MAL Kits

Would you like to join a MAL and create a special craft project step by step? At Yarnplaza, you’ll find MAL kits, Make Along kits, and Yarn Kits for Blankets, Cushions, Bags, Scarves, Home Decor, and other creative projects. A MAL is ideal if you enjoy working in stages and discovering new stitches, colors, and techniques along the way.

MAL stands for Make Along. Unlike a regular CAL or KAL, a MAL can encompass more than just crocheting or knitting. You’ll often collaborate with other crafters on the same project, with the pattern released in installments. This way, your project grows step by step and remains fun, manageable, and full of surprises.

What is a Make Along in crocheting and knitting?

A Make Along, often abbreviated as MAL, is a collaborative craft project in which multiple crafters work on the same design during the same period. The pattern is often released in multiple parts, allowing you to complete the project step by step.

A Make Along can involve crocheting, knitting, or a combination of techniques. At Yarnplaza, you’ll find various MAL kits and Yarn Kits for items such as Blankets, Cushions, Bags, and Home Accessories.

Make Along Kits

A Make Along kit neatly bundles all the essential materials for your project. In this collection, you’ll find kits for both large and small projects—from colorful Blankets to stylish Cushions and from practical bags to decorative home decor projects.

Be sure to check the contents of each kit carefully. Some MAL kits include yarn and a pattern, while others are Yarn Kits where the pattern is available digitally, via a designer’s page, or through a separate community. The product information will tell you what’s included and what additional materials you might need.

MAL Kits for Blankets

Blankets are popular in Make Along projects. A blanket MAL gives you the chance to work on a large project in stages. This makes it easier to manage and gives you a new section of the pattern to look forward to each time.

In this collection, you’ll find MAL blanket kits in various styles. Think mosaic crochet, Granny Squares, colorwork, stripes, relief stitches, blocks, graphic patterns, and unique border finishes. This way, you can choose a calm, cozy blanket or, on the other hand, a striking project full of color and technique.

MAL kits for cushions, bags, and home decor

A MAL doesn’t always have to be a blanket. Cushions, bags, wall decor, table runners, and other Home Accessories are also great for a Make Along. These projects are often smaller than a blanket but still offer plenty of variety in stitches, colors, and finishes.

Cushions and bags are great projects if you want a striking end result without immediately tackling a very large project. Home decor gives your interior a personal and handmade look.

MAL kits from well-known brands and designers

At Yarnplaza, you’ll find MAL kits from well-known brands and designers. Think of projects by Scheepjes, Stylecraft, Anke Wintermans, Haakplein, and other creative names from the world of crafts. These designers are known for projects featuring lots of color, technique, and a clear structure.

Thanks to the variety of brands and designers, you’ll always find a MAL kit that suits your style—from modern and graphic to floral, classic, colorful, or understated for your home.

Scheepjes MAL Kits

Scheepjes MAL kits are popular among crafters who love color, texture, and unique designs. In this collection, you’ll find Scheepjes kits for Blankets, Cushions, and Bags, among other items. These projects often feature popular Scheepjes yarns and clear patterns.

A Scheepjes MAL is a great choice if you enjoy working with beautiful color combinations and are looking for a project that keeps you engaged step by step.

MAL kits for beginners and advanced crafters

Are you a beginner? Then choose a MAL kit with clear instructions, well-organized sections, and plenty of repetition. A smaller project, such as a Cushion or a simple Blanket, can be a great place to start.

Do you have more experience? Then you can choose a MAL with more advanced techniques, such as mosaic crochet, colorwork, Granny Squares, relief stitches, tapestry crochet, or an elaborate border. This way, you’ll create a project that remains challenging until the very end.

What techniques will you encounter in a MAL?

Make Along projects are ideal for learning new techniques. For example, you can work with mosaic crochet, overlay mosaic, Granny Squares, tapestry crochet, relief stitches, color changes, stripes, or various textured stitches.

Want to work at a relaxed pace? Then choose a project with lots of repetition. Want to learn something new instead? Then go for a MAL with different pattern sections or techniques.

What yarn should you use for a MAL?

The yarn depends on the project. For blankets and cushions, cotton, Acrylic, wool blends, or low-maintenance yarns are often used. For bags and Home Accessories, durability is important. For scarves and shawls, on the other hand, you’ll often choose a yarn with a nice drape.

In a MAL kit, the yarn is usually tailored to the design. That’s convenient, because the color, quantity, length, and yarn weight are perfectly matched to the pattern.

How to Choose the Right MAL Kit

Choose by project: Do you want to make a Blanket, Cushion, Bag, Scarf, Table Runner, or another home decor project?

Choose by technique: Will you be crocheting, knitting, doing mosaic crochet, making Granny Squares, or working with colorwork?

Choose by skill level: Beginners are best off choosing clear instructions with plenty of repetition. Advanced crafters can opt for more technical details and complexity.

Choose by style: calm and natural, colorful, graphic, floral, modern, or classic.

Choose based on pattern availability: check for each product whether the pattern is included, delivered digitally, or available via an external link.

What’s included in a MAL kit?

The contents vary by kit. Often, a MAL kit includes the yarn for the project. Sometimes the pattern is included; other times, it’s delivered digitally or made available separately. Additional tools & supplies such as Crochet Hooks, Knitting Needles, Darning Needles, Stitch Markers, Stuffing, or blocking materials aren’t always included.

So always read the product information carefully. There you’ll see which yarns and colors are included in the kit, whether the pattern is included, and what other materials you might still need.

Order a MAL Kit from Yarnplaza

Whether you’re participating in a Make Along for the first time or have already completed several large projects, at Yarnplaza you’ll find MAL kits for various styles, skill levels, and techniques. Browse the collection and choose the kit that suits your next crochet, knitting, or home decor project.

FAQ About MAL Kits

What does MAL stand for?

MAL stands for Make Along. This is a project where you work on the same design step by step together with other crafters.

What’s the difference between a MAL, CAL, and KAL?

A CAL is a Crochet Along and focuses on crocheting. A KAL is a Knit Along and focuses on knitting. A MAL stands for Make Along and can be broader in scope, sometimes involving crocheting, knitting, or multiple techniques.

What’s included in a MAL kit?

Usually, a MAL kit contains the yarn for the project. Sometimes the pattern is included; other times, it’s made available digitally or separately. Always check the product information.

Are MAL kits suitable for beginners?

Some MAL kits are suitable for beginners. In that case, choose a project with clear instructions, basic stitches, and plenty of repetition.

Which MAL is suitable for advanced crafters?

Advanced crafters can choose MAL projects featuring mosaic crochet, Granny Squares, colorwork, tapestry crochet, relief stitches, or elaborate finishing techniques.

Is the pattern always included with a MAL kit?

Not always. Some kits include the pattern, while for others the pattern is available digitally or separately. Be sure to always read the product information.

Can I start a MAL later?

Often, yes. Many MAL projects remain available even after the start date. Check each product to see if all pattern parts are available and how to access them.

What materials do I need for a MAL?

That varies by project. You’ll often need yarn, a Crochet Hook or Knitting Needle, a darning needle, and scissors. Sometimes Stitch Markers, stuffing, or blocking materials come in handy, too.

Can I customize the colors in a MAL kit?

With some MAL kits, you can choose or customize colors. For single crochet kits, the color combination is usually set. Check each product to see which options are available.