Part 1 of August MCAL Mystery Crochet Along Pattern

I am thrilled to be sharing another MCAL (Mystery Crochet Along)! Following the incredible success and overwhelming satisfaction of my previous project, the Swifty Stripe Crochet Bag, I can’t wait to embark on this new journey with you.

What is an MCAL?

An MCAL, or Mystery Crochet Along, is a fun and interactive way to crochet a project without knowing the final design until the end. In a world where we have every detail at our fingertips, I think the thrill of mysterious anticipation is especially fun! With each blog post and video, a new part of the pattern is revealed, keeping the project engaging and full of surprises. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow crocheters, challenge your skills, and create something unique and beautiful.

What You’ll Need:

• 200 yds (182m) #4 worsted weight yarn
• H/8 (5mm) crochet hook
• Yarn needle
• Scissors

Yarns I Used in the Making of Various Samples of this MCAL Project:

Stitches Used in this MCAL Mystery Crochet Along Project:

• Chain (ch): Wrap the yarn over the hook in a clockwise direction. Draw the yarn through to form a new loop without tightening the previous one.
• Single crochet (sc): Insert the hook into the work (or specified chain from hook), wrap the yarn over the hook and pull the yarn through the work only. Wrap the yarn around the hook again and pull it through both loops.
• Slip stitch (slst): Insert hook into specified stitch. Wrap the yarn over the hook. Draw the yarn through the stitch and through the loop on the hook. 
• Half double crochet (hdc): Wrap the yarn over the hook and insert the hook into the specified stitch. Wrap the yarn over the hook, draw through the work only and wrap the yarn again. Draw through all three loops on hook.
• Double crochet (dc): Wrap the yarn over the hook and insert the hook into the work (or specified chain from hook), wrap the yarn over the hook, draw through the work only and wrap the yarn again. Draw through the first two loops only and wrap the yarn around the hook again. Draw through the last two loops on the hook.
• Double crochet through back loop only (dc-blo): Yarnn over the hook and insert the hook into the specified stitch through the back loop only. Yarn over the hook, pull through the work only (3 loops on hook). Yarn over, pull through the first two loops only. Yarn over, pull through the last two loops on the hook.

Part 1 MCAL Mystery Crochet Along Instructions and Chart:

Ch4, slst to 4th ch from hook to form ring.

Round 1: Ch3 (counts as dc), 2dc in ring, (ch3, 3dc in ring)x3, ch1, hdc to top of ch3 at beg of round to join. — 4 3dc sections, 4 ch3 sps

Note: (ch1, hdc) counts as a ch3 sp.

Round 2: Ch3 (counts as dc), 2dc in ring, *ch1, skip 3 dcs, (3dc, ch3, 3dc) in next ch3 sp. Rep from * around, ch1, 3dc in net ch3 sp, ch1, hdc to top of ch3 at beg of round to join. — 8 3dc sections, 4 ch3 sps, 4 ch1 sps

Round 3: Ch3 (counts as dc), 2dc in ring, *ch1, skip 3 dcs, 3dc in next ch1 sp, ch1, skip 3 dcs, (3dc, ch3, 3dc) in next ch3 sp. Rep from * around, ch1, skip 3 dcs, 3dc in next ch1 sp, ch1, skip 3 dcs, 3dc in next ch3 sp, ch1, hdc to top of ch3 at beg of round to join. — 12 3dc sections, 8 ch1 sps, 4 ch3 sps

Fasten off.

Here are the scheduled premieres of all parts of the mystery crochet along: