The Knitting Game MKAL 2015

The Knitting Game MKAL 2015: The Mystery of the Traveling Scarf

Project Overview

The Mystery of the Traveling Scarf is an interactive knitting game and mystery knit-along (MKAL) designed by Threebagsfulled and presented through Criminal Knits. This downloadable PDF pattern guides knitters through a 46-week adventure that began January 1st, 2015, combining the creative challenge of scarf construction with the excitement of a mystery narrative. Clues are released randomly throughout the project period, one per week, with surprises and goodies distributed to keep participants engaged and speculating about the final design.

What You Will Create

This pattern results in a finished traveling scarf — a long, drapey accessory created through a structured mystery knit-along format. The scarf is designed to showcase fingering weight yarn beautifully, with the option to work in a single color for a cohesive look or incorporate multiple colors throughout the project for a more dynamic, varied appearance.

Techniques and Construction Methods

The Traveling Scarf employs knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters. The mystery format means that knitters receive pattern instructions in stages rather than all at once, requiring them to follow clues and adapt to new techniques as they are revealed week by week. This approach builds anticipation and challenges knitters to expand their skill set progressively throughout the 46-week period.

Stitches and Stitch Work

While specific stitch details are revealed gradually as part of the mystery element, the pattern is structured to work with standard knitting stitches appropriate for fingering weight yarn on small-gauge needles. The mystery format means that stitch patterns and techniques are intentionally withheld from the initial pattern overview, encouraging knitters to join the Criminal Knits community for guidance and support as new instructions are released.

Materials Required

• Needles: 1 US size 4 (3.50mm) circular needle — notably, only a single circular needle is required for this entire project
• Yarn: Approximately 1700 yards of fingering weight yarn with drapey qualities. Knitters have complete flexibility in yarn selection: the yardage can be worked in a single color throughout, or distributed across multiple colors according to personal preference and available stash

Community and Support

This pattern is designed as a group knitting experience hosted on the Criminal Knits Group, where participants gather for chat, photo sharing, speculation about upcoming clues, and mutual assistance. The community aspect is integral to the mystery knit-along format, making this as much a social crafting experience as a pattern-following endeavor.

Pattern Format

This is a downloadable PDF pattern suitable for intermediate knitters seeking an engaging, long-term knitting project with built-in community interaction and the excitement of progressive pattern reveals.