Tournament of Stitches 2026: A Free Knit & Crochet Stitch Learning Event
A Month-Long Knit & Crochet Skill Adventure 🧶🏆
Every maker eventually reaches a moment when they want to try something new… a new stitch, a new texture, or a project that helps them grow their skills.
That’s exactly why Tournament of Stitches exists.
Tournament of Stitches 2026 is a month-long knit and crochet shawl make-along designed to help makers learn new stitches, explore texture, and build real crafting confidence while stitching alongside thousands of makers around the world.
It’s creative.
It’s skill-building.
And it’s incredibly fun. 💛
If you’re discovering this event for the first time, think of it as a crafting challenge mixed with a learning experience. Instead of following one pattern from start to finish, you’ll explore different stitch patterns organized into concentration levels and build a shawl that reflects your own creativity.
If shawls are your favorite canvas for learning new stitches, you can also explore our growing collection of knit shawl patterns here: https://marlybird.com/knit-shawl-patterns
Whether you’re returning for another round or joining Tournament of Stitches for the first time, this guide will show you how the event works, what you’ll learn, and how to participate.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. To learn more please visit my privacy policy here💖
What Is the Tournament of Stitches?
Tournament of Stitches is a month-long knit and crochet make-along event focused on learning stitch patterns and building skills, while making a stunning heirloom shawl.
Instead of repeating the same stitch across an entire project, participants work through different stitch patterns released weekly during the event.
These weekly sections are called plays.
Each play introduces new stitch patterns and gives participants the chance to choose which stitch concentration they want to work that week.
This format allows you to:
• learn new knitting stitches
• discover crochet stitch patterns
• experiment with texture
• build a completely unique shawl project
• stitch alongside a supportive crafting community
Because everyone chooses different stitches and concentrations, every finished project looks different.
Shawls are the perfect canvas for showcasing these multiple stitch patterns with in its fabric.
If you’re looking for inspiration before the event begins, explore these knit shawl patterns: https://marlybird.com/knit-shawl-patterns
Why Tournament of Stitches Happens Every Two Years
Tournament of Stitches has become one of the most anticipated events in the Marly Bird community.
That’s why we host it every two years.
Spacing the event out allows us to create something truly special each time… introducing new stitch combinations, new learning opportunities, and a fresh creative experience.
Participants return again and again because the event offers something unique:
✨ new stitches to learn
✨ a supportive crafting community
✨ the excitement of stitching alongside thousands of makers
It’s not just a make-along.
It’s a creative celebration of stitches.
Tournament of Stitches 2026 Is a Free Event 💛
One of the things I love most about this community is making sure anyone can participate, regardless of experience level or budget.
That’s why Tournament of Stitches 2026 is completely free to join.
The free event includes access to the Netflix & Chill concentration level, which features relaxing stitch patterns that are easy to memorize and enjoyable to work.
These stitches are designed to be:
• rhythmic
• beginner-friendly
• relaxing to stitch
They’re perfect for crafting while watching your favorite show, chatting with friends, or simply enjoying a peaceful stitching session.
You can fully participate in the event using this concentration and still learn new stitches while stitching alongside the community.
But if you want to explore even more stitch techniques, there is also an optional upgrade available.
What Are the Tournament of Stitches Concentration Levels? (Choosing Your Stitching Style)
One of the most unique parts of Tournament of Stitches is the concept of stitch concentration levels.
Instead of locking you into one pattern style, the tournament offers different stitching moods.
Because let’s be honest…
We don’t always feel the same way when we sit down to craft.
Some days we want relaxing stitches we can work while watching TV.
Other days we want something that challenges our skills and keeps our brain engaged.
The concentration system allows you to choose the stitching experience that matches your mood, your energy, and your creativity each week.
Whether you prefer beginner-friendly knitting stitches or advanced crochet texture patterns, the concentration levels let you customize your Tournament of Stitches experience.
When you have access to all concentrations through the VIP experience, you can move between them whenever you want.
This allows makers to:
🧶 explore different stitch families
🏆 challenge your skills when you want
💛 relax with easy stitches when you need to
✨ create a shawl that reflects your personal crafting rhythm
And the result?
Every participant ends up with a one-of-a-kind shawl filled with beautiful stitch textures.
There are three concentration levels available during the event:
Netflix & Chill Concentration (Free Event Access)
The Netflix & Chill concentration is included in the free Tournament of Stitches event.
These stitches are designed to be easy to memorize, relaxing to work, and beginner friendly.
They often include:
• rhythmic stitch repeats
• calming texture patterns
• stitches that don’t require constant instruction checking
This concentration is perfect for makers who want to relax while still learning new knitting or crochet stitches.
Smooth Jazz Concentration (VIP Upgrade)
The Smooth Jazz concentration introduces more creative stitch combinations.
These stitches flow beautifully while introducing more interesting stitch combinations and texture changes
Smooth Jazz stitches often include:
• textured stitch combinations
• rhythmic stitch patterns
• interesting visual texture
These stitches add depth and personality to your finished project.
Shhh! Be Quiet! Concentration (VIP Upgrade)
The Shhh! Be Quiet! concentration is for makers who enjoy deep focus stitching.
These stitches require a bit more concentration and are perfect for quiet crafting moments.
This concentration may include:
• more intricate stitch techniques
• advanced texture combinations
• skill-building stitch structures
Many participants discover their favorite stitches in this concentration.
The VIP Advantage: Stitching With Your Mood
The VIP upgrade inside Marly Bird House unlocks all concentration levels.
This allows you to choose your stitching experience each week.
Feeling relaxed?
Work a Netflix & Chill stitch.
Feeling creative?
Try a Smooth Jazz pattern.
Feeling focused?
Dive into Shhh, Be Quiet!
This flexibility is what makes Tournament of Stitches so unique… and it’s why the finished projects are always so beautiful.
VIP will be available soon, this is a place holder
Want the Full Tournament Experience? Upgrade Inside Marly Bird House
For makers who want a more organized and uninterrupted crafting experience, there will be an optional Tournament of Stitches upgrade inside Marly Bird House.
This upgrade includes:
🏆 access to all stitch concentrations
🧶 organized weekly lessons with PDF instructions
💛 distraction-free crafting experience
✨ ability to revisit tutorials anytime
If you’re deciding between the free event and the premium experience, this Tournament of Stitches Free vs VIP Upgrade comparison explains exactly what you get with each option.
Many makers love this option because everything is organized in one place.
But remember… you can always start with the free event and upgrade later if you want to explore more stitches.
How to Prepare for Tournament of Stitches 2026
Getting ready for Tournament of Stitches is easy.
Step 1: Sign Up for the Event
To participate, the first step is to sign up for the make-along so you can receive the official materials list.
The materials list helps you decide:
• what yarn to use (Knit is Worsted; Crochet is DK)
• whether you want to knit or crochet
• what needles or hooks you’ll need
Once you have the materials list, you can gather everything ahead of time. *The materials list is sent to you once you sign up!
Step 2: Choose Your Yarn
After reviewing the materials list, choose the yarn that inspires you.
Knitters use a single color so the stitch textures stand out clearly (NO VARIEGATED!)
Crocheters use multiple colors to highlight stitches (NO VARIEGATED!)
⭐️ Neither pattern is good for variegated or long color changing yarn.
⭐️ Neither pattern should be made with cotton but premium acrylic is fine.
In this episode of Mondays with Marly, Marly Bird talks about what to expect from the Tournament of Stitches 2026 knit and crochet make-along. Watch & learn more about the materials for the Tournament of Stitches 2026
Step 3: Gather Your Tools
Depending on your project, you may need:
🧶 knitting needles or crochet hook
🧶 stitch markers
🧶 tapestry needle
🧶 scissors
Having everything ready ahead of time makes the event much more enjoyable.
Step 4: Be Ready for Cast-On Day
Tournament of Stitches officially begins March 17th.
Each week, a new play will be released.
When a new play is released, you simply choose which concentration you feel like working that week.
Step 5: Join the Community
One of the best ways to enjoy the event is by joining the Marly’s Minions: Marly Bird BiCrafty Community Facebook group.
Inside the group you can:
💛 share progress
💛 encourage other makers
💛 ask questions
💛 see project inspiration
💛 enter prize giveaways
The community energy makes the event even more fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tournament of Stitches 2026?
Tournament of Stitches is a month-long knit and crochet make-along where makers learn new stitches while creating a unique project. Learn about the previous TOS on this post here.
When does the Tournament of Stitches 2026 start?
The Tournament of Stitches 2026 begins March 17, 2026, and participants can follow along with the event schedule to complete the projects step-by-step.
Is Tournament of Stitches free?
Yes. Tournament of Stitches 2026 is a free event. The free version includes access to the Netflix & Chill concentration level.
Where can I find the Tournament of Stitches patterns?
The patterns are given in sections or plays each week during the event and will available on MarlyBird.com.
VIP participants will receive access to the MarlyBirdHouse.com and each of the sections or plays each week will open up on the day of release. In VIP, the pattern plays are dripped out on the same schedule as the free version to keep all participants moving at the same pace during the event.
What projects can I make during Tournament of Stitches?
We are creating shawls, but the skills and stitches you learn will allow you to also make scarves, cowls, blankets, or stitch samplers should you get the design bug.
Do I need to know how to knit and crochet to participate?
You should be familiar with either of the crafts and you should be comfortable with the hook or needles. The two crafts are not worked on the same project so you only need to know one craft to participate. The Tournament of Stitches includes both knitting and crochet projects, so makers can choose the craft they enjoy most.
Do I need to be an expert knitter or crocheter?
No. Adventurous beginners through experienced makers can participate.
What are the concentration levels in the Tournament of Stitches?
Participants can choose between three fun concentration levels:
• Netflix & Chill – relaxing stitching (included in the Free Version)
• Smooth Jazz – balanced challenge (VIP Exclusive)
• Shh! Be Quiet – focused stitching (VIP Exclusive)
Each level offers a different experience depending on how much concentration you want while stitching.
What does the VIP upgrade include?
The VIP upgrade inside Marly Bird House unlocks the Smooth Jazz and Shhh! Be Quiet! concentration levels along with organized lessons and tutorials.
How do I sign up for the Tournament of Stitches?
You can sign up for the free event on on this form. Once you confirm your email registration, you’ll receive the supply list. Then during the event, you will get emails when the pattern plays release, and any special event announcements.
Can I join the Tournament of Stitches after it starts?
Yes! Makers can join the Tournament of Stitches even after the event begins and still work through the projects at their own pace.
Final Thoughts: Why Makers Love Tournament of Stitches
There are lots of knitting and crochet patterns out there.
But Tournament of Stitches is different.
Instead of simply following instructions, this event encourages you to:
✨ learn new stitches
✨ experiment with texture
✨ build confidence in your crafting skills
✨ create something completely unique
By the end of the event, you won’t just have a finished project.
You’ll have a shawl filled with stitches that represent your creativity and growth as a maker.
So if you’ve ever wanted to:
🧶 learn new knitting stitches
🧶 explore crochet stitch techniques
🧶 improve your crafting skills
🧶 join a fun community crafting event
Then Tournament of Stitches 2026 is the perfect place to start.
❤️ Your BiCrafty Bestie,
Marly Bird
Categories: Crochet, Knitting, Make-Alongs, Marly Bird Premium Patterns, Our Free Patterns, Pattern
