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    Home » Crochet » Crochet Patterns » Crochet Alongs » Square Mystery Crochet Along – Fun & Free Pattern

    Square Mystery Crochet Along – Fun & Free Pattern

    May 20, 2022 by Nicole Riley 26 Comments

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    This post includes affiliate links.

    Crochet Alongs are super fun. But Mystery Crochet Alongs are more interesting, and exciting and allow you to use yarn from your stash. This one is broken up into 3 parts over 3 days with a GIVEAWAY at the end.


    So often I look at my stash and get so many ideas on what to crochet with it. Literally, as soon as I see certain color combinations, ideas are flowing. But I understand that not everyone does it that way. Some crocheters prefer the certainty of a pattern, how it looks at the end and which yarn to use for it. Well, if you remove one of those items from the certainty, you create a mystery.

    And that one item is “how the pattern will look at the end”. Combine that with a huge amount of crocheters working on the same pattern, trying to figure out the mystery of how it will look like in the end, making this event a Mystery Crochet Along. The community feeling of an event like this is like no other.

    Table of contents

    • Previous Mystery Crochet Along Patterns
    • Sign up for the Mystery Crochet Along
    • How will this Mystery CAL work?
      • How do you have a chance to win in the Giveaway?
    • What will you need for the Mystery Crochet Along?
      • Can I use a different yarn?
      • Can I use a different hook size?
      • What color should I pick?
    • When does the Mystery Crochet Along start?
      • Why is it is called a “Square” Mystery CAL?
    • Mystery Crochet Along Pattern Parts:
      • Part 1: is now available
      • Part 2: is now available
      • Part 3: is now available
    Free Square Mystery Crochet Along

    Previous Mystery Crochet Along Patterns

    Mystery Crochet Alongs are super fun. And many crocheters join my monthly ones each time. Some of the past Crochet Along Patterns can be found here.

    But you can find the last Patterns of the Mystery CALs here:

    • Cat Bookmark – September 2021
    • Fall Pocket Scarf – October 2021
    • Pop up Gift Box – November 2021
    • Crafter’s Tissue Box Cover – December 2021
    • Organizer Bag – January 2022
    • Hooded Infinity Scarf with Pockets – February 2022
    • Tunisian Ear Warmers, Tunisian Cowl, Tunisian Fingerless Gloves – March 2022
    • Bunny Basket – April 2022

    Sign up for the Mystery Crochet Along

    It’s best to be SIGNED up for my EMAILS so you get an email each time a NEW Part is available!

    SIGN UP even if you’re already on my newsletter to get EARLY RELEASE EMAILS for this CAL!
    ❤️
    PS: Sign up in the white box, NOT the purple one
    ❤️

    Get 8 Secret Crochet Tips sent to your email inbox

    Sign up to receive email newsletters from Nicki's Homemade Crafts to be notified of new free crochet patterns, tutorials and get access to the 8 tips immediately.

    Sign up form takes a second to load! Wait for it and sign up ❤️

    How will this Mystery CAL work?

    Easy. You simply will follow each part once released – each one is a short and quick sign up for early release emails above and of course join my Facebook group for release info and to show off your creations.

    The Mystery CAL is broken up into 3 parts. Each part can be made within just about an hour or so. Videos will be provided for stitches or techniques that may be challenging for some.

    This pattern will NOT have any color changes making this an ideal beginner pattern!

    While you work on the parts of the pattern, I encourage you to share your progress pictures in my Facebook Groups using the hashtag #MAY22MCAL

    You have until 5/21/22 to finish the pattern, post the image of the final product plus using the hashtag #MAY22MCAL in my Facebook group (direct post into my group) to qualify for the Giveaway!

    How do you have a chance to win in the Giveaway?

    It’s very easy. But remember you don’t need to be part of it and can simply take your time for the pattern.

    But here is how you qualify to be entered in the Giveaway:

    1. Join my newsletter (the sign up box above)
    2. Follow me on at least 2 of these social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube
    3. Post the image of your final product in my Facebook group
    4. Use the hashtag #MAY22MCAL
    5. Post into my Facebook group with the image and hashtag no later than 5/21/22, 12pm, PT
    6. Optional: Share this Mystery CAL link with your crochet bestie on social media and tag me!

    I will pick THREE winners to each win a $30 valued crochet surprise. The Giveaway Winner announcement will take place on my Facebook page on 5/21/22 at 2pm, PT (5pm, ET).

    Winter Mystery CAL Surprise

    What will you need for the Mystery Crochet Along?

    • Lion Brand Heartland yarn
      • I used 1 skein – but I recommend getting 2, just in case ❤️

    Here are a few substitution yarns I recommend (any super bulky, bulky or worsted yarn will work):

    • Lion Brand Wool-Ease Yarn
    • Lion Brand Hue + Me Yarn
    • WeCrochet Brava Yarn
    • 4.0mm Crochet Hook (or pick your favorite size for the yarn you picked) -> I used Furls Crochet Streamline Resin Hook
      • use NICKI15 for 15% off
    • scissors
    • tapestry needle
    Lion Brand Heartland Yarn for MCAL May 2022

    Can I use a different yarn?

    Yes, you can switch to a different yarn brand, even a different fiber if you prefer. I used only one skein of Lion Brand Heartland Yarn. So just in case, I would suggest getting a second skein since everyone’s tension is different.

    But it’s an ideal project as a yarn stash buster. Use leftover yarn if you have any. You can use also bulky yarn. It will make the project larger, but it will still work perfectly fine.

    Here are a few substitution yarns I recommend:

    • Lion Brand Wool-Ease Yarn
    • Lion Brand Hue + Me Yarn
    • WeCrochet Brava Yarn

    Can I use a different hook size?

    Yes, you can pick a different size. Focus on the measurements I’ll provide for each part. But it will be ok if you are a bit off. No worries. This pattern is giving.

    What color should I pick?

    Either stick with the colors I picked or pick your favorite color. I picked just one color. But you can pick colors that fit your style.

    You can also pick 2 colors if you like:

    If you pick 2 colors, pick 2 skeins for one color and 1 skein for the other color.

    • colors of the same tone (example: light vs dark green)
    • colors opposite on the color wheel (aka complimentary colors), examples:
      • orange and blue
      • yellow and violet
    color wheel
    https://amzn.to/30fR7uS

    Get the Color Wheel HERE

    When does the Mystery Crochet Along start?

    The Mystery Crochet Along will be broken up into 3 Parts. You will likely not know what it will be until you see Part 3 of the CAL. As I want to make sure you all have the materials you will need for the Mystery Crochet Along, we will give you all about a week to collect your materials.

    There will be a few extra materials you need for part 3. But I can’t reveal that until then to not spoil the surprise. But you will likely have those materials at home and won’t need to buy them.

    Then we will get started. See the schedule below for each part.

    I hope to have many people attend this Mystery Crochet Along. It will be a mystery (feel free to guess as we are working on it), although, we won’t tell you what it is to keep it fun and interesting. But, it will also be super exciting as we see you all working on it and get to tell the big reveal at the end.

    We are pretty sure you will all like this Mystery Crochet Along Pattern as much as we do. Be sure to share this post with your crochet friends so they all can join in.

    Are you excited yet? Let’s grab your materials. We will get started on May 16th.

    Why is it is called a “Square” Mystery CAL?

    Well, we’ll be crocheting squares and making something out of it. But what it will be is a mystery! But it’s not normal squares! So we will have so much fun! Get ready for it!

    And as always videos will be provided!

    Mystery Crochet Along Pattern Parts:

    Part 1: is now available

    IF you would like the pattern ad-free you can join “The Crochet Club” membership as a trial or as a full member and get access to the Mystery CAL pattern ad-free and more than 200 PDF patterns.

    You can join the “The Crochet Club” Membership here if you want to have the entire Mystery CAL pattern ad-free.

    Already a member? Login HERE to see the ad-free version

    Square made in Horizontal Rows

    Crochet 6 Squares that are ALL the SAME SIZE (about 3 x 3 inches)

    Ch 12

    Starting from the 2nd ch from the hook

    R1: 1 sc in each st, turn

    R2-R12: 1 sc per st, turn

    Fasten off and leave about ½ foot of yarn as the yarn end for sewing later

    Need a video, here is a short one to help you get started for Part 1:

    • Short video of Part 1 on Youtube
    • Short video of Part 1 on Instagram
    • Short video of Part 1 on Facebook
    • Short video of Part 1 on TikTok

    Part 2: is now available

    IF you would like the pattern ad-free you can join “The Crochet Club” membership as a trial or as a full member and get access to the Mystery CAL pattern ad-free and more than 200 PDF patterns.

    You can join the “The Crochet Club” Membership here if you want to have the entire Mystery CAL pattern ad-free.

    Already a member? Login HERE to see the ad-free version

    Squares made in Diagonal Rows

    Crochet 6 Squares that are ALL the SAME SIZE (about 3 x 3 inches)

    Ch 3

    Starting from the 2nd ch from the hook

    R1: 2 sc in each st, turn

    R2-7: 2 sc in the first st, 1 sc in each st until the last st, 2 sc in the last st, turn

    R8: 1 sc in each st, turn

    R9-14: 1 sc dec over the first 2 sts, 1 sc in each st until the last 2 sts, 1 sc dec over the last 2 sts, turn

    R15: 2 sc dec’s over the last 4 sts, turn

    R16: 1 sc dec

    Fasten off and leave about ½ foot of yarn as the yarn end for sewing later

    If you need a video, a short video to help you get started for Part 2 is here:

    • Short video of Part 2 on Youtube
    • Short video of Part 2 on Instagram
    • Short video of Part 2 on Facebook
    • Short video of Part 2 on TikTok

    Part 3: is now available

    IF you would like the pattern ad-free you can join “The Crochet Club” membership as a trial or as a full member and get access to the Mystery CAL pattern ad-free and more than 200 PDF patterns.

    You can join the “The Crochet Club” Membership here if you want to have the entire Mystery CAL pattern ad-free.

    Already a member? Login HERE to see the ad-free version

    It’s time to finish this fun MCAL pattern. Ready to see the final pattern? I sure hope you love it! ❤️ Make sure to show off your final images in the group with #MAY22MCAL by Saturday, 5/21/22 at 12pm, PT. The winners + a special surprise will be announced the same day at 2pm, PT HERE.

    There are 2 additional materials needed to finish the pattern (but you can swap them to use something else):

    • Polyfill or stuffing or leftover yarn or anything soft
    • plastic eyes or felt or a french knot

    Square made in Rounds

    Crochet 6 Squares that are ALL the SAME SIZE (about 3 x 3 inches)

    Magic Ring

    R1: 8 sc into the ring, sl st

    R2: *1 sc, [1sc, ch 1, 1 sc], repeat from * until the end, sl st

    R3: *1 sc in each sc from the previous round, [1sc, ch 1, 1 sc] in each ch-1 space from the previous round, repeat from * until the end, sl st

    R4-R6: repeat R3

    Fasten off and leave about ½ foot of yarn as the yarn end for sewing later

    You can find the long tutorial for this solid square made in rounds HERE.

    Need help? Here is a short video to help you get started for Part 3:

    • Short video of Part 3 on Youtube
    • Short video of Part 3 on Instagram
    • Short video of Part 3 on Facebook
    • Short video of Part 3 on TikTok

    Now that you have all squares, it’s time to put it all together!

    Sewing the squares together to make the fish

    Layout the squares made in horizontal rows band rounds in a pattern you like to make a 3 x 4 pixel rectangle (like the picture shown below).

    Use the mattress stitch to stitch all the squares together.

    Now fold the 3 x 4 pixel piece in half (where the yarn ends hang out) and sew the edge with the 3 squares together to make a “tube”. Then sew one of the 2 square edges together, leaving the last one open for now.

    Stuff the piece with polyfill (or leftover yarn or stuffing from an old stuffed animal).

    Now prepare the fish head by taking 2 of the diagonal row squares and fold them in half and sew them together on 2 edges.

    Then add the eyes, stuff the piece with some polyfill, and sew it to the stuffed body all around the edge such that the polyfill can go back and forth between the head and the body.

    Next, repeat the process of sewing 2 diagonal row squares together (like you did for the head) and attach/sew it in the same direction to the backside of the body.

    Finally, fold the last 2 squares in half and sew them together individually such that you have 2 unstuffed fins.

    Sew them to the center but each side of the body. Fasten off and weave in all your ends.

    I hope you will enjoy this Mystery CAL. After all the parts are published, I will publish this pattern as a stand-alone – still free – crochet pattern shortly after. But don’t worry, there will be more.

    The next Mystery CAL will likely be in June 2022, as I am going to have them now monthly. Get ready for it 🙂 Just be on my Newsletter list and you will not miss it.

    Easy Free Square Mystery Crochet Along

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Brenda Marshall

      May 02, 2018 at 11:56 am

      How do I sign up for this or do I just show up with my supplies?
      Thanks much
      The. (Brenda)

      Reply
      • Nicole Riley

        May 02, 2018 at 11:58 am

        Yes, get your supplies, join my group so you can show off your wips and ask questions if you have any or support others. And sign up for my newsletter so you can get the link to the parts of the CAL right away to your email when they are available 🙂

        Reply
    2. Tammy

      May 02, 2018 at 12:50 pm

      I’m in! Looking forward to it!!

      Reply
    3. Donna S

      March 16, 2020 at 8:44 am

      I can hardly wait. Thanks!!!

      Reply
    4. Ginger

      March 18, 2020 at 6:44 am

      I would love to join the CAL. Even though I am a beginner at crocheting. I have made 2 baby blankets. I’m currently working on 3 blankets and a shawl. But this sounds like it can be fun and a learning experience.

      Reply
    5. Glenda Mann

      March 19, 2020 at 5:31 am

      I’m a group junkie, at least that’s what one lady in one of my other groups said. I will be there!

      Reply
    6. Heidi

      March 19, 2020 at 12:35 pm

      Can’t wait 😍 Wooo hooo !!!😁

      Reply
    7. Ruth Lister

      March 30, 2020 at 6:35 pm

      Thanks so much Nicki. I really enjoyed your crochet along. This is the first one I have done.. Thank you also for teaching me the proper way to do an invisible decrease! I was previously omitting the final yarn over. It looks so much better, done properly. 🤗

      Reply
    8. Becky Enyart

      May 13, 2020 at 8:37 am

      Another CAL…yay! CNN

      Reply
    9. Julie Jarrett

      May 14, 2020 at 7:59 am

      So excited! After watching the show, think I need to rethink my colors!

      Reply
    10. Cindy

      May 19, 2020 at 9:10 pm

      What fun. Can’t wait to see what I am making.

      Reply
    11. Tracy King

      May 20, 2020 at 10:09 am

      Today’s email was lovely Nicki, thank you for the reminders!!!

      Reply
    12. Pat

      May 20, 2020 at 3:27 pm

      Glad I found you. I haven’t a clue what this will end up as but it’s been entertaining thus far.

      Reply
    13. Pam

      September 05, 2020 at 7:39 am

      I am a sucker for Mystery CALs! Trying the suggested yarn this time to see what I am missing. Thank you!!

      Reply
    14. Anette Montgomery

      September 05, 2020 at 8:57 am

      I’m in.. Excite to psrticilate to see the MCAL.

      Reply
    15. Pattie Kemp

      September 05, 2020 at 10:16 am

      I’m in. So excited for it to start. Love…love….love…..your CAL’s.

      Reply
    16. Gunbritt Dahlin

      September 08, 2020 at 12:16 am

      I´m so exited to join this CAL. Like when it´s a mystery.

      Reply
    17. Mary

      September 15, 2020 at 12:51 pm

      Awesome video, as usual! You always make things so clear.

      Reply
    18. Merry

      September 17, 2020 at 2:41 pm

      I have a vast amount of yarn in my stash what other yarns will work n the colors are not a problem either. It would be great if I could use up some of the yarn in my stash to make this. Any help u can give me would be appreciated.
      Thanks
      Merry

      Reply
    19. Linda Bla

      September 18, 2020 at 7:34 am

      Check to see if there is a written mistake in Part 3. In writing it says chain 42. On the video you say there will be 53 single crochets. 53 single crochets will yield the right size but 42 will not.

      Reply
      • Nicole Riley

        September 18, 2020 at 7:38 am

        You are right. Just fixed it 🙂

        Reply
    20. Anjonette

      September 20, 2020 at 2:34 am

      Thanks for slowing down part 3 a lot more then part 1! The only confusing thing to me is what you are calling the back loop, seems more like the front one, but I get that if I had turned the row and not flipped it it would have been the back, but how we are looking at it to do the stitch, it is more of the front loop. If you had written the directions totally out, I would have been mess!

      Reply
    21. Nan Everett

      September 23, 2020 at 7:42 am

      I started late but am enjoying this CAL which is my first. I am so glad to decide to try it! I cannot wait to finish my project and show it off. Thank you both for such a fun crochet adventure.

      Reply
    22. Catherine Burrows

      September 17, 2021 at 7:14 am

      This is so cute!
      Thank you!

      Reply
    23. lUCI PATCH

      September 17, 2021 at 7:29 am

      i LOVE YOUR WEBSITE AND YOUR NEWSLETTERS. tHIS IS THE FIRST TIME i SIGNED UP FOR A cal, BUT A LITTLE LATE. iT IS SO CUTE AND i HAVE BEEN IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING BOOK MARKS FOR MY GRANDCHILDREN. tHANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO.

      WHOOPS JUST NOTICED I HAVE CAP LOCK ON…OH WELL.

      Reply
    24. luci patch

      November 13, 2021 at 7:43 am

      Thanks again for all your hard work in putting together such a fun activity for your followers, like me ;>)

      Reply

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    Nicole Riley of Nicki's Homemade Crafts - Crochet Patterns and Tutorials

    Hi, I'm Nicole! I’m the designer behind Nicki’s Homemade Crafts. I love teaching you how to crochet & explain the science behind it.

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