The Best Fun CALs to Try in 2021
Undertaking big crochet projects is definitely one of the New Year’s resolutions theme, but I recommend you starting before winter even begins. In these cold, dark winter days, a big colorful project can be a lifesaver, that keeps you busy. Don’t let the sadness creep and scare it away with rainbow-like stash.
What’s better than a hot cup of tea, snuggling under your blanket watching favorite TV shows and crocheting? Let this season be a productive one. There are so many amazing crochet-alongs that I’m sure you will find something for yourself. Most of them feature bedspreads or big blankets, but if you prefer something smaller, be sure to stop wherever you want, of course if the blanket is worked from the center. Make a stunning accessory for your home! Take a look at examples below to check the current trends and search for links to free patterns under the pictures.
You may like also these projects:
d’Histoire Naturelle Scheepjes CAL 2020 Ideas
d’Histoire Naturelle Scheepjes CAL 2020
This stunning throw in the pictures below was made by junghyunsim and it’s such a piece of art, don’t you think? What’s more, it’s going to look incredible on your bed on at your wall – it’s an amazing blanket, that will be the focal point of your room!
- DESIGNED by Scheepjes
- THIS VERSION is by junghyunsim
- PROJECT TYPE blanket
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL beginner
PHOTOS byjunghyunsim / Instagram.com
Find this free pattern on scheepjes.com or read more on Ravelry. The top photo is here and the bottom photo is here.
d’Histoire Naturelle Scheepjes CAL 2020
How stunning is this crochet throw in the pictures below? It’s made by goat.pajamas.fiber.art and the colors are so incredible, don’t you think? What’s more, it’s incredibly warm, textured and will look on point on your bed or in your living room!
- DESIGNED by Scheepjes
- THIS VERSION is by goat.pajamas.fiber.art
- PROJECT TYPE blanket
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL beginner
PHOTOS by goat.pajamas.fiber.art / Instagram.com
Find this free pattern on scheepjes.com or read more on Ravelry. The top photo is here and the bottom photo is here.
d’Histoire Naturelle Scheepjes CAL 2020
This gorgeous histoire naturelle scheepjes cal version on the pictures below was made by annamoore3. Isn’t it just beautiful? I absolutely love these lacy corners, that create such an original effect! What’s more, it’s not as hard to make as you might think it is!
- DESIGNED by Scheepjes
- THIS VERSION is by annamoore3
- PROJECT TYPE blanket
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL beginner
PHOTOS by annamoore3 / Instagram.com
Find this free pattern on scheepjes.com or read more on Ravelry. The top photo is here and the bottom photo is here.
d’Histoire Naturelle Scheepjes CAL 2020
This gorgeous version of the histoire naturelle scheepjes cal was created by black_wolf_crochet and is all about shades of blue with a sprinkle of red, yellow and grey. It takes a while to crochet, however it’s totally worth the while! It will really make an amazing gift for your family and friends.
- DESIGNED by Scheepjes
- THIS VERSION is by black_wolf_crochet
- PROJECT TYPE blanket
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL beginner
PHOTOS by black_wolf_crochet / Instagram.com
Find this free pattern on scheepjes.com or read more on Ravelry. The photos are here.
d’Histoire Naturelle Scheepjes CAL 2020 – Starting September 23th
This beautiful blanket was inspired by many galleries in the Museum of Natural History in Paris. It’s looks absolutely breathtaking and the colors are just out of this words. It’s a slightly complicated project, but it’s totally worth the while.
- DESIGNED by Scheepjes
- PROJECT TYPE blanket
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL beginner
PHOTOS by Scheepjes / Ravelry.com
Find this free pattern on scheepjes.com or read more on Ravelry.
Harlequin CAL
This amazing Harlequin Wrap begins with an amazing foundation chain, which has chain stitches. This gorgeous mosaic scheme is arranged in a simple wrap, that was worked flat from the foundation chain. It’s a great project for adventurous beginners!
- DESIGNED by Luz Higdon
- PROJECT TYPE blanket
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL beginner
PHOTOS by Luz Higdon / Ravelry.com
Find this free pattern on Ravelry.
Octagonical CAL Starting in October!
This gorgeous blannket will no doubt be one of the most beautiful pieces in your home. It has a vintage vibe, that’s reminding me slightly of the victorian age. The lace and the colors are just amazing in the creme, pink and green version. However, as you can see on the bottom photo, you can mix things up and bring some bright colors into your home!
- DESIGNED by Helen Shrimpton
- PROJECT TYPE blanket
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL beginner
PHOTOS by Helen Shrimpton / Ravelry.com
Find this free pattern on crystalsandcrochet.com or read more on Ravelry.
Octagonical CAL Starting in October!
This incredible blanket just screams “summer”, doesn’t it? The colors are so vibrant and full of life! You can use it as a blanket, or even a rug, to make your place look more eclectic and fun. It’s a great project for adventurous beginners.
- DESIGNED by Helen Shrimpton
- THIS VERSION is by mydogscalledfrank
- PROJECT TYPE blanket
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL beginner
PHOTOS by mydogscalledfrank / Ravelry.com
Find this free pattern on crystalsandcrochet.com or read more on Ravelry.This particular version is on Ravelry.
Octagonical CAL Starting in October!
Even though this throw might take you a while, I promise it will be totally worth it! The colors are simple magical, however you can go for your own color palette. It will look simply gorgeous at your couch or as a rug! This CAL is starting this October!
- DESIGNED by Helen Shrimpton
- THIS VERSION is by Shrimpton2Smith
- PROJECT TYPE blanket
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL beginner
PHOTOS by Shrimpton2Smith / Ravelry.com
Find this free pattern on crystalsandcrochet.com or read more on Ravelry.The top version is on Ravelry.com here., and the bottom version is here.
As Sweet As… Crochet Pattern
Only the introduction to this CAL is free. Other parts will be paid. This blanket is so beautiful, it’s really hard to describe it at all. Those lovely pink and purple stripes make it so girly and so delicate, it’s hard not to look at this all the time. Make this for your child or your expecting friend, they will be delighted!
- DESIGNED by BebaBlanket
- PROJECT TYPE blanket / throw
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL upper beginner
Go to the pattern:
Narcissus CAL Free Crochet Pattern
Those lovely daffodils just scream “spring”. And they look so real, it’s hard to resist the feeling, that they are. It’s a beautiful spring cal, that will remind you of this wonderful time of the year on cold autumn / winter days.
- DESIGNED by Rosina Plane
- PROJECT TYPE blanket / throw
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL upper beginner
Go to the pattern:
Mosaic Dream Blanket Crochet-Along Free Crochet Pattern
This stunning blanket is beautifully detailed and makes it look very sophisticated. It’s the perfect choice for a bed cape, a pillow, or even a wrap – it’s one in a kind!
- DESIGNED by Emma Leith
- PROJECT TYPE blanket / throw
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL upper beginner
Go to the pattern:
Mosaic Dream Blanket, more info here.
Study of Planet Earth Free Crochet Pattern
With this pattern you first start crocheting a circle, and then you go smoothly to a hexagonal shape. This lovely throw will embellish every home decor, whether you choose to make a blanket, a bedcover or anything else out of it.
- DESIGNED by Michael Sellick
- PROJECT TYPE blanket / throw
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL upper beginner
Study Of Planet Earth, more info here.
Plaid Patchwork Blanket Free Crochet Pattern
This blanket speaks winter – buffalo plaid, deer stags and mountains? It’s a perfect hygge combination. Each part of this crochet along will teach you how to make one of the squares, which you can use to make a matching cushion, too!
- DESIGNED by Bethany Dearden
- PROJECT TYPE blanket
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL upper beginner
PHOTOS by Bethany Dearden
Cushion CAL Free Crochet Pattern
This beautiful cushion features a lot of techniques and combines the styles. Choose your favorite color palette and try making it along with other crocheters! You can use these squares in your other works as well!
- DESIGNED by Anna Nikipirowicz
- PROJECT TYPE cushion
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL intermediate
PHOTOS by Anna Nikipirowicz
Mandala Madness Free Crochet Pattern
This classic blanket is based on mandala designs and is worked from the center. Ornamental patterns grow in rounds, and you can make it as big as you wish!
- DESIGNED by Helen Shrimpton, this version by JoanneMarie
- PROJECT TYPE blanket
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL intermediate
PHOTOS by JoanneMarie
Christmas Around the World CAL Free Crochet Pattern
This lovely square design starts with a flower, and continues in fantastic intricate rows of stitches. Each of them is different, but they all work beautifully together. Make it a bedspread or a lovely snuggly blanket.
- DESIGNED by Elizabeth Mareno
- PROJECT TYPE blanket
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL intermediate
PHOTOS by Elizabeth Mareno
Christmas Around the World CAL, this version can be found here.
Flora Afghan Stitch Along Free Crochet Pattern
This afghan is made with floral squares, each of which is stunning and elegant in its own way. Original proposition is graphic and bold, but you can use any color palette you like!
- DESIGNED by Michael Sellick
- PROJECT TYPE blanket
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL intermediate
PHOTOS by Michael Sellick
Nature’s Walk Blanket Free Crochet Pattern
Let’s keep warm autumn days all year long! This delicate design uses filet technique and openwork to create nice lacy structure. Subtle squares are joined together and bordered with ornamental edging.
- DESIGNED by Sandra Paul
- PROJECT TYPE blanket
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL upper beginner
PHOTOS by Sandra Paul
B(lu)E Happy CAL 2019 Free Crochet Pattern
This CAL will bring a smile on your face! Bold in design and in color, this crochet-along is something different. Squares of different sizes, as well as rectangular modules are combined together to make this crazy beautiful design.
- DESIGNED by Ineke Mooijenkind
- PROJECT TYPE blanket
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL intermediate
PHOTOS by NoeleneSampey
Nature’s Walk Blanket
This fantastic nature’s walk blanket in the pictures below is absolutely gorgeous and it will make your home look so much cozier! As you can see, it’s absolutely stunning and what’s more, you can make it really quickly. Feel free to change the colors to your liking!
- DESIGNED by Sandra Paul
- THIS VERSION is by momma.goose.crochet
- PROJECT TYPE blanket
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL beginner
PHOTOS by momma.goose.crochet / Instagram.com
Find this free pattern on scheepjes.com or read more on Ravelry. The top photo is here and the bottom photo is here.
Nature’s Walk Blanket
I absolutely love the colors in this version of the nature’s walk by alittlecraftroom. They remind me of a sunny autumn day and will make you missing the fall already! What’s more, you can change the colors and edging to match your preferences. Absolutely beautiful blanket!
- DESIGNED by Sandra Paul
- THIS VERSION is by alittlecraftroom
- PROJECT TYPE blanket
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL beginner
PHOTOS by alittlecraftroom / Instagram.com
Find this free pattern on scheepjes.com or read more on Ravelry. The top photo is here and the bottom photo is here.
Yarn Eater Flower Mandala Madness
This gorgeous mandala in the pictures below is actually a blanket, that’s made in the round, so it will make a beautiful wall decoration, or a rug for your bedroom, or the kiddos room. Feel free to use all kinds of leftover yarn for this project, to make it unique.
- DESIGNED by Helen Shrimpton
- THIS VERSION is by fraumoroz
- PROJECT TYPE blanket
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL beginner
PHOTOS by fraumoroz / ravelry.com
Find this free pattern on crystalsandcrochet.com or read more on Ravelry. This particular version is on Ravelry.
Mandala Madness
This gorgeous mandala in the pictures below could be an incredible gift idea for your friends and family. Take a look for yourself, you will fall in love with this beautiful project! It’s made in the round and it’s not as hard as you might think, it just needs a bit of patience!
- DESIGNED by Helen Shrimpton
- THIS VERSION is by aimme_xxy
- PROJECT TYPE blanket
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL beginner
PHOTOS by aimme_xxy / Instagram.com
Find this free pattern on crystalsandcrochet.com or read more on Ravelry. the photos are here.
Miope
These gorgeous blanket in the pictures below were created by Kathryn Middleton and each of them is a square worked in double knit to a tension of 20 dc (US). The finished size is 160cm x 160cm, so it’s a super cosy and stunning project, that will make you warm, and your house so elegant!
- DESIGNED by Kathryn Middleton
- PROJECT TYPE blanket
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL beginner
PHOTOS by Kathryn Middleton / ravelry.com
Find this free pattern on Ravelry.
Puffy Flower Fun Day Blanket
How many different textures and colors can you have in just one blanket? Well, I’d say endless, how do you think? Just take a look at the pictures below, isn’t this blanket just the epitome of spring? I love all the flowers and bobbles on the edging! The finished size is 50″ x 58″ without the pom-pom bobble trim.
- DESIGNED by Erin Black
- PROJECT TYPE blanket
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL beginner
PHOTOS by Erin Black / ravelry.com
Find this free pattern on thecrochetcrowd.com or read more on Ravelry.
Unity Cal
I absolutely love blankets, that were made in just one color, like this one in the pictures below, because it’s a fantastic way to embellish all the amazing details and texture! Just look how incredible it is! You will need a 3,5 mm hook for the most part and your favorite yarn!
- DESIGNED by Kirsten Bishop, Andrea Harding, Mel Harrison, Tegan Howes, Melissa Hughes, Fiona Langtry Carissa Macpherson, Colleen O’Neill, Melody Tallon, Emma Wilkinson
- THIS VERSION is by TeganHowes
- PROJECT TYPE blanket
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL beginner
PHOTOS by TeganHowes / Ravelry.com
Find this free pattern on Ravelry. This particular version is on Ravelry.
Sunflower CAL
This beautiful sunflower blanket in the pictures below is such a unique piece of art, that will not only keep you warm, but will also make your home look fantastic! If you want to travel to a gorgeous meadow of flowers, make sure to check out this pattern. The finished size is 46″*46″.
- DESIGNED by Susan Pan
- PROJECT TYPE blanket
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL beginner
PHOTOS by Susan Pan / Ravelry.com
Find this free pattern on Ravelry.
Summer Blossom Mandala
This beautiful throw in the pictures below was made by Rohn Strong and it’s the perfect combination of pink and blue, don’t you think? Take your crochet skills to the next level with this amazing project! The finished size is 56” in diameter.
- DESIGNED by Rohn Strong
- PROJECT TYPE blanket
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL beginner
PHOTOS by Rohn Strong / ravelry.com
Find this free pattern on rohnstrong.com or read more on Ravelry.
Tropical Shores Blanket
This incredible crochet blanket in the pictures below was made by Eleonora Tully and it’s such an amazing project, that can be turned into such a lovely, vintage looking umbrella! You can make it in any color combination you want, don’t you think that it will be a lovely gift to a bride when made in pastels?
- DESIGNED by Eleonora Tully
- PROJECT TYPE blanket
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL beginner
PHOTOS by Eleonora Tully / ravelry.com
Find this free pattern on kingcole.com or read more on Ravelry.
Mandala Madness
I’m absolutely in love with this stunning crochet mandala in the pictures below! It’s a circular blanket, made in the round, it is a mandala and so there will be no option to square it off, although you are welcome to do that yourself. Any color combination will be amazing for this!
- DESIGNED by Helen Shrimpton
- THIS VERSION is by Kyrie
- PROJECT TYPE blanket
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL beginner
PHOTOS by Kyrie / ravelry.com
Find this free pattern on crystalsandcrochet.com or read more on Ravelry. This particular version is on Ravelry.
Mandala Madness
This beautiful mandala inspired throw in the pictures below was made by lineleknes and the colors are simply amazing, aren’t they? It’s a stunning, circular blanket, that’s made in the round, and it’s perfect for a summer picnic with your friends, don’t you think?
- DESIGNED by Helen Shrimpton
- THIS VERSION is by lineleknes
- PROJECT TYPE blanket
- CRAFT crochet
- SKILL LEVEL beginner
PHOTOS by lineleknes / ravelry.com
Find this free pattern on crystalsandcrochet.com or read more on Ravelry. The top photo is here and the bottom photo is here.
These are great! What is the yarn used in the mandala madness in this picture?? It’s so beautiful
Hi Kailey! here is the link to this version – https://www.ravelry.com/projects/JoanneMarie/mandala-madness
I would love to know the colors of the yarn used in the mandala madness crochet throw on this page. It is absolutely beautiful. Could someone please tell me the type of yarn and the colors. I have been looking for a long time for the the colors in this particular mandala.
Hi Jennifer! It would be best if you contacted the author of this pattern for more information about the yarn and colors. She well know best!