2026 Crochet Alongs Announced (Podcast 179)!

2026 Crochet Alongs Announced (Podcast 179): Year of the Granny, Mystery CAL, and My New WIP

Mid-January 2026 feels like the real start of the year to me. My crochet hooks are out, my yarn is everywhere, and I’m ready for Crochet Alongs that keep us motivated without making us feel rushed.

In Podcast 179, I’m sharing what I’m doing for 2026 in knitting and crochet, how you can join in (without stress), and a brand-new work in progress I can’t stop crocheting.

My 2026 crochet plans (yes, there are three Crochet Alongs)

I’m jumping into 2026 with a packed plan, but I’m keeping it practical. I want this year to feel fun, not like homework.

Here’s what’s happening:

• Year of the Crochet Granny (all year long, low-pressure, granny everything with free patterns)
• A Mystery CAL from March through May (weekly projects with a theme)
• A memory blanket side project (one granny square per yarn color you use in 2026 using a free pattern, then we join them in 2027)

And because I apparently like a challenge, I’m also tracking how much high-quality yarns I use this year.

Year of the Crochet Granny (all granny, all year)

This has been requested a lot, and I’m finally doing it properly: longer, bigger, better. I’m calling 2026 the Year of the Crochet Granny, which means granny squares, granny stitch, and anything else that counts as “granny.”

I’m not limiting it to one type of project either. Granny projects can be free crochet patterns for:

• blanket patterns
• scarves
• hats
• bags
• sweaters
• anything you can build out of granny squares or granny stitch, including crochet blanket patterns like the Textured Blanket, Square Blanket, Granny's Favorite Afghan, and Wildflower Blanket

Yes, I even mentioned the granny emotional support chicken, because it has been requested forever.

If you want to brush up on a square that’s clean and tidy (and avoids that annoying twist), this is my go-to free pattern: Easy color-changing granny square tutorial, suitable for all skill levels.

How to join the Year of the Crochet Granny (without pressure)

I’m keeping it super simple:

• Sundays: new tutorials (this is the main check-in)
• Wednesdays: the podcast is usually before, so you’ll hear what’s coming
• Thursdays: I’m planning to send sneak peeks through my newsletter so you can get supplies ready (I mentioned this in the episode, but I’m not linking it here since I don’t have a confirmed site link)

If you can’t make every project, don’t. If you want to binge-crochet three projects and skip two, do it. This year is about keeping crochet enjoyable.

What granny projects do you want most?

I’d love to know what you’re craving. I’ve heard a lot of talk about free crochet patterns for:

1. Sweaters
2. Blanket Patterns
3. Bags

I’m also thinking about bags I’ve wanted to make for ages, and I even have an unfinished clutch bag (it lives in my UFO cabinet, unfinished objects, you know the one).

If you’re a blanket person, you might like this free pattern too: How to crochet a granny square blanket

Granny squares can be easy (even when they look fancy)

I love the fancy stuff, but I still want it to feel doable for beginners to experts. A great example is my Bloomscape CAL from 2023. That CAL was 12 different 3D flower granny squares (one per month), all designed to have the same stitch count so they could join into a blanket.

It was a challenge, and I loved it, but it also came with deadline pressure because I had to get a new pattern and video out every month.

If you want to see the vibe of those textured flower blocks, this one is a good example free pattern: Easy Chrysanthemum 3D Flower Granny Square tutorial

I also talked about one more flower square I made, a Gerbera (tell me how you pronounce it). It’s gorgeous, but it includes a slip stitch back into the chain, and I worried it might be too much for some crocheters. I thought I filmed it, but I threw out the footage (classic me). Good news, I wrote down the pattern, so I can re-do it later.

The memory blanket project (one square per yarn color used in 2026)

This is the side project I’m weirdly excited about, because it’s meaningful without being complicated.

The plan:

• All through 2026: make one granny square from each yarn color or type you use that year, following this free pattern for a classic granny square
• In 2027: join all those squares into a blanket, like a scrapbook of your crochet year

It’s a “use your scraps” project, and it doesn’t have to match anyone else’s blanket. It’s your year, in yarn. (The free pattern keeps it simple and repeatable all year long.)

Pick a granny square size that fits your real life

Square size matters, but only because it affects how many squares you’ll end up with.

Here’s how I’m thinking about it:

• If you crochet a lot: smaller squares make sense (you’ll have a pile by December), like the style in the Bunny Hop Blanket
• If you’re newer, or you crochet less: larger squares make sense (you’ll still get enough to join into something useful), such as the size from the Linen Stitch Blanket

And there’s no rule that it has to be a huge blanket. A handful of squares can become a crochet throw, a lap blanket, or even a cushion front. Explore more blanket patterns for inspiration on joining them up.

Tracking yarn used in 2026 (labels in a basket challenge)

I’m keeping all my yarn labels, handy yarn accessories for tracking, in a basket so I can total up how many meters, yards, or even kilometers I crochet this year.

If you still have labels on your yarn, great. Toss them in a container when you finish a ball.

If you don’t have labels (or you lost them ages ago), just guesstimate on paper and toss that in instead. This is just for fun, and I’m honestly curious how big the number will be.

I talked about this idea in the previous episode too, so if you want that backstory: Crochet Podcast episode 178 (my 2026 yarn plans)

Mystery CAL (March to May): a theme, weekly projects, and a “library” vibe

From March through May, I’m doing a Mystery CAL.

Quick clarity, because “mystery” can sound scary:

• It’s not a mystery where you don’t know what you’re making.
• It’s more like a mystery theme, and I’m really excited about it.
• The theme has a library topic featuring cozy blanket patterns inspired by favorites like the Star Blanket and Town Square Throw (I’m keeping some of the fun under wraps for now).
• It’s still one project per week, revealing a new free pattern each time.
• If you like that week’s free pattern, make it. If you don’t, skip it.

There will be granny in there, but it’s not going to be granny-only for those months. It’s a little break inside the Year of the Granny.

If you like browsing CAL patterns in general, this is where I keep them gathered, a collection of free crochet patterns and free knitting patterns: Explore crochet-along patterns

Do Crochet Alongs stress you out?

I asked this in the episode because I know how it feels. A CAL can be:

• motivating (someone else made the plan, you just crochet)
• comforting (show up each week, do the next part)
• stressful (deadlines, falling behind, choice overload)

My goal for 2026 is to keep the structure but lose the pressure.

Crochet community news: a shout-out that made my day

I don’t usually watch other crochet channels anymore. Not because I don’t like them, I do. I stopped because I got comments saying I copied someone, or someone copied me, and I didn’t want any of that.

So I put blinders on and did my own thing.

This weekend, my kids were watching a livestream from a YouTuber named IShowSpeed (he was in Nairobi). After that, YouTube suggested a video from a channel I hadn’t seen before: Chic Chic Crochet (Beth and Summer). The video was about crochet channels to watch, and they mentioned Secret Yarnery.

I paused it and called my daughter over. It genuinely made my day.

It also got me thinking that maybe it’s time for me to plug back into the knitting and crochet community again. There are so many creators out there doing great work, and I’ve basically been in my own little bubble.

A “then and now” creator list idea

Watching that list made me want to do something similar, but in a way that helps people find exactly what they like.

My idea was:

• pick a category (blankets, wearables, decor, amigurumi, free knitting patterns, etc.)
• share a small list per category (like five creators)
• include a mix of smaller and bigger channels, so it’s balanced

If you have a crochet channel, I’d love to know about it. I want more of us to find each other.

WIP alert: my rainbow-ish granny blanket (no pink, lots of white)

I’m already halfway through my newest work in progress, a crochet throw, and I’m obsessed with how soft it is.

This project came from a question I get a lot: how do you take a “perfect start granny square scarf” idea and size it into a bigger project?

So I’m making it into an any-size blanket free pattern within my crochet blanket patterns and blanket patterns lineup (and you could also use the same free pattern logic to make another kind of item, as long as you keep going).

The yarn and the color plan

I wanted a rainbow feel, but I didn’t want pink or red in this one. I know, I love pink too, but right now I like how a rainbow looks when it starts at orange. It has a fresh aesthetic similar to my upcoming Warm Stripes Throw, Heart Warmer Blanket, and Sea Scales Throw.

To keep it fresh, I’m doing two rows of white between each color.

I’m also not counting rows. I’m using six balls of color plus white, and I crochet each color until the ball runs out. If I don’t have enough yarn left to get back across, that color is done.

Simple, fast, and no stress.

Any scraps left from each ball are going straight into that memory blanket plan, meaning I’ll turn them into granny squares.

Hashtags for 2026

For now, I’m using #secretyarnery2026 so we can find projects from this year easily.

If you have a better hashtag idea for the CAL, I want to hear it.

The “time one ball of yarn” challenge (so you can estimate project time)

Another question I get all the time is: “How long will it take me to crochet a blanket?” (Or scarf, or anything.)

My answer is: it depends on how much yarn you’re using, and how long it takes you to crochet one ball.

So here’s the challenge:

• Start with a brand-new ball of yarn.
• Time yourself (stopwatch on your phone is fine).
• Crochet until that ball is finished.
• If you stop for the day, pause the timer, then add it up later.

Use an easy stitch for the test from a free pattern, like double crochets or granny stitch, so you’re timing your speed, not your problem-solving.

I still remember when I first learned crochet as an adult. The first time I finished a ball of yarn in one afternoon, it felt like angels were singing. Before that, I honestly thought a ball would take me years.

If you do this challenge, tell me how long it took. That number is gold when you’re planning bigger projects across skill levels.

Live chats are changing in 2026 (topics are back)

I’m changing my live chats schedule.

Instead of every Friday, I’m doing:

Live chat scheduleWhat to expectFirst Friday of the monthTopic-based chatLast Friday of the monthTopic-based chat

I used to do topics all the time, and I miss it. I want to ask questions, learn from you, and have real conversations again. Topics might include finding new resources during live chats, such as a free pattern.

I’m also doing a chat this Friday as a warm-up, just so everyone hears about the change.

If you have topic ideas, tell me what you want to talk about.

The question of the day (granny edition)

What’s your dream Afghan Patterns project using a granny square or granny stitch?

Is it a “start tonight” project from our Afghan Patterns, like a Free Pattern for a cozy Crochet Throw or simple Blanket Patterns, or a long-term wish list project? I want to know what’s urgent for you, and what you’ve been saving for “someday.”

A quick real-life moment (yes, Froot Loops made it into Podcast 179)

I also shared a funny moment, I bought imported Froot Loops as a gift for one of my kids (they’re crazy expensive here), and my kid didn’t even like them.

So I ate a little bowl dry, because honestly, they’re basically candy. Not with milk though. Dry is the way, perfect for snacking while powering through a free pattern.

Conclusion

That’s what’s going on for 2026, complete with exciting free patterns to kick things off, and Podcast 179 is the official launch featuring our first free pattern. I’m thrilled for the Year of the Crochet Granny, packed with free patterns for crochet throws and blanket patterns like the Braided Chain Throw, Criss Cross Throw, Double Diamond Throw, Outer Dimensions Blanket, Lace Chevron Columns, and Basket Rib Throw. I’m counting down to the library-themed Mystery CAL, and I love that our memory blanket will turn scraps into a real “this was my year” project with versatile blanket patterns and crochet throw designs. If you want to join the fun, start by choosing one granny project you actually want to make, then take it one week at a time. Share what you’re working on, and let’s make Crochet Alongs feel friendly again.

FAQs

What are the 2026 Crochet Alongs you announced in Podcast 179?

In Podcast 179, I shared three plans:

• Year of the Crochet Granny (all year, low-pressure granny projects)
• Mystery CAL (March through May, weekly projects with a theme)
• Memory blanket side project (one granny square per yarn color used in 2026, joined in 2027)

Do I have to join all the Crochet Alongs to participate?

No. You can do one, two, or all three. You can also skip weeks and still be “in.” The goal is motivation without pressure.

I’m behind already. Can I still join?

Yes. These Crochet Alongs are designed so you can start anytime. Binge a few projects, pause, then jump back in when you feel like it.

What skill level is the Year of the Crochet Granny?

All skill levels. I’ll keep projects beginner-friendly when possible, and I’ll mix in fun “fancier” granny options too.

What counts as a “granny” for the Year of the Crochet Granny?

Anything built with:

• granny squares
• granny stitch
• granny-style construction (projects made from motifs or classic granny clusters)

Blankets, bags, scarves, sweaters, and more all count.

When do new Year of the Crochet Granny projects come out?

The plan is:

• Sundays: new tutorials (main check-in)
• Wednesdays: podcast usually comes before, with what’s coming up

When is the Mystery CAL and how does it work?

It runs March through May. It’s a weekly series with a mystery theme (not a mystery object). If you like that week’s project, make it. If you don’t, skip it.

Is the Mystery CAL “mystery” like I won’t know what I’m making?

No. It’s more of a theme reveal and weekly project reveal, not a surprise final item you only discover at the end.

What is the memory blanket project?

It’s a year-long “scrap journal” idea:

• Each time you use a new yarn color/type in 2026, make one granny square in that yarn.
• In 2027, join the squares into a blanket (or smaller project if you prefer).

What size granny square should I use for the memory blanket?

Choose based on how much you crochet:

• If you crochet a lot, go smaller so you do not end up with a huge pile.
• If you crochet less, go bigger so you still end up with enough squares for a useful finish.

Do my memory blanket squares have to match?

No. That’s part of the fun. It’s meant to reflect your real year of crochet, not a perfectly planned color palette.

How do I track how much yarn I used in 2026?

Save your yarn labels in a basket (or write estimates if you do not have labels). At the end, total up the meters/yards used.

What is the “time one ball of yarn” challenge?

It’s a simple way to estimate project time:

1. Start a brand-new ball.
2. Time yourself crocheting until it’s finished (pause the timer when you stop).
3. Use that number to estimate how long bigger projects might take.

What hashtag are you using for 2026 projects?

For now: #secretyarnery2026. If you have a better hashtag idea for the CALs, share it.

Are live chats changing in 2026?

Yes. Live chats will be topic-based:

• First Friday of the month: topic chat
• Last Friday of the month: topic chat

I’m Christa Patel, the creator behind Secret Yarnery, where I share crochet tutorials, free patterns, and Crochet Alongs that are meant to feel fun and doable. I focus on practical projects you can actually finish, with clear steps, repeatable patterns, and lots of encouragement for crocheters at every skill level.

When I’m not filming or planning the next CAL, I’m usually working on a new WIP, sorting yarn, and testing simple ways to keep crochet relaxing (not stressful). In 2026, I’m leaning hard into granny projects, scrap-friendly makes, and turning everyday crochet into something meaningful, one square at a time.

You can find more free patterns and CAL updates at secretyarnery.com.