Everything you need to know before we begin
As we get closer to the start of the Hedgerow Shawl Mystery Knitalong, I wanted to answer some of the most common questions we get about MKALs.
Mystery knitalongs are a little different from regular patterns: I love the mystery and anticipation, but especially if this is your first MKAL (or just your first one with me) you may be wondering how it all works.
This guide is here to help everything feel clear, settled, and unhurried before we cast on.
What is a Mystery Knitalong?
In a Mystery Knitalong (MKAL), you buy the pattern before seeing the finished design. Instead of receiving the full instructions at once, the pattern is released in sections (aka clues) over several weeks.
You’ll know the overall shape of the project, the yarn requirements, and the schedule from the start. What stays hidden are the stitch patterns, textures, and design details, which reveal themselves gradually as you knit.
Like a hedgerow, the structure is there from the beginning, but the richness lies in what you discover as you move along it.
How do I join the Hedgerow Shawl MKAL?
Joining is simple. To take part, just purchase the Hedgerow Shawl Mystery Knitalong pattern on Ravelry or Gumroad.
There’s no additional sign-up process. Once you’ve purchased the pattern, the clues will be delivered automatically to your Ravelry library or by email (depending on where you bought it) as they’re released.
While not required, many knitters find the experience more enjoyable when they join the community spaces alongside the knitting.
Community & knitting together
The Curious Handmade community is a big part of what makes a mystery knitalong special.
If you’re on Ravelry, you’re very welcome to:
create a project page for your Hedgerow Shawl (you can use a photo of your yarn or a spoiler-safe image to start)
join the discussion threads in the Curious Handmade Ravelry Group
There will be both spoiler-free and spoiler-friendly threads for each clue, so you can enjoy the mystery in whatever way feels most comfortable.
If you prefer Instagram, you’re also welcome to share your progress there using the MKAL hashtag, #HedgerowMKAL, just be mindful of spoilers and use spoiler-safe images until the final reveal on March 19th, 2026.
Of course, there’s no obligation to post or participate socially. You’re just as welcome to knit quietly and follow along in your own way.
Yarn choices & flexibility
The Hedgerow Shawl is designed to be flexible and adaptable.
You can knit the shawl:
in three contrasting colours, or
in a single, carefully chosen shade
I love the yarn I used for the sample, and it may give you some inspiration, but there’s no need for a specific brand or type of yarn. Stash diving is encouraged, as is shopping from your LYS. Choose something you enjoy working with and that feels lovely in your hands: familiarity and comfort. can be wonderfully grounding in a mystery project.
Gauge is not critical for this shawl, as long as you have enough yarn. Swatching can be helpful for getting a feel for the fabric and playing with colour, but there’s no need to chase exact numbers.
Difficulty & what to expect from the pattern
The Hedgerow Shawl is suitable for adventurous beginner to intermediate knitters.
If you’ve knitted Curious Handmade shawls before, you’ll recognise the familiar percentage checklist style, clear row-by-row instructions, and a calm, logical flow through the pattern. Where helpful, charts are included alongside written instructions.
If this is your first Curious Handmade pattern, welcome!! You can expect knitting that’s engaging without being overwhelming, with just enough variety to keep things interesting as the shawl takes shape.
Clue schedule & pacing
The Hedgerow Shawl MKAL will be released over four clues, with one new section published each week.
Clue #1: Thursday, February 12th
Clue #2: Thursday, February 19th
Clue #3: Thursday, February 26th
Clue #4: Thursday, March 5th
Because we’re working across multiple time zones, clues may arrive at different times of day, but you’ll be notified automatically as soon as each one is available.
There’s no pressure to keep up.
You’re welcome to knit at your own pace, pause when needed, or even wait until all the clues are released before you begin. Like a hedgerow walked slowly, this project is meant to be taken in your own time.
Once the MKAL is complete, all the clues will be compiled into a single, complete pattern for you to keep.
What if I fall behind or don’t have much time?
That’s absolutely fine.
Life ebbs and flows, and this MKAL is designed to be spacious rather than demanding. You can jump in late, skip a week, or take breaks whenever you need. The pattern will still be there, and the community will still be welcoming.
There’s no “right” way to take part.
Still have questions?
If there’s something you’re unsure about, you can:
ask in the Curious Handmade Ravelry Group, where fellow knitters are always happy to help
or email support@curioushandmade.com for assistance
Please bear in mind that response times may be a little slower during busy launch periods. Thank you for your patience!
A gentle invitation
If you’ve enjoyed this guide and would like to stay in the loop as the Hedgerow Shawl MKAL unfolds, or if you’d like to hear about future patterns, knitting projects, and quiet creative moments, you’re very welcome to join the Curious Handmade email list.
I share updates, resources, encouragement and occasional reflections straight to your inbox, always with a focus on calm, considered knitting.
You can sign up here:
Join the Curious Handmade newsletter
Until then, I hope this helps everything feel a little clearer, and gives you space to breathe as we get ready to cast on.
Happy knitting,
Helen x
The post Preparing for the Hedgerow Shawl Mystery Knitalong appeared first on Curious Handmade Knitting Patterns and Knitting Podcast.
