CAL Start Dates 2026: Plan Your Crochet-Along

CAL Start Dates and How to Plan Your Participation (2026-Friendly)

A crochet-along (CAL) is a group project where everyone works on the same crochet pattern at the same time. Instead of getting the whole pattern on day one, you usually receive it in pieces (often weekly). That shared pace is the point. You get accountability, help when you’re stuck, and lots of motivation from seeing other people’s progress.

CAL start dates matter more than they seem. If you miss the sign-up window, the materials list, or the first “part,” it’s easy to fall behind before you even find your hook. Weekly releases also shape your success. A Friday release feels different than a Tuesday release if weekends are your main crochet time.

This guide shows you how to find CAL start dates early, pick the right CAL for your life, prep supplies without stress, and stay on track with a simple planning system (because many CALs announce dates close to launch, and that’s normal).

How CAL start dates work (and where to find them before they fill up)

Most CALs don’t publish a neat “year calendar” months in advance. Many designers announce a start date a few weeks before launch, then share a schedule for when each part drops. That’s why planning a CAL is less about memorizing dates and more about building a reliable way to spot announcements.

Here’s what “start date” usually means:

• The day the designer posts the first part (or sends it to email subscribers).
• The day the community begins posting progress and troubleshooting together.
• Sometimes the day a yarn kit ships, or the last day to join a kit preorder.

Length varies a lot. A small amigurumi CAL might be done in a month. A blanket CAL can run for 10 weeks, 15 weeks, or even most of the year. In January 2026, multiple CALs are already using structured releases (weekly or biweekly), which is a good reminder that the schedule is part of the design, not an afterthought. If you like having a public list to check, posts like 2026 crochet along roundups can help you scan what’s been announced so far.

Where start dates are commonly posted:

• Designer blogs (often the “main CAL post”)
• Email newsletters (often the earliest heads-up)
• Ravelry pattern pages and Ravelry groups
• Instagram posts and Reels, plus designer Stories
• Facebook groups (especially for mystery CALs)
• YouTube Community posts and video descriptions
• Local yarn shops (in-store CALs, kit-based CALs, or meetup calendars)

Quick CAL start-date checklist (save this):

• Where was the date posted (blog, email, group), and is there an official “main post”?
• What time zone is the release based on?
• What day of the week do parts drop?
• Is there a sign-up link (email list, group join, kit purchase)?
• How do you access the pattern (PDF, blog post, video, Ravelry download)?
• What hashtag or group name should you use to share progress?
• Is there a catch-up week, or a firm end date with prizes?

Common CAL schedules you will see, from weekend minis to yearlong blankets

CAL schedules come in a few familiar shapes. Once you recognize them, it’s much easier to tell whether the timing will work for you.

Weekend mini CALs (2 to 4 days): Great for small items like dishcloths, hats, or quick decor. These usually release all at once, or split into two parts.

4-week amigurumi CALs: A common format for plushies or small sets. Each week might cover one body part, then assembly at the end.

6 to 8-week shawl CALs: Often paced for one section per week. Many people like these because the progress feels fast, and you can “make it yours” with color changes.

10 to 50-week blanket CALs: Blankets can be weekly squares, stripes, or stitch samplers. Some are 12-week sprints, others are long and relaxed. One reason blankets run longer is simple: they eat yarn, and they eat time.

Yearlong temperature-style projects: These are built on daily or weekly tracking (temperature, mood, weather). They’re less about a weekly clue and more about staying consistent.

You’ll also hear the words “parts” or “clues.” They mean the same thing: a scheduled chunk of the pattern. Release day matters more than people admit. If clues drop on Fridays, you can crochet most of that week’s work over the weekend. If they drop on Mondays, you might need shorter weekday sessions.

For an example of a structured, ongoing release style, see MooglyCAL 2026 Block 1, which shows how designers often publish each piece as its own post you can revisit later.

What to confirm before you commit, rules, skill level, and how pattern access works

Before you join, confirm the basics so you don’t get surprised midstream.

Mystery vs non-mystery: In a mystery CAL, you don’t see the final design upfront. You’re agreeing to trust the designer. If you hate surprises, pick a non-mystery project or choose a mystery CAL with a color plan you’d like even in a plain blanket.

Free vs paid (and how long it stays up): Some CALs are free on a blog during the event, then moved behind a paywall later. Others are paid from the start, often through a PDF or Ravelry download. If you need offline access, buy the PDF early or save each released part in an organized folder.

Skill level and support: Check whether it includes stitch tutorials, photo guides, or a video series. CALs with video support can feel much more doable if you’re learning new stitches.

Materials list details: Read it early. Confirm yarn weight, total yardage, hook size, and whether gauge matters. For blankets, gauge is often flexible. For garments, gauge is everything.

Community rules and copyright: Share progress photos, your yarn choices, and your notes. Don’t repost pattern text or screenshots. If you’re unsure, link back to the designer’s post instead of copying instructions.

Pick the right CAL for your life: time, budget, and skill level

A CAL should fit into your real week, not your fantasy week. The easiest way to “fail” a CAL is to pick one that expects more time (or more money) than you can give right now.

Start with three decisions:

1) Your weekly time budget: How many hours can you crochet on an average week? Not your best week, your normal one.

2) Deadline flexibility: Do you want to finish with the group, or are you fine finishing later? Both are valid. Finishing later just means you need a plan for storing pattern parts and staying motivated.

3) Learning goal: Are you joining to learn a new technique (mosaic, Tunisian, shaping), or do you want something relaxing? A CAL can be a class, but it can also be comfort food.

Budget is the other side of the coin. Yarn-heavy CALs (blankets, sweaters) can be a bigger spend, especially if the designer suggests a full kit. Stash-friendly CALs exist too, especially stitch samplers and scrapghans that welcome mixed colors and leftovers. If you like the idea of mixing learning with flexible scheduling, events like the 2026 Gift to Myself Crochet Along can be a useful model, since they often focus on participation and motivation, not strict perfection.

A quick self check: how many hours per week can you really crochet?

Try one of these time profiles and match it to a CAL style that won’t stress you out.

Busy (1 to 3 hours/week): Choose mini CALs, small accessories, or a relaxed blanket where one part is truly small. Plan two catch-up days per month, even if they’re only 30 minutes each.

Steady (3 to 6 hours/week): Shawls, moderate-size blankets, and most stitch samplers work well here. You can usually do one weekly part plus a little finishing.

All-in (6+ hours/week): You can take on larger blankets, technique-heavy projects (like Tunisian), or join more than one CAL if you’re careful.

Two practical habits help no matter your schedule:

• Batch the boring stuff. Weave ends every 2 to 3 parts, not all at the end.
• Choose your finish goal upfront. “Finish with the group” is different than “finish eventually,” and both are fine when you name them.

Yarn planning without stress: yardage, colors, substitutions, and backup plans

Yarn planning sounds simple until a color sells out or your gauge changes the size. Keep it calm by using a short order of operations.

1. Match yarn weight first. If the pattern calls for DK, start with DK options.
2. Then choose fiber. Wool, acrylic, cotton, or blends all behave differently, especially for blankets and wearables.
3. Expect hook size tweaks. Substitutions often mean your “right” hook won’t match the designer’s hook.

If the CAL uses multiple colors, dye lots matter. Buying all yarn at once reduces the chance of visible shade shifts. If you can’t buy everything upfront, buy the main color first, then accents.

Mystery CAL color picking can be easier than it seems. Try:

• One light, one medium, one dark
• A limited palette (2 to 4 colors) you already love together
• A “backup shade” you’re okay swapping in if your first choice disappears

Buying a little extra saves stress, especially for borders. Borders are where you don’t want to run short.

Your CAL prep plan: a simple timeline from sign up to finish day

Planning a CAL shouldn’t feel like planning a wedding. The goal is simple: remove friction so you can crochet when the parts drop.

Here’s a timeline that works for most CALs:

1. 2 weeks before: Confirm schedule, sign up, gather tools, check yarn availability.
2. 1 week before: Wind yarn, label colors, set up a project bag, read the first page of the pattern.
3. Start week: Do Part 1 fast, even if it’s just the foundation and first rows. Early momentum matters.
4. Each release week: Crochet the new part within 48 to 72 hours if you can, then use the rest of the week for catch-up and finishing tasks.
5. Final week: Borders, blocking (if needed), photos, and any leftover ends.

Organization helps more than motivation. Keep a dedicated project bag with your yarn, hook, and tools so you’re not hunting for scissors every time you sit down.

It also helps to save every pattern part the same way (folder on your phone, printed pages in a binder, or bookmarked blog posts). If you’re joining a community group, participate lightly. A quick “here’s my progress” post can be enough.

For a clean example of how designers manage weekly learning and community support, the Country Cottage Tunisian Sampler Crochet Along shows how a CAL can teach skills in steps while keeping the schedule clear.

Two weeks before: sign up, gather tools, and do a tiny test swatch

Signing up early isn’t just about being “on time.” It’s how you get the supply list, the first clue email, and any updates if the schedule changes.

Prep these basics:

• Hook (or hook set if you’re not sure)
• Stitch markers (a few, not fifty)
• Tapestry needle
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Row counter (or a notes app)
• Project bag (even a zip pouch works)

A swatch doesn’t need to be a big deal. Think of it like tasting soup before serving it. Do a small square to see if you like the fabric, and to check if your stitches look clean with that yarn. Swatching matters most for garments and fitted items, but it can also prevent a blanket from turning into a bedspread by accident.

During the CAL: stay on pace, catch up smart, and enjoy the community

Staying on pace is mostly about reminders and small sessions.

• Set a repeating calendar reminder for release day.
• Break each part into bite-size chunks (15 to 30 minutes).
• If your week is packed, use a 10-minute daily habit to keep the project warm.

When you fall behind (and lots of people do), catch up the smart way:

• Save optional borders and extras for the end.
• Mark repeats with stitch markers so you don’t lose your place.
• Use a “lifeline” (a spare strand of yarn run through a row) if you’re working a tricky repeat.
• Keep notes like “Row 23 done, hook 5.0 mm” so you don’t waste time re-figuring it out.

Community is part of what you’re paying for, even in a free CAL. When you ask for help, include useful details: yarn weight, hook size, what row you’re on, and a clear photo. Hashtags and groups make it easier to find people working on the same clue, especially during mystery weeks.

If you want a more formal, class-like structure, organizations that run scheduled projects, like the CGOA quarterly CALs, can be a good fit because expectations are clearly set from the start.

Conclusion

CAL start dates are easier to handle when you stop treating them like secret knowledge. Build a simple system: follow the designer’s main channels, confirm the time zone and release day, and save the checklist so you don’t miss key details. Then pick a CAL that matches your real schedule, budget, and comfort level, not your most ambitious mood.

The two-week prep timeline is your safety net. Sign up early, gather tools, do a tiny swatch, and set a repeating reminder for release day. After that, it’s just small sessions and smart catch-up.

Choose one upcoming CAL, do the two-week prep steps, and commit to a weekly rhythm you can actually keep. Save the checklist and share it with a crochet friend who always says, “Next time I’ll join on time.”

 FAQs 

When do CALs usually announce their start dates?

Most CALs announce dates a few weeks before they begin. Some give a longer heads-up, but it’s normal for details to show up close to launch.

Where can I find CAL start dates early?

Check the designer’s:

• Blog (look for the “main CAL post”)
• Email newsletter (often the earliest notice)
• Ravelry pattern page or group
• Instagram posts and Stories
• Facebook group
• YouTube Community posts or video descriptions
  You can also check CAL roundup posts and local yarn shop calendars.

Why do time zones matter for CAL releases?

A “Friday release” might be Friday morning for the designer but Thursday night for you (or vice versa). Confirming the time zone helps you plan when you can realistically start each part.

What are “parts” and “clues” in a CAL?

They’re the scheduled chunks of the pattern. “Clue” is common in mystery CALs, but it usually means the same thing as “Part 1, Part 2,” etc.

What’s the difference between a mystery CAL and a regular CAL?

In a mystery CAL, you don’t see the final design at the start. You discover it as clues release. In a regular CAL, you can usually see the finished project upfront.

Are CALs free or paid?

Both exist. Some are free on a blog during the event and later moved behind a paywall. Others are paid from the start via a PDF, Ravelry download, or a kit.

Written by a crochet educator and pattern helper who has joined (and planned) crochet-alongs. This guide focuses on practical steps: where start dates are posted, what to confirm before you join, and a simple prep timeline that helps you keep up.