What Is a Crochet-Along (CAL)? Beginner Guide 2026

What Is a Crochet-Along (CAL) and How Does It Work? A Beginner-Friendly Guide

A Crochet-Along (CAL) is a group crochet event where lots of people make the same project at the same time. Instead of getting the whole pattern at once, many CALs release it in parts on a schedule (often weekly), so the project feels like a series you can keep up with.

If you’re new, here’s the good news: you don’t need fancy skills, you don’t need perfect tension, and you don’t need to be “fast.” A CAL is less about speed and more about support, learning, and finishing something that might feel big if you did it alone.

CALs pop up everywhere, Facebook groups, Instagram hashtags, email lists, and forum-style communities. Many hosts add photo tutorials or videos, and the comments can be just as helpful as the pattern itself.

So, what exactly is a Crochet Along (CAL)?

At its core, a Crochet-Along is three things happening at once:

• Same project: Everyone works from the same pattern (a blanket, shawl, cardigan, amigurumi set, granny-square collection, etc.).
• Shared timeline: The host sets dates, like “Part 1 on Monday, Part 2 next Monday.”
• Shared community: People post progress, ask questions, compare yarn choices, and help each other troubleshoot.

A CAL is also surprisingly flexible. Even when everyone follows the same pattern, finished projects can look totally different. One person uses bold stripes, another uses scraps, another changes the border. You’re “along” for the journey, not locked into one exact outcome.

Common CAL formats you’ll see:

• Blanket CALs (samplers, granny squares, scrapghans)
• Shawl or wrap CALs (great for learning stitch patterns without sizing stress)
• Garment CALs (often slower, with fit check-ins)
• Monthly block CALs (a square or motif each month)

A popular style is the mystery CAL, where the design is revealed step by step. You pick yarn colors up front, then each “clue” shows you what to make next. If you like surprises, it’s like opening a new episode every week.

Want a clear example of a CAL “piece” you complete and then join later? A floral granny-square CAL works well for that. Projects like a sunflower square or daisy square are often released as separate parts, then assembled into a larger blanket, like this How to Make a 3D Sunflower Crochet Square.

CAL vs. KAL vs. regular crochet patterns, what is the difference?

The easiest way to think about it: a CAL is an event, not just a pattern.

In a regular pattern, if you get stuck, you search videos or troubleshoot alone. In a CAL, you can post a photo and ask, “Is my corner right?” and someone usually answers fast. For a simple definition from a crochet organization, see CGOA’s explanation of crochet-alongs.

How a CAL works from start to finish (the beginner roadmap)

Most Crochet-Alongs follow a similar flow, even if they’re hosted on different platforms:

1. Find a CAL you like. Look for a project type you’d actually use (blanket, shawl, toys, etc.).
2. Check the skill level. A good beginner CAL tells you what stitches you’ll need.
3. Join the group or sign up. This might be a Facebook group, email list, or a page with weekly posts.
4. Gather materials. The host usually lists yarn weight, hook size, and yardage.
5. Follow the schedule. Each part drops on a set day, and you crochet that section.
6. Ask questions and share progress. This is where CALs shine. You learn faster with real feedback.
7. Finish and do the final steps. Depending on the project, that might mean joining squares, weaving ends, blocking a shawl, or adding a border.

Cost can vary. Some CALs are free (pattern parts posted weekly). Others charge a small fee for a PDF bundle, extra tutorials, or community access. Some yarn shops offer optional kits, but yarn substitution is usually fine if you match the weight and aim for the same gauge.

As of January 2026, beginner CAL trends lean “low-pressure,” like scrap yarn stitch samplers, mini amigurumi sets with quick daily pieces, and year-long projects released monthly. That slower pace helps new crocheters stick with it.

Before you join, check these details so you do not get stuck

A CAL is more fun when you know what you’re signing up for. Scan for:

• Start date and pace: Daily, weekly, monthly, or “join anytime.”
• How you’ll get the pattern: Blog posts, PDFs, email, or a mix.
• Terminology: US vs UK stitch terms matters a lot (a US double crochet is not the same as a UK double crochet).
• Required skills: Color changes, joining squares, working in the round, reading charts, etc.
• Sizing info (for wearables): Look for measurement charts, not just “small, medium, large.”
• Tutorial support: Many beginner CALs include videos or photo steps.

If you like seeing how tutorials are written in a CAL setting, a step-by-step square like this Step-by-Step Daisy Crochet Square Tutorial gives you a feel for the pacing and detail.

During the CAL, how to keep up even if you fall behind

Falling behind is normal. Life happens, yarn runs out, your wrist needs a break. Most hosts leave the pattern parts up after release, so you can catch up later.

Simple ways to stay on track (without turning crochet into homework):

• Set a tiny goal: 10 minutes, one round, or one motif a day.
• Use stitch markers to mark corners, repeats, and the start of rounds.
• Keep quick notes: Hook size used, yarn brand, and any pattern tweaks.
• Don’t crochet ahead on mystery CALs unless the clues are already out, spoilers can ruin the fun for others.

For another beginner-focused description of how joining works and what to expect, PlanetJune’s FAQ is clear and practical: PlanetJune’s CAL joining guide.

Why joining a Crochet Along helps you learn faster and finish more projects

Big projects are where many beginners stall. A CAL breaks a large make into smaller pieces, so you get steady wins instead of one huge “someday” project.

Here’s what beginners usually notice first:

Motivation without pressure: Weekly parts create momentum. You always know what to do next.
Built-in troubleshooting: If your stitch count is off, someone else has already asked about it.
New skills in context: You don’t just learn a stitch, you use it in a real project.
Confidence from community: Seeing imperfect progress posts makes it easier to keep going.
Stash-friendly options: Scrapghans and sampler blankets are perfect for using leftovers.

This is also why CALs are great for people who “start everything and finish nothing.” When the group finishes together, you’re more likely to weave in those ends and actually use the item.

Common beginner worries (and the simple fixes)

“I crochet slow.”
That’s fine. Pick a CAL with weekly or monthly parts, or one that’s join-anytime. Your pace is still progress.

“My tension is uneven.”
Most CAL projects hide small tension shifts, especially blankets and textured stitches. If it’s a wearable, make a quick swatch and adjust your hook.

“I don’t have the exact yarn.”
Match the yarn weight first. Then aim for similar yardage. If it’s a garment, gauge matters more than brand.

“I’m embarrassed to post photos.”
You don’t have to post at all. But if you want help, photos speed things up. Take a close shot in good light and share only what you’re comfortable sharing.

“I don’t understand abbreviations.”
Look for a stitch glossary in the pattern notes, or a CAL host who explains terms as they go. Many CAL communities also share quick cheat sheets.

If you want to see how hosts answer common CAL questions (materials, timelines, and where to find each part), the format of a CAL FAQ like Hobbii’s Crochet-Along FAQ page shows what good support often includes.

CAL etiquette and best practices, how to have a good time in the group

A CAL group feels friendly when everyone follows a few simple habits:

• Read pinned posts first (schedule, yarn info, where each part is posted).
• Avoid spoilers in mystery CALs. If you’ve finished a clue early, keep photos vague or wait for the “spoiler allowed” thread.
• Credit the designer when you post finished photos, especially on Instagram or Pinterest.
• Follow hashtag rules so people can find each other’s progress.
• Keep feedback kind. Most people are learning, and tone is hard to read online.

When you need help, you’ll get better answers if you include:

• A clear photo of the problem area
• The round or step number
• The yarn weight and hook size you used
• What you expected to happen vs what happened

Some CALs run giveaways too, but rules vary. If prizes matter to you, check deadlines and posting requirements early.

Conclusion

A Crochet-Along is simply crocheting together, with a pattern released in parts and a community that helps you stay on track. It turns a bigger project into small, doable steps, and it gives you a place to ask questions when you hit a snag.

Start with a beginner-friendly blanket or granny-square CAL, use yarn you already have, and focus on learning over perfection. Pick one CAL this month, join the group, and share one progress update, even if it’s just a photo you keep for yourself. Your next finished project might come from showing up one small section at a time.

FAQs

What does CAL stand for in crochet?

CAL stands for Crochet-Along. It is a group event where people crochet the same project at the same time, usually with a shared schedule.

Do I have to be a good crocheter to join a CAL?

No. Many CALs are made for beginners and include tutorials, photos, and videos. You can learn as you go.

Do I have to keep up with the schedule?

Not usually. Most hosts leave the pattern parts available after they are released. You can catch up anytime, unless it is a prize-based CAL with deadlines.

Are CAL patterns free?

Some are free and posted on a blog or social media each week. Others are paid and come as a PDF, a full pattern bundle, or include extras like videos and support.

Where do crochet-alongs happen?

Common places include Facebook groups, Instagram hashtags, email lists, YouTube channels, designer websites, and Ravelry-style forums.

Christa Patel  is a crochet educator and pattern reviewer who helps beginners learn stitches, read patterns, and finish projects with confidence. She shares beginner-friendly tutorials and yarn tips.