Welcome to the Four Seasons Mix-and-Match MAL! 🌸☀️🍂❄️
Oh, I am SO excited to share this one with you. This has been quietly in the works for a little while now, and I cannot wait to finally spill all the details. Whether you’ve stumbled across this post on launch day or you’re discovering it months later — welcome! You’re in exactly the right place, and the best bit? You can jump in whenever you’re ready.
What is a MAL?
If you’re new around here, a MAL is a Make-Along — think of it like a book club, but for crochet. A group of makers all working on the same project (or in this case, the same theme) at the same time, sharing their progress, celebrating each other’s colour choices, and generally having a lovely time in a community that just gets it.
This MAL is a collaboration between six designers, which means you get a brilliant variety of styles and motifs all in one place — but more on that in a moment.
How Will This MAL Work?
This is a mix-and-match MAL, which means there is no single pattern to follow. Instead, you get a collection of 13 overlay mosaic crochet motifs — all designed to be completely compatible with each other — and you get to choose which ones you make, how many, and in whatever order takes your fancy. Your project, your rules.
The theme is the four seasons, so across the full collection you’ll find motifs inspired by spring, summer, autumn, and winter. You might make one motif from each season, or go all-in on autumn (no judgement whatsoever), or create something completely unique by mixing and matching across the whole set.
All 13 motifs use a 48-stitch repeat, so everything fits nicely together regardless of which combination you choose.
Graphs for eight of the motifs are completely free, and will go live on 1st October 2026. The remaining motifs are available within a bundle, which you can get your hands on right now if you’re keen to get ahead — more details on those below.
And because this event is evergreen, there’s no pressure to start on a particular date or keep up with a schedule. The free motifs will always be free, the bundles will always be available, and this post will always be here waiting for you. Come back in January, come back next year — we’ll be here.
I’d love to see your progress as you bring your Mix and Match MAL designs to life! Join the community in the Elimee Designs Facebook Group, where you can share photos, ask questions, and progress with fellow crocheters. Prefer to post on your personal social media? Use the hashtag #MixandMatchMAL2026 to showcase your work, connect with others in the MAL, and maybe even inspire someone else to join the fun!
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.
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- All rows are worked from right to left.
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- The yarn colour changes with every row i.e. you ONLY use ONE colour per row – ignore any changes in colour of the chart squares, they simply show what the final design will look like. You will need to fo at the end of every row.
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- Every row contains the same number of stitches (st).
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- The first and last st in every row is a single crochet (sc).
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- The first st is indicated by a square with an ‘A’ or ‘B’ in the chart.
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- The final st is indicated by a square with a ‘+’ in the chart.
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- The first and last st in every row is a single crochet (sc).
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- Back loop only sc (BLOsc) are indicated by a square without a ‘X’ in the chart.
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- Front loop only double crochet (FLOdc) are indicated by a square with a ‘X’ in the chart.
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- All FLOdc are worked into the same-coloured stitch two rows down.
- The red lines on the chart indicate the repeating section.
Want all the Patterns Now?
If you’d like to have everything in one place before you cast on, there are two bundles available to purchase right now — no waiting for October! Both bundles include motifs with written and graphical instructions, in both UK and US crochet terms, and with a large print option included as standard, because nobody should have to squint at a chart.
The Starter Stash Bundle brings together 8 motifs plus the mix-and-match guide to get you going, while the Complete Stash Bundle contains all 13 motifs, the guide, and three additional bonus digital goodies for the full experience.
You can grab whichever feels right using the buttons below, or scroll down for a full breakdown of everything that’s included in each option — there’s no rush!
Short on crochet time? Pin this image so that you can come back later.
The ‘Starter Stash‘ and ‘Complete Stash‘ bundles for this MAL are available from Payhip in US and UK crochet terms, written and graphical instructions, and large print.
If you love mosaic crochet patterns, check out these patterns too! Click a photo for more information.
Or join the Elimee Designs Cosy Blanket Club!
You may find these video tutorials handy when crocheting your Mix and Match MAL Motifs:
- 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
- Tapestry colour changes in mosaic crochet
- Mid-row colour changes in mosaic crochet
- Mosaic crochet anchor stitch
- Reversible mosaic crochet – drop down dc method
- Reversible mosaic crochet – locking stitch method
- Modified single crochet (for reversible projects)
- How to crochet an envelope border
- How to deal with your ends quickly and securely
MAL Prep Checklist
- 🧶 Decide what you’d like to make — blanket, wall hanging, table runner…
- 📐 Work out your size and how many motifs you’ll need (the Blanket Size Calculator can help!)
- 👀 Browse the motifs and pick your favourites
- 📝 Plan your layout
- 🎨 Select your colour palette and raid that stash!
- 📅 (Optional) Mark 1st October in your calendar for the free graph chart launch
- 📊 Grab your free graph charts from the Elimee Designs blog (live 1st October!)
- 🛍️ (Optional) Grab the starter stash or complete stash bundle for written instructions, extra motifs, and bonus goodies
- 💬 (Optional) Join the Elimee Designs Facebook group to share your progress and see what everyone else is making
- 🎉 Start crocheting and enjoy — at your own speed, in your own time!
The Patterns
Before You Begin
One of the loveliest things about a mix-and-match MAL is the freedom it gives you — and that extends to your yarn choices too. There’s no prescribed yarn weight, no specific hook size, and no yardage requirements to worry about. Whatever you want to make, whatever yarn you want to use — that’s entirely up to you. A chunky blanket in your favourite super-chunky? Go for it. A delicate table runner in 4ply? Absolutely. This is a brilliant opportunity to dig into the stash and use up some of those beautiful skeins that have been waiting patiently for the right project.
As for difficulty — whilst the complexity of your finished project will naturally depend on what you decide to make, all 13 motifs themselves are suitable for advanced beginners. There are no mid-row colour changes and no slanted stitches, so if you’re fairly new to overlay mosaic crochet, you’re in safe hands here.
If you’re not quite sure how many motifs you’ll need, or you want to work out the finished size of your project before you dive in, my blanket size calculator can help you figure all of that out — pop your details in and it’ll do the hard work for you!
Starter Stash Bundle
- Two motifs per season
- Spring
- Eggs in a Nest – Elimee Designs (Instagram – Facebook)
- Chicken – Hookanory (Instagram – Facebook)
- Summer
- Autumn
- Winter
- Spring
- FREE graphs available from October 1st 2026
- Click a photo to be taken to the FREE graph
- eBook option – available now!
- Ad-free
- Written and graphical instructions
- UK and US crochet terms
- Large print option
- Bonus mix and match guide
Complete Stash Bundle
- All eight motifs from the Starter Stash Bundle
- Five bonus motifs
- eBook available now!
- Ad-free
- Written and graphical instructions
- UK and US crochet terms
- Large print option
- Four bonus digital items
- Mix and match guide – Elimee Designs
- ‘Handmade Means Love’ labels/stickers – SaiASmi – Dreamz in Yarn
- Make your own yarn colour wheel DIY printable pack – Hookanory
- Yarncrafter’s guide to gift planning, and gift planning templates – Made with Love and Fibres
- NO free graphs option
And if 13 motifs still isn’t quite enough to satisfy your mix and match plans, be sure to head over to my Mosaic Mix and Match blog post! (Some examples below). I’ve pulled together a wide range of mosaic motifs from lots of different designers and grouped them by theme, so you can browse by the kind of look you’re going for and really make your project your own. The more the merrier, after all!
Please note – not all of the designs below are 48st wide. Please check individual pattern descriptions for full details.
Safety Notices
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.
GPSR Contact Details
Elimee Designs EU/NI Representative
Ciara Doyle, C15 Y5F9, Ireland
Elimee Designs (Designer)
N. Griffiths, 435, LE10 0NF, England.
The Fine Print
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 #MixandMatchMAL2026 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 Bernie, Connie, Lourdes, Jo Ann, Nancy, Sallyanne, Sharon, and Leticia, for your much appreciated help in perfecting this pattern.
Of course, nothing sells the idea of mix-and-match quite like seeing what other makers have already created — and this community never fails to blow me away. Here are just a few gorgeous projects I’ve spotted in the wild that feature Elimee Designs motifs alongside others!
Thank you to Bernie, Kate, and @auntieshansews, for allowing me to share your beautiful photos!
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).
Over to You!
And that’s everything you need to get started on your very own Four Seasons blanket — or wall hanging, or table runner, or whatever wonderful thing your imagination has landed on!
I hope that this MAL gives you the freedom to unleash your creativity and make something that is completely, unmistakably yours. That’s the whole point of a mix-and-match — there are no two finished projects that will look exactly alike, and I think that’s a rather beautiful thing.