it all has similar qualities. Using Caron Simply Soft for one square and then Red Heart With Love for the next will make for difficult joining because they won’t be the same size and the textures will be off too.

I’m estimating about 150 yds per square (this could be high) so that would mean you need 3000 yds for just the squares. Extra is needed for joining and the border. I am planning 3500 yds just to be safe. Extra is never a bad thing right!

The colors of Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice I’m using are: Fisherman, Linen, Taupe and Silver Gray.

The Patterns

Like I stated before, the patterns will be hosted on the featured designer’s website. If a square comes up that you aren’t a fan of, then feel free to skip it! It’s your blanket after all.

I’ll be putting together a round-up post at some point of alternate squares you could use if you wanted to switch one out.

I’ll try to link helpful tutorials or videos in my notes posts but it is up to the designer to decide if she wants to publish a video or photo tutorial for the specific pattern. It is illegal for me to make a video of someone else’s pattern.

The designer is also free to sell the PDF version of her pattern in her online shops for you to purchase.

All about blocking.

I highly suggest that you block your squares. This makes them lay nice and flat. It will give your blanket a polished look. If you don’t know how to block, it’s super easy.

Using rust-proof pins, pin your square out on a mat making sure it’s 12×12. Then hit it with some steam with a garment steamer or steam iron. If you’re using an iron be sure not to touch the iron to the yarn because it will melt. Also don’t over steam it. When your square feels soft and is damp all over it’s done. Let it dry and remove it from your board.

You can find my favorite tools for blocking in my Amazon Shop.

The Schedule:

Today: Announcement and Materials List

Square 1 Jan 19

Square 2 Feb 2

Square 3 Feb 16

Square 4 Mar 2

Square 5 Mar 16

Square 6 Mar 30

Square 7 Apr 13

Square 8 Apr 27

Square 9 May 11

Square 10 May 25

Square 11 June 8

Square 12 June 22

Square 13 July 6

Square 14 July 20

Square 15 Aug 3

Square 16 Aug 17

Square 17 Aug 31

Square 18 Sept 14

Square 19 Sept 28

Square 20 Oct 12

Join and Border Oct 26

You can bookmark this post so you can find the links to the squares easily.

I’m so excited to get started.

There is no official sign up to get started. Just start making. If you would like to be notified for each new square, sign up for my email list at the bottom of this page (you’ll also get access to my free resource library!!).