I’m partnering with Christa of The Frosted Stitch to bring you a 10 Week FREE Mystery Crochet A Long from October 10 - December 18. All of the pattern will be published on the blog for you to enjoy!

Need to get a refresh on the MCAL? Check out all of the details including yarns needed, the schedule, and FAQs, here.

We are having a ball sharing pictures and discussing all things MCAL on Discord! This is a great place to find community and stay up to date on all things KBB. Discord is one of the most popular tools to connect with people online and build a community. There is a downloadable app and a web app. I hope you will join us!

Week 2 - Gauge

Now that you have your yarn it is time to swatch for gauge. If you are currently rolling your eyes, CUT IT OUT! When working with mini skeins it is imperative to swatch. You are limited on yardage and and I don’t know about you but I’m not a fan of yarn chicken! So we swatch. and in KBB Land we block our swatches!

Not familiar with making a gauge swatch no problem. Here are the basics:

• Make a swatch that is bigger than you need to measure.

  • This means if your swatch is meant to be 4 in x 4 in, make a swatch that is 6 in x 6 in.

• Block your swatch however you plan to block your final project.

  • Whether you choose to steam block or wet block your final object, treat your swatch the same way. I recommend using a steamer for any yarns that include acrylic or plant based fibers and wet block any that have animal fibers.

• Allow your swatch to dry fully before measuring.

  • I am totally guilty of measuring a wet swatch. It ruined the fit of my garment. Don’t be like me.

• Material matters

  • Sometimes making a simple change like going from a bamboo hook to a metal one or ergonomic to an inline hook can make all the difference.

• Play with hook sizes

  • If your gauge has too many stitches: size your hook up.

  • If you gauge has too few stitches: size down.

• DIfficulty getting row gauge? Try the Golden Loop Method.

  • Learn more about this method from Crochet Ever After.

Gauge for the MCAL:

Hook size: 3.5 mm

4in x 4in / 10cm x 10cm

22 stitches x 18 rows - Blocked

Pattern: Alternating rows of single crochet and double crochet.

Pro tip: Start with a starting chain of 35 and complete 27 rows.

Share a pic of your swatch this week on Instagram or Discord using the tag #tfsechoesMCALWeek2 and be sure to tag me!

This week’s prize is a surprise bag of stash yarn!

I like to refer to myself as a collector of yarn but lately, my collection has gotten OUT OF CONTROL. Check back soon to see what the winner receives! I promise it will be amazing!

There is still time to join us! Don’t forget to tag @knotbadbritt using these tags: #tfsechoes #tfsyarnalong #tfsechoesyarnalong #tfsechoesMCALWeek2.