When I was invited to take part in a make-along again this year, I jumped at the chance! Last year it was the Once Upon a MAL, and this year it’s Scraps to Stitches — and I was absolutely chomping at the bit to design a new overlay mosaic baby blanket for it.
I had so many ideas floating around, but the one that stuck was a line of birds perched along a telephone wire. Simple, I thought! Except when I started sketching it out, I realised it just wouldn’t work — there was far too much blank space, and not in a way I could fill beautifully. So the idea morphed into birds along a rooftop instead… which also didn’t quite pan out.
By this point I already had my bird motif designed, so I started playing about with putting them in rows, thinking I’d design a few more motifs to use as additional strips for the blanket. As I often do when I hit a creative brick wall, I went back and forth with my friend Deb, trying to figure out what wasn’t working. It just didn’t look quite right, and I couldn’t put my finger on why.
Then Deb sent me back a doodle that made me laugh out loud — she’d drawn all over my design, giving each bird its own ridiculous outfit. And that was it. The idea was born! I’d have a whole series of birds, each with its own little quirk: a pair of studious glasses for one, a pair of Y-fronts for another, a crown for a very royal bird, one looking determinedly the wrong way… every single one unique.
That’s how the Quirky Birds Blanket came to be, and I really hope it gives everyone who crochets it a giggle, and everyone who receives one a great big smile. Keep reading for more on the pattern itself, and all the details on the Scraps to Stitches MAL and bundle!
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What is a MAL?
If you’re new here, you might be wondering what exactly a MAL is! MAL stands for Make-Along, and it’s a little different to a CAL (Crochet-Along), where everyone works on the same design together. With a MAL, you’re not all making the same project — instead, you’re all crocheting over the same period of time, with a shared purpose. It’s about supporting each other, encouraging each other, and swapping inspiration along the way, even if what’s on everyone’s hook looks completely different.
For Scraps to Stitches, that shared purpose is all about your stash. The idea is simple: dig out the yarn you already have tucked away, and turn it into something beautiful. You don’t need to buy anything new to make something wonderful — sometimes the best projects are the ones waiting patiently in your stash for the right pattern to come along.
How will the Scraps 2 Stitches MAL work?
The MAL runs throughout September 2026, but you can get organised ahead of time — patterns are available to grab individually, or as a discounted bundle, from 25th August. That’s also when our MAL Discord server opens, so you can jump in early, say hello, and get settled in before the crocheting begins.
This year’s MAL is hosted by three designers, each of whom has contributed two patterns to the bundle: me (Elimee Designs), Joanne (Made with Love and Fibres), and Deb (Hookanory). There’s also a bonus free pattern for everyone taking part to enjoy!
Throughout September, the MAL community will be crocheting these patterns together, alongside games, giveaways, and live events along the way.
All you need to do to join in is:
- Grab your desired pattern(s) or the bundle – on Ravelry or Payhip.
- Join the Discord server
- Have fun, and make some stash-busting magic happen!
What’s in the Bundle?
The Scraps to Stitches bundle brings together six patterns from four talented designers, so there’s plenty of choice whatever you fancy making this September.
1. Quirky Birds Blanket (Elimee Designs)
An overlay mosaic baby blanket featuring a flock of bird motifs, each with its own quirky little makeover.
2. Leopard Print Stashbuster Blanket (Elimee Designs)
Another overlay mosaic design, this time built around a repeating motif — so you can crochet your blanket to any size you like, making it a brilliant way to use up exactly the stash you have.
3. Falling Leaves Woodland Wall Hanging (Hookanory)
An overlay mosaic wall hanging featuring a hedgehog, a tree, and falling leaves — a beautiful woodland scene to stitch and display.
4. Pumpty Pumpkinson (Hookanory)
A pumpkin-inspired amigurumi pattern, bringing a bit of seasonal charm and character to the bundle.
5. Flutter Around Shawl and Square (Made with Love and Fibres)
A butterfly-themed design, available as both a shawl and a square, for anyone who loves a project with a bit of movement and colour.
6. Charmed Deer Ornament (Made with Love and Fibres)
A small hanging decoration that can be customised as a classic deer, or given a festive twist as Rudolph.
I’d absolutely love to see how your Quirky Birds Blanket is shaping up. You’re very welcome to share your progress in the Elimee Designs Facebook Group, where you can post photos, ask for help, and cheer each other on. If you’d rather share on your own social media, don’t forget to use #QuirkyBirdsBlanket so I (and other makers!) can admire your work and follow along with your journey.
New to Overlay Mosaic Crochet?
Don’t worry, simply start out by watching this video tutorial which covers the basics, or read the summary below.
- All rows are worked from right to left with the rs facing.
- Usually the yarn colour changes with every row i.e. you use only one colour per row – you ignore any changes in colour of the chart squares, they simply show what the final design will look like.
- Please note that THIS pattern DOES include mid-row colour changes (for the dachshunds section).
- You will need to fo at the end of every row.
- Every row contains the same number of stitches (st).
- The first and last st in every row is a single crochet (sc).
- The first st is indicated by a square with a letter e.g. ‘A’ or ‘B’ in the chart.
- The final st is indicated by a square with a ‘+’ in the chart.
- Back loop only sc (BLOsc) are indicated by a square without a ‘X’ in the chart.
- Front loop only double crochet (FLOdc) are indicated by a square with a ‘X’ in the chart.
- All FLOdc are worked into the same-coloured stitch two rows down.
Short on crochet time? Pin this image so that you can come back later.
This pattern is available outside of the bundle from Ravelry, Payhip, Etsy, and Lovecrafts with written and graphical instructions, in US and UK crochet terms, and a large print option.
If you love mosaic crochet blankets, check out these patterns too! Click a photo for more information.
Love mosaic crochet blankets and the community that comes with them? My Cosy Blanket Club is a cosy corner of Patreon where fellow mosaic enthusiasts share WIPs, swap tips, and crochet together throughout the year — with exclusive patterns and Sip & Stitch sessions along the way.
You may find these video tutorials handy when crocheting your Quirky Birds Blanket:
- How to make a slip knot
- How to crochet the foundation single crochet stitch
- Overlay mosaic crochet – the basic stitches
- How to read an overlay mosaic crochet chart
- Mosaic crochet anchor stitch
- Reversible mosaic crochet – drop down dc method
- Reversible mosaic crochet – locking stitch method
- How to change colours mid-row
- Tapestry colour changes in mosaic crochet
- How to crochet an envelope border
- How to deal with your ends quickly and securely
- Modified single crochet – how to polish off your reversible project
The Pattern
Materials
- The sample photographed above was crocheted using Stylecraft Special DK:
- Colour A (hint of silver) – apx. 714m/782 yds
- Colour B (grey) – apx. 310m/339 yds
- Colour C (gold) – apx. 112m/123 yds
- Colour D (graphite) – apx. 625m/685 yds
- The yardage provided above is based on a single-sided blanket.
- Crochet hook size – 4mm/G-6.
- Tapestry needle.
- Scissors.
- Stitch markers (optional).
- Row counter (optional).
Some alternative yarn suggestions:
Difficulty Level
Intermediate (due to the mid-row colour changes).
Gauge
A 10cm (4 inch) square requires 16.5 rows of 17.5st in overlay mosaic crochet.
The final blanket size (excluding border) is apx. 70.5 by 98cm (28 by 38.5 inches).
The following has been added as per the new General Product Safety Regulation update December 2024, from the EU Commission.
Safety Disclaimer for Crochet Patterns
Crocheting blankets, accessories, garments, decor, or other crochet products is a fun and rewarding craft. However, it’s essential to follow every step of the pattern carefully to ensure that the finished product is both functional and safe. Please note that, as with any handmade item, there are inherent risks when recreating these patterns. By following all instructions closely and taking appropriate safety measures, you can minimize potential hazards.
Safety with Young Children, Animals, and Adults
- Always use child- and pet-safe materials when creating items for children or pets, particularly for toys, blankets, or any item likely to be chewed, pulled, or handled roughly.
- Ensure the final product is properly constructed, with securely fastened joins and woven-in ends, to prevent unravelling or loose threads that could pose a choking or entanglement hazard.
- For small embellishments such as buttons or beads, avoid their use on items intended for children under three years old or pets, as these can present choking hazards.
Blanket Safety for Babies
- Temperature Regulation: Babies are not as effective at regulating their temperature, and overheating increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). When creating blankets for babies, consider the yarn’s warmth and breathability to ensure it is suitable for the intended environment.
- Safe Sleeping Guidance: Blankets should be tucked no higher than the baby’s shoulders, and their feet should be placed at the end of the crib or bed. This minimizes the risk of the baby’s face becoming covered by loose bedding.
- For further advice, refer to the safe sleeping guidelines provided by The Lullaby Trust.
Handling Tools Safely
- When working with sharp tools such as scissors, sewing needles, or crochet hooks, handle them carefully and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
- Accidental cuts or injuries can occur if tools are not used properly. Always store tools safely when not in use, ensuring they are secured in a suitable storage container or area.
Important Note
By purchasing and using this pattern, you acknowledge that you are responsible for the construction, use, and safety of the completed item. I am not liable for any accidents, injuries, or damages caused by the finished product or the tools used during its creation. This includes, but is not limited to, blankets, accessories, garments, decor items, or other crochet creations, whether for children, adults, or animals.
Elimee Designs EU/NI Representative
Ciara Doyle, C15 Y5F9, Ireland
Elimee Designs (Designer)
N. Griffiths, 435, LE10 0NF, England.
Ó 2026 Elimee Designs. All rights reserved.
You may sell the items that you crochet by following this pattern on a small scale provided that you credit Elimee Designs as the designer. Mass production is not permitted. This pattern or any of its parts may not be altered, reproduced, distributed, sold, turned into a video tutorial, or translated without written permission from Elimee Designs. Copies can be made for personal use only.
Thank you for purchasing this pattern from Elimee Designs. I do hope that you have enjoyed making this blanket. Please note that all written patterns from Elimee Designs are non-refundable.
If you have any questions or suggestions regarding this pattern please feel free to contact us via hello@elimeedesigns.co.uk or our Elimee Designs Crochet Pattern group on Facebook.
Please use the hashtag #QuirkyBirdsBlanket or #ElimeeDesigns, or tag me (@elimee_designs on Instagram or @elimeedesigns on Facebook) so that I can see your finished blanket too, and show it some much deserved love!
A MASSIVE thank you to my testers Connie and Bernie. They did such an amazing job!
If you’d like to be notified when our next pattern goes into testing simply sign up below, or click HERE to learn more about becoming a crochet pattern tester.
If you love crochet alongs, have a look at these! (Click a photo for more info).
I really hope you enjoy crocheting the Quirky Birds Blanket as much as I enjoyed designing it! And please, don’t feel like you have to stick to my version of quirky — customising your own birds is highly encouraged. Add your own funny outfits, expressions, or little details, and make your flock truly one of a kind. I’d love to see what you come up with!
Whether you’re making this for a little one in your life or gifting it on, I hope your intended recipient appreciates all the hard work and love stitched into every row, and that it becomes a handmade heirloom they cherish for years to come.
Happy stitching, and I’ll see you in the MAL! 🐦🧶
2 Responses
I have officially dug through my stash and found the perfect colors for this blanket! Now I just need to buy the pattern lol. Thank you for sharing this super cute design! ❤🐦
You’re very welcome! I can’t wait to see your version 🙂