What Is the Tournament of Stitches? | Marly Bird Mystery Make-Along Guide
The Tournament of Stitches mystery make-along is one of our most beloved Marly Bird community events. Held during the excitement of March Madness, this knit and crochet mystery make-along brings makers together to create something that is the same… but different.
Sound confusing?
Stick with me. It’s actually the most fun part. 😉
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What Is the Tournament of Stitches Mystery Make-Along?
The Tournament of Stitches is a community-driven mystery make-along where knitters and crocheters create a project over several weeks without knowing exactly how the final piece will look.
Think “choose your own adventure” — but with yarn.
At the start of the event, you choose your project type. Depending on the year, that may be:
- A shawl
- A cowl
- A pillow or throw
- Or another creative format
Each week, new plays (also called clues or sections) are released. Every play includes multiple concentration levels, and you choose which one you want to work.
Yes. You get to choose your difficulty level every single week.
After several weeks, you’ll have a finished project that unfolded like a mystery right alongside the rest of the community.
How the Tournament of Stitches Works
Here’s the structure in simple terms:
- Choose your project type.
- Each week, new plays are released.
- Each play includes multiple concentration levels.
- Pick the level that fits your mood that week.
- Knit or crochet your section.
- Wait for the next clue.
- Repeat until the project is complete.
The coolest part?
The math is written so you can mix and match concentration levels as you go. You are not locked into one track. You can go full “Be Quiet, I’m Knitting” one week and “Netflix and Chill” the next.
After about five weeks, you have a finished project that was a mystery to all of us at the beginning.
And that shared discovery is where the magic happens. ✨
Tournament of Stitches Concentration Levels
Instead of labeling projects “beginner” or “advanced,” we categorize each play by how much focus it requires.
Because let’s be honest — sometimes you want a challenge, and sometimes you want to watch basketball.
🎬 “Netflix and Chill” Knitter or Crocheter
These plays feature stitch patterns that allow you to:
- Watch a light show
- Chat with a friend
- Keep some background noise on
There is pattern detail, but it doesn’t require constant counting.
🎷 “Smooth Jazz” Knitter or Crocheter
This is moderate concentration.
You can have music or light background noise, but you’ll need to think a bit more.
These plays include more involved stitch patterns and require some attention, but they are still approachable.
🤫 “Be Quiet, I’m Knitting” Knitter or Crocheting
These are the most focused plays.
- More complex stitch patterns
- More counting
- More technical engagement
These are for the weeks when you want to really dig in and stretch your skills.
A Look at Past Tournament of Stitches Events
The Tournament of Stitches began in 2018 during March Madness. It started as an annual event and has evolved into a bi-yearly event, with a longer break from 2022–2026 to recharge and refine the experience.
Each year has brought something new.
🏀 2018 – The Original
The very first Tournament of Stitches featured a top-down triangle shawl with four concentration levels. It set the foundation for everything that followed.
🏀 2019 – The Experimental Year
This year featured:
- A unique knit boomerang/crescent shawl
- An asymmetrical crochet shawl
While this year was a bit of an anomaly in popularity, it gave birth to the wildly popular Crazy Stripes Knit Crescent Shawl, which many of you still love today.
🏀 2020 – The Mosaic Year
This was the year of mosaic stitches — both knit and crochet.
These projects became some of the most popular patterns on MarlyBird.com and helped many makers build colorwork confidence. Mosaic Madness Knit Cowl and the Mosaic Madness Crochet Cowl.
🏀 2021 – The Pillow and Throw
The 2021 Tournament of Stitches focused on crochet miter stitches in a pillow and throw format. You learned multiple ways to create miters and explore construction techniques in depth.
🏀 2022 – Mix and Match Returns
We brought back the mix-and-match style of the original event for 2022 Tournament of Stitches.
- Upgrade version: Shawl
- Upgrade version: Cowls
- Three concentration levels
- First and only year with a Tunisian crochet option
This year refined the system and streamlined the experience.
We continue to improve the process every time — clearer instructions, more creative designs, better organization, and stronger community support.
Many past Tournament of Stitches projects have ad-free PDF versions available. We are working to make all past versions available, so if your favorite isn’t live yet, keep checking back. 💖
When Is the Tournament of Stitches?
The Tournament of Stitches mystery make-along is traditionally held during the NCAA March Madness basketball tournament in March.
It brings together the excitement of competition with the calm joy of making.
And yes… we absolutely lean into the basketball theme. 🏀🧶
How Do I Participate?
Participation is simple.
Each year, there is a dedicated Tournament of Stitches blog post with a sign-up form.
Here’s what to do:
- ⭐️ Sign up through the event blog post
- Join the Marly’s Minions: Marly Bird BiCrafty Community on Facebook
- Receive your materials list via email
- Gather supplies (we always offer yarn suggestions and alternatives)
- Add your project to Ravelry
- Mark your calendar
- Return weekly for the plays
You can follow along for free via the blog.
Or you can upgrade for the ultimate experience, where everything is organized in one place inside the Marly Bird House.
During the event, share your progress on Facebook and Instagram using:
#tournamentofstitches
#tosMarlyBird
#MMMDI
You’ll even have chances to win surprise mystery prizes.
Why People Love the Tournament of Stitches
It’s not just about the pattern.
It’s about:
- Community
- Skill growth
- Creative choice
- Friendly accountability
- Shared excitement
You’re making the same project as hundreds of others… but your version is uniquely yours.
And there’s something incredibly motivating about that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tournament of Stitches beginner friendly?
Yes. Because you choose your concentration level each week, you can adjust the difficulty to match your skill and comfort level.
Do I have to participate live?
No. While it’s most fun live, many past patterns are available afterward as individual purchases.
Can I mix concentration levels?
Yes. The math is designed so you can mix and match without breaking the pattern.
Is it knit or crochet?
Both. Each year typically includes knit and crochet options.
How long does the make-along last?
Approximately five weeks.
Is it free?
There is always a free blog-follow option. An upgraded experience may be available for additional organization and bonuses.
Where do I find past Tournament of Stitches patterns?
Check the individual yearly posts and the Marly Bird shop for available ad-free PDFs.
Final Thoughts
The Tournament of Stitches is more than a mystery make-along.
It’s a celebration of creativity, growth, and community. It’s structured enough to challenge you, flexible enough to fit your life, and fun enough to make you look forward to every clue release.
If you’ve never joined us before, I hope this is the year you jump in.
Trust me… it’s way more fun than filling out a basketball bracket. 🏀💖🧶
❤️ Your BiCrafty Bestie,
Marly Bird
Categories: Make-Alongs, Tournament of Stitches, Uncategorized
