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 often work together with other crafters on the same project, with the pattern released in parts. This way, your project grows step by step and remains fun, easy to follow, and full of surprises.

What is a MAL?

MAL stands for Make Along. This is a project in which you work on the same design at the same time as other makers. The pattern is often released in several parts, for example, weekly or by project phase. So you don’t make everything all at once, but follow the project step by step.

A MAL can consist of crochet, knitting, or a combination of techniques. In practice, many MAL kits are crochet projects, such as Blankets, Cushions, Bags, and Home Accessories. Always check which technique is used for each product.

Make-Along Kits

With a Make Along kit, you’ll have all the essential materials for your project neatly organized in one place. In this collection, you’ll find kits for projects big and small—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 sections. This makes it easier to keep track of 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 a variety of styles. Think mosaic crochet, Granny Squares, colorwork, stripes, textured stitches, blocks, graphic patterns, and unique border finishes. You can choose a simple, understated throw 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 taking on a huge project right away. Home decor gives your interior a personal, handmade look.

MAL kits from well-known brands and designers

At Yarnplaza, you’ll find MAL kits from well-known brands and designers. These include projects by Scheepjes, Stylecraft, Anke Wintermans, Haakplein, and other creative names in the world of crafts. These designers are known for projects that feature vibrant colors, intricate techniques, and a clear structure.

With such a wide variety of brands and designers, you're sure to 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 easy-to-follow 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 Learners

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

Do you have more experience? Then you can choose a MAL that involves more technical techniques, such as mosaic crochet, colorwork, Granny Squares, relief stitches, tapestry crochet, or an elaborate border. That way, you’ll create a project that stays challenging right up to the end.

What techniques do you encounter in a MAL?

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

Do you want to work at a relaxed pace? Then choose a project with a lot of repetition. Do you want to learn something new instead? Then go for a MAL with different pattern pieces or techniques.

What kind of yarn do you use for a MAL?

The choice of 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.

With a MAL kit, the yarn is usually selected to match the design. This is convenient because the color, quantity, length, and thickness of the yarn are all well-suited to the pattern.

How to Choose the Right MAL Kit

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

Choose a technique: Will you be crocheting, knitting, making mosaic crochet, creating Granny Squares, or working with color?

Choose based on your skill level: Beginners are best off choosing clear explanations and plenty of repetition. Advanced creators can opt for more technical content and details.

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

Select by pattern availability: Check for each product whether the pattern is included, provided digitally, or available via an external page.

What's included in a MAL kit?

The contents vary by kit. A MAL kit often includes the yarn for the project. Sometimes the pattern is included; other times, it is provided digitally or made available separately. Additional tools & supplies such as Crochet Hooks, Knitting Needles, Darning Needles, Stitch Markers, Stuffing, or blocking materials are not always included.

So be sure to 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 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 a variety of styles, skill levels, and techniques. Browse the collection and choose the kit that’s right for your next crochet, knitting, or home decor project.

FAQs About MAL Kits

What does MAL stand for?

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

What is the difference between a MAL, a CAL, and a KAL?

A CAL stands for "Crochet Along" and focuses on crocheting. A KAL stands for "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?

A MAL kit usually includes the yarn for the project. Sometimes the pattern is included; other times, it is 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 creators?

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

Is the pattern always included in 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 still start a MAL later on?

That's often possible. Many MAL projects remain available even after the launch date. Check each product to see if all pattern pieces are available and how to access them.

What materials do I need for a MAL?

It depends on the project. You'll often need yarn, a crochet hook or knitting needles, a darning needle, and scissors. Sometimes stitch markers, stuffing, or blocking materials come in handy, too.

Can I customize colors in a MAL kit?

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