Marly Bird launches free month-long Tournament of Stitches 2026

Marly Bird announced Tournament of Stitches 2026 as a free, month-long knit and crochet make-along aimed at helping makers learn new stitches and experiment with texture. MarlyBird.com states explicitly, "Tournament of Stitches 2026 Begins March 17 and is a free make-along event for knit and crochet," and promotional copy reiterates the event will teach new stitches and textures.

The event will use a weekly release model: "Each week, a new play will be released," and MarlyBird explains, "The patterns are given in sections or plays each week during the event and will available on MarlyBird.com." Ravelry listings describe the knit component as a "Mystery Knit Shawl Pattern" presented in a "Step-by-step clue format" with video support, and the knit listing frames the design as part of the Tournament make-along.

Access is layered. MarlyBird's FAQ answers, "Is Tournament of Stitches free? Yes. Tournament of Stitches 2026 is a free event," and specifies, "The free version includes access to the Netflix & Chill concentration level." For makers who want additional access, MarlyBird notes, "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." MarlyBird also promoted "New Patterns NOW Available in Ad-Free PDF! Check out The Pattern Shop" with a 03/05/26 listing shown as "Crochet • Advanced."

Support materials and prep are spelled out in Step 3 and Step 4 guidance: makers should gather "knitting needles or crochet hook; stitch markers; tapestry needle; scissors" and be ready to select a concentration each week, as the site instructs, "When a new play is released, you simply choose which concentration you feel like working that week." Ravelry's pattern copy adds selling points that include, "Designed for the Tournament of Stitches community event," "Mystery format that keeps the project exciting," "Relaxing stitch rhythms with engaging textures," "Lightweight shawl perfect for layering," and "Video support included."

Community is centered around Marly Bird's channels: Step 5 directs makers to "Marly’s Minions: Marly Bird BiCrafty Community Facebook group," with the site copy truncated as "Inside the group you can: [...]" and Ravelry listings supplement the event presence. Promotional imagery for the launch is bright and on-brand, described as "A vibrant yarn ball with a heart beside bold yellow 'IT'S FREE!' text on a paint splash for Tournament of Stitches 2026," and Ravelry listings attached to the event include the phrase "211000 projects stashed 135856 times" in the pattern listing excerpt.

Cast-on is set for March 17 and the schedule will roll out plays weekly on MarlyBird.com and in VIP on MarlyBirdHouse.com, giving makers a month-long window to experiment with stitches and texture. MarlyBird frames the event purpose plainly: "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.