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 sameā¦ but different.
Sound confusing?
Stick with me. Itās actually the most fun part. š
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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 āchoose your own adventureā ā 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, youāll have a finished project that unfolded like a mystery right alongside the rest of the community.
š Tournament of Stitches 2026 Is Now Open!
The Tournament of Stitches 2026 is officially open, and this yearās event begins March 17th!
This year weāll be knitting a beautiful mystery shawl designed by Marly Bird. Just like previous tournaments, the fun comes from working through clues, learning techniques, and knitting alongside makers from around the world.
Weāre keeping most of the project details under wraps for now, but you can get all the current information about registration, supplies, and event updates here:
š Get the full Tournament of Stitches 2026 details here
How the Tournament of Stitches Works
Hereās 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 āBe Quiet, Iām Knittingā one week and āNetflix and Chillā 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. āØ
The 2026 Tournament of Stitches event begins March 17th and features a mystery knit shawl project. You can see the full event details and registration information here:
https://marlybird.com/blog/tournament-of-stitches-2026/
Tournament of Stitches Concentration Levels
Instead of labeling projects ābeginnerā or āadvanced,ā we categorize each play by how much focus it requires.
Because letās be honest ā sometimes you want a challenge, and sometimes you want to watch basketball.
š¬ āNetflix and Chillā 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 doesnāt require constant counting.
š· āSmooth Jazzā Knitter or Crocheter
This is moderate concentration.
You can have music or light background noise, but youāll need to think a bit more.
These plays include more involved stitch patterns and require some attention, but they are still approachable.
š¤« āBe Quiet, Iām Knittingā 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 2022ā2026 to recharge and refine the experience.
Each year has brought something new.
š 2018 ā 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.
š 2019 ā 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.
š 2020 ā The Mosaic Year
This was the year of mosaic stitches ā 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.
š 2021 ā 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.
š 2022 ā 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.
Want to Stitch the 2026 Tournament of Stitches?
The 2026 Tournament of Stitches has wrapped ā and the good news is, all six free pattern plays are still available right on the event blog post, in both knit and crochet. Work them in order, mix and match, or pick whichever stitches catch your eye.
š Click here for the Tournament of Stitches 2026 patterns
We continue to improve the process every time ā 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 isnāt live yet, keep checking back. š
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 yesā¦ we absolutely lean into the basketball theme. šš§¶
How Do I Participate?
Participation is simple.
Each year, there is a dedicated Tournament of Stitches blog post where every weekly play (the patterns) is published. Once a yearās event has wrapped, those plays remain on the blog so you can stitch them anytime.
Hereās what to do:
- āļø Head to the event blog post for the year you want to stitch (the 2026 Tournament of Stitches patterns are all available right now)
- Join the Marlyās Minions: Marly Bird BiCrafty Community on Facebook
- Decide whether youāre knitting or crocheting
- Gather supplies (we always offer yarn suggestions and alternatives)
- Add your project to Ravelry
- Work the plays at your own pace, in any order you like
You can follow along for free via the blog ā every play is a free pattern in the Netflix & Chill concentration.
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
Youāll even have chances to win surprise mystery prizes.
Why People Love the Tournament of Stitches
Itās not just about the pattern.
Itās about:
- Community
- Skill growth
- Creative choice
- Friendly accountability
- Shared excitement
Youāre making the same project as hundreds of othersā¦ but your version is uniquely yours.
And thereās 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 itās most fun to stitch alongside the community during a live event, the free pattern plays from past Tournament of Stitches years stay live on the blog so you can work through them anytime, at your own pace. Some past years also offer ad-free PDF versions for purchase.
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.
Itās a celebration of creativity, growth, and community. Itās structured enough to challenge you, flexible enough to fit your life, and fun enough to make you look forward to every clue release.
If youāve never joined us before, I hope this is the year you jump in.
Trust meā¦ itās way more fun than filling out a basketball bracket. ššš§¶
ā¤ļø Your BiCrafty Bestie,
Marly Bird
Categories: Make-Alongs, Tournament of Stitches, Uncategorized
Iām inā¦.cannot wait as this is my 2nd favourite time after 24 days of quickies!!!!! So love this CAL/KAL
Is it beginner friendly. I am trying to learn knitting but still having difficulty.
This will be my first time doing the tournament.