What is a CAL / KAL?
They sound the same, but they have different meanings. CAL, with a “c,” stands for Crochet-Along. KAL, with a “K,” stands for Knit-Along. And if we translate that back into Dutch, CAL means “crocheting together” and KAL means “knitting together.”
During a CAL or KAL, you work on the same project alongside many other enthusiastic crocheters or knitters. In most cases, this is a throw blanket, but there are also plenty of fun CALs and KALs for clothing items and Amigurumi. There are even mystery CALs and KALs where the final result of what you’re crocheting or knitting is a surprise.
In a CAL/KAL, the pattern for your crochet or knitting project is published in parts. Take, for example, our brand-new Dream Blanket 6.0 CAL/KAL. Starting on January 11, 2022, we’ll be sharing a section of the pattern for this Dream Blanket every Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. for 10 weeks. Each week, the pattern will be a surprise, and your project will grow a little more under your hands.
By the way, with most CALs and KALs, you can also join in at any time or knit or crochet the project later at your own pace.
Join a CAL / KAL… DO IT!
Maybe you're not sure if a CAL / KAL is right for you. Here's something that's sure to convince you:
1. Learning new stitches and techniques—for me and many others, that’s the main reason to join a CAL or KAL. In a Crochet-Along or KAL, the pattern instructions are often accompanied by videos. This is ideal when you’re ready to move on to the next step in your knitting or crocheting project.
2. After a long period of social distancing, nothing beats working on a project together. In addition to being fun and inspiring, this also has the advantage that you can get help in the various Facebook groups whenever you get stuck.
3. Are your current projects piling up at a rapid pace? If so, a CAL/KAL is highly recommended for you. Of course, you want to keep up with your mom or friend who’s working on the same project. Of course, you want to be ready to go when the next pattern installment is released. Yes, you want to share your progress with others and show them just how beautiful your project is turning out. So feel free to think of a CAL or KAL as a positive motivator that ensures this fun project doesn’t end up on your pile of unfinished projects.
4. Unwrapping a gift every week. That’s what it feels like when the New pattern piece appears in your inbox. A little moment of joy that comes around every week—and sometimes even every month!
A List of the Best CALs and KALs | Our Top 10
1. Dream Blanket 6.0 CAL and KAL
Since last week, we’ve finally been able to tell you: Dream Blanket 6.0 is coming! The CAL and KAL for this mosaic masterpiece will start on January 11, 2022. You can knit (KAL) or crochet (CAL) the blanket using the mosaic technique, which we’ll explain clearly and in detail through video instructions. Both the Crochet Kit and the Knitting Kit are now available for order in 10 different color combinations. A fantastic gift for the holidays!
2. Granny Square CAL
In late summer, the Granny Square CAL took center stage at Yarnplaza. For this CAL, some of the Haakster patterns from seasons 1 through 4 designed fantastic granny squares that, when combined, form a unique blanket. The patterns are now all available for free on our blog. Order your Yarn Kit in warm reddish-brown tones or soothing shades of blue, and you can get started right away.
Dream Blanket 5.0 CAL and KAL
The Dream Blanket 5.0 is also available in both a knitted and a crocheted version. This blanket focuses on filet crochet and openwork knitting. This creates “hole patterns” that give the blanket a stylish look. Because the Dream Blanket 5.0 is knitted or crocheted in a single color, the stitches used really stand out, and the blanket is also easy to incorporate into your home decor. Each pattern section for this blanket is also accompanied by a video tutorial.
4. Chasing Sunsets CAL
It was our first clothing CAL, and it was an instant hit! Liefs van Suus designed a really cool cardigan that we had so much fun crocheting over the course of five weeks. If you order the Crochet Kit or Crochet Pattern now, you’ll receive all five parts at once, so you can finish a real showstopper just in time for the holidays.
5. Katia Equinozio KAL
Hot off the press: the Katia Equinozio KAL. The Yarn Kit for this Katia KAL is now available for order in our online store. Italian sisters Alessia and Fabia, from the popular Instagram account @_knittingforbreakfast_, will teach you how to knit Jacquard, cables, raised checks, bobbles, stripes, and lace stitches. The result is a generous-sized shawl featuring the most beautiful patterns. The KAL starts on January 22, 2022, and you can follow along via the Katia Facebook group.
6. Yarn and Colors Must-have Mini CAL 1
Last summer, Yarn and Colors had a tropical surprise in store for us. During their mystery CAL, we got to crochet all kinds of fruit, resulting in a cheerful, colorful fruit basket. You can still find the free patterns on the Yarn and Colors blog. You can easily purchase the Yarn Kit (complete with Crochet Hooks and Scissors!) through our store or website.
7. Yarn and Colors Must-have Mini CAL 2
Following up on the delicious fruit basket, Yarn and Colors now has a CAL where you crochet vegetables. It’s a fun addition to your toddler’s play kitchen, for example. The CAL is almost over, but of course you can still join in via the Yarn and Colors blog. Order your Yarn Kit and join in the fun.
8. Katia Nana CAL
Try to resist the magic of Granny Squares when you see the Katia Nana Baby Blanket. During this Katia Crochet-Along, you’ll crochet a delightful Blanket in soft pastel shades over the course of a few weeks. The soft blanket consists of 25 different Granny Squares crocheted with Katia Cotton-Merino, made from organic cotton and extra-fine Merino Wool. The CAL starts on November 17, 2021, and can be followed via the Facebook group “Crochet-Along Katia” in 6 different languages. Order your Yarn Kit from Yarnplaza and start crocheting!
9. Yarnplaza Socks KAL
Learn how to knit socks with this free online course. Over the course of 7 weeks, we taught knitting enthusiasts how to knit a perfect pair of socks. From the toe to the cuff, we covered every step. Now that the KAL is over, you can take the course at your own pace. With the accessory kit, you’ll have all the tools & supplies you need for this KAL delivered right to your door.
10. Letitia’s Blanket CAL
Two very popular Stylecraft CALs are the Letitia’s Garden Blanket CAL and the Letitia’s Holiday Blanket CAL. A summery blanket full of flowers or a cozy blanket featuring classic Christmas symbols—the choice is yours. Both blankets were designed by Rosina Plane, and the pattern (in English only!) is available in her Ravelry Store. As a Stylecraft Stardealer, you can purchase the kits for these mosaic throw blankets at Yarnplaza in all the original colorways. Psst... you can also crochet these blankets as table runners!
