Mini-Mystery Crochet Along – September 2026

Are you ready for another Mini-Mystery Crochet Along (MMCAL)?

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned crocheter, Mini-Mystery Crochet Alongs are a fun, free community event for ALL skill levels!

There’s no better way to learn a new crochet stitch or technique than in a community setting with your peers.

MINI-MYSTERY CROCHET ALONG FAQ’S

“What is a MMCAL?” Check out our Frequently Asked Questions in the Mini-Mystery Crochet Along Information Guide.

Please Notify Me of Future MMCAL’S

If you haven’t already done so, please make sure to subscribe to our e-mail list! Use the subscription form in the sidebar, or on the Subscribe page.

I will send out a newsletter a couple days before each MMCAL begins to give you time to choose yarn from your stash and get everything ready. 

NO SPAM – PINKY PROMISE! UNSUBSCRIBE ANY TIME.

How Do I Join in The MMCAL Fun?

• Step 1: Make sure you’ve joined the A Crocheted Simplicity Crochet Community on Facebook, or the A Crocheted Simplicity Ravelry Group (or both).
• Step 2: Locate the black & white MMCAL graphic (shown above) in either the Facebook Community Group or Ravelry Group.
  • Comment, ask questions, and post your progress photos on this specific MMCAL post in the community groups. 
• Step 3: Crochet Along with us!
  • Crochet 1 (or more) MMCAL project. Crochet as many as you’d like and each will gain you more entries!
  • Each Segment will be available for free in this blog post below. See the current MMCAL Schedule Below.
• Step 4: Enter to Win Prizes!
  • Once you complete each segment, add a photo of your progress to the post in the group for that project. You will need to add at least 1 photo for each segment in order to be entered to win all of the prizes. 
  • Earn up to FOUR entries for each completed mystery crochet along project you complete and post photos of each segment.
    • Photo of Materials = 1 Entry
    • Photo of Segment #1 = 1 Entry
    • Photo of Segment #2 = 1 Entry
    • Photo of Segment #3 = 1 Entry

I will number all photos throughout the weekend. You’ll want to keep track of your numbers as I put them all in a random number generator to draw the winners of the prizes! 🙂

Mini-Mystery Crochet Along Schedule, Material List & Prizes

Our Mini-Mystery Crochet Along will be posted in 3 segments.

THIS blog post will be updated with each new segment, according to the schedule below.

MMCAL Schedule

• Material List: SCROLL DOWN – It’s available NOW in this blog post below!
• Segment 1: Friday, September 18, 2026 at 9am CST. **Segment #1 will be posted below by 9am CST Friday**
• Segment 2: Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 9am CST.
• Segment 3: Sunday, September 20, 2026 at 9am CST.
• MMCAL Closes Monday, September 21, 2026 @ noon CST: MMCAL Closes & winners will be drawn. Winners will be announced Monday evening, September 21, 2026.

This post contains affiliate links.

Materials

• Yarn: Worsted Weight / 4 yarn
  • Fiber: I used Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton for my samples, but you can substitute other comparable yarns. Acrylic yarns will work great too!
  • Yardage & Colors
    • See MMCAL Notes below.
• Crochet Hooks: G/6/4.00mm; H/8/5.00mm, or size needed to obtain gauge (My favorite crochet hooks are the Clover Amour Crochet Hooks, I’ve never had an ache in my hand since switching).
• Scissors
• Yarn Needle
• Measuring Tape

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch(s): chain(s)
• sl st(s): slip stitch(es)
• st(s): stitch(es)
• sc: single crochet
• spike sc: spike single crochet
• Rnd: round
• Rep: repeat
• MC: main color
• CC: contrasting color
• RS: right side
• yo: yarn over

MMCAL Notes

FOUR OPTIONS: This Mini-Mystery Crochet Along will include FOUR options for the same type of project. The following is yardage for each option.

Option #1: Main Color: 110 yards; CC1: 40 yards; CC2: 8 yards; CC3: 4 yards

Option #2: Main Color: 120 yards; CC1: 10 yards; CC2: 6 yards; CC3: 2 yards

Option #3: Main Color: 110 yards; CC1: 20 yards; CC2: 40 yards

Option #4: Main Color: 120 yards; CC1: 15 yards; CC2: 2 yards

Can I make ALL versions? Absolutely! The more the merrier!

Segment #2

• Segment #2 has two parts. First, crochet Segment #2 – Part 1. Then for Part 2, scroll down to Segment #2 for the specific option you’ve chosen.

Segment #2 – Part 1 (For ALL Options)

Make 2.

Row 1: With any color yarn & a 5.00mm crochet hook, create a chain that is approximately 32″ long. Working into the back humps of the chain, sl st into the 2nd ch from your hook and in each ch across. Stitch count isn’t crucial.

Fasten off. Weave in ends. Repeat to make one more of the same. Then, continue below to Segment #2 – Option 1, 2, 3, or 4, depending on the option you’re making.

Assemble the Double Drawstring

In this section, follow the numbered chart below to weave each of the drawstrings through the openings to create a double drawstring bag.

• Drawstring #1 (Purple): Begin at any hole. This hole will become Hole #1. Then continue to weave the drawstring in and out of all 12 holes around the bag.
• Drawstring #2 (Green): Begin at Hole #7. Weave the drawstring in and out of every hole around to Hole #6.
• Finishing: Knot the ends of the purple drawstring together. Knot the ends of the green drawstring together.

Segment #3 – Option 1

Option 1 – Eyes

Rnd 1 (RS): With Black yarn & a 4.00mm crochet hook, ch 2, work 6 sc into the 2nd ch from your hook. Join with a sl st to the 1st st. Change colors to white when you join. Fasten off black. (6 sts)

Rnd 2: With white yarn, work 2 sc in each st around. Join. (12 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a 12″ tail of white yarn to use for attaching the eyes to the bag. Eye should measure approximately 1″ diameter. Make a second eye then continue on to Attaching the Eyes.

Option 1 – Attaching the Eyes

Attach the eyes on the goody bag so that there are 2 rounds between the top of the eyes and the longest piece of “hair”. Place them approximately 2″ apart, center to center.

Continue on to Bolts.

Option 1 – Bolts

Note: This section is worked in continuous rounds to keep from having an unsightly seam. Do not join at the end of each round, instead use a scrap piece of yarn to keep track of the beginning of each round. Move the scrap of yarn up as you complete each round.

Rnd 1: With Grey yarn & a 4.00mm crochet hook, ch 2, work 6 sc in the 2nd ch from your hook. (6 sts)

Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12 sts) Diameter at this point: 7/8″.

Before continuing, weave in the tail of yarn you began with.

Rnd 3: BPsc around each st. (12 sts)

Rnd 4: Sc in each st around. (12 sts)

Rnd 5: Working in BLO, * sc2tog, sc in next st, rep from * around. (8 sts)

Rnd 6: Sc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the 1st st. (8 sts)

Fasten off leaving an 8″ – 10″ tail of yarn. Approximate size: 7/8″ diameter x 7/8″ H. Lightly stuff with scrap yarn, if desired.

Make a second bolt, then continue on to Create Stitches & Mouth.

Option 1 – Create Stitches & Mouth

With a yarn needle and 12″ piece of black yarn, create a scar above his right eye, similar to what’s shown in the photos at the bottom of the post.

With a yarn needle and an 18″ piece of black, create a mouth as shown in the photos below.

Weave in ends. Continue on to Attaching the Bolts.

Segment #3 – Option 2

Option 2 – Eyes

Rnd 1 (RS): With Green yarn & a 4.00mm crochet hook, ch 2, work 6 sc into the 2nd ch from your hook. Do not join. (6 sts)

Rnd 2: * Hdc in the next st, (hdc, dc, hdc) in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st, rep from *. Join. (12 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a 12″ tail of yarn to use for attaching the eyes to the goody bag. Eye should measure approximately 1-1/2″ W x 1″ H. Make a second eye then continue on to Pupils.

Option 2 – Pupils

Using a single strand of black yarn and yarn needle, stitch back and forth across the narrow part of the eye 3 times.

Fasten off. There’s no need to weave in ends. Simply knot the yarn on the back side of the eye to secure it and trim the ends short. The ends can be hidden under the eyes when you attach them to the goody bag.

Option 2 – Nose

Rnd 1 (RS): With Pink yarn & a 4.00mm crochet hook, ch 4, working into the back humps of the chains, hdc into the 2nd ch from your hook, 2dc-cl in the next ch, hdc in the next ch, ch 1, rotate to work along the bottom of the chain, sl st into each of the 3 chs. (6 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a 12″ tail of yarn to use for attaching the nose to the goody bag. Nose should measure approximately 3/4″ W. Continue on to Ears.

Option 2 – Inner Ears (Make 2)

Row 1 (RS): With Pink yarn & a 4.00mm crochet hook, ch 2, work 2 sc into the 2nd ch from your hook. Turn. (2 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st, sc in the next st. Turn. (3 sts)

Row 3: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st, sc in each of the next 2 sts. Turn. (4 sts)

Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (4 sts)

Row 5: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st, sc in each of the next 2 sts, 2 sc in the last st. Do not turn. (6 sts)

Edge Pink: Ch 1, rotate to work into the 2 unfinished edges, work 4 sc along the first edge, work 2 sc into the point of the triangle, work 4 sc along the next edge. Join with a sl st to the 1st st of Row 5. Change to Black yarn when joining. Fasten off Pink yarn. (10 sts)

Black Edge: Ch 1, working across the bottom edge of the ear, work 2 sc into the first st, sc in each of the next 4 sts, 2 sc in the last st, sc in each of the next 4 sts along the next edge, 2 sc in the next st, ch 1, 2 sc in the next st, sc in each of the next 4 sts along the next edge. Join with a sl st to the 1st st. (20 sc + 1 ch-1 sp)

Fasten off, leaving a 12″ tail of yarn to use for attaching the inner ear to the outer ear. Ear should measure approximately 2-3/4″ W x 1-3/4″ H. Make a second inner ear then continue on to Outer Ears.

Option 2 – Outer Ear (Make 2)

Row 1 (RS): With Black yarn & a 4.00mm crochet hook, ch 2, work 2 sc into the 2nd ch from your hook. Turn. (2 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st, sc in the next st. Turn. (3 sts)

Row 3: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st, sc in each of the next 2 sts. Turn. (4 sts)

Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (4 sts)

Row 5: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st, sc in each of the next 2 sts, 2 sc in the last st. Do not turn. (6 sts)

First Rnd of Edging: Ch 1, rotate to work into the 2 unfinished edges, work 4 sc along the first edge, work 2 sc into the point of the triangle, work 4 sc along the next edge. Join with a sl st to the 1st st of Row 5. (10 sts)

Second Rnd of Edging: Ch 1, working across the bottom edge of the ear, work 2 sc into the first st, sc in each of the next 4 sts, 2 sc in the last st, sc in each of the next 4 sts along the next edge, 2 sc in the next st, ch 1, 2 sc in the next st, sc in each of the next 4 sts along the next edge. Join with a sl st to the 1st st. (20 sc + 1 ch-1 sp)

Fasten off, leaving a 12″ tail of yarn to use for attaching the ear to the goody bag. Ear should measure approximately 2-3/4″ W x 1-3/4″ H. Make a second outer ear then continue on to Black Cat’s Facial Features.

Segment #3 – Option 3

Option 3 – Eyes (Make 2)

Row 1 (RS): With Black yarn & a 4.00mm crochet hook, ch 2, work 2 sc into the 2nd ch from your hook. Turn. (2 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st, sc in the next st. Turn. (3 sts)

Row 3: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st, sc in each of the next 2 sts. Turn. (4 sts)

Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (4 sts)

Row 5: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st, sc in each of the next 2 sts, 2 sc in the last st. Do not turn. (6 sts)

Edging: Ch 1, rotate to work into the 2 unfinished edges, work 4 sc along the first edge, work 2 sc into the point of the triangle, work 4 sc along the next edge. Join with a sl st to the 1st st of Row 5. (10 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a 12″ tail of yarn to use for attaching the eye to the goody bag. Eye should measure approximately 1-1/2″ W x 1-1/4″ H. Make a second eye then continue on to Jack-O-Lantern’s Nose.

Option 3 – Nose

Row 1 (RS): With Black yarn & a 4.00mm crochet hook, ch 2, work 2 sc into the 2nd ch from your hook. Turn. (2 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st, sc in the next st. Turn. (3 sts)

Row 3: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st, sc in each of the next 2 sts. Turn. (4 sts)

Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Do not turn. (4 sts)

Edging: Ch 1, rotate to work into the 2 unfinished edges, work 3 sc along the first edge, work 2 sc into the point of the triangle, work 3 sc along the next edge. Join with a sl st to the 1st st of Row 4. (8 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a 12″ tail of yarn to use for attaching the nose to the goody bag. Nose should measure approximately 1-1/4″ W x 1″ H. Continue on to Jack-O-Lantern’s Mouth.

Option 3 – Mouth

In this section, you’ll create a chain and work stitches into both sides of the chain to create the Jack-O-Lantern’s mouth.

Row 1 (RS): With Black yarn & a 4.00mm crochet hook, ch 26,

Stitches Worked into the First Side of the Chain: working into the back humps of the chain, sl st into the 2nd ch from your hook, sc in each of the next 2 chs, hdc in each of the next 2 chs, dc in the next ch, ch 2, sl st into the same ch as the dc just made, (sl st in each of the next 4 chs, ch 2, dc into the same ch as the ch-2, dc in the next ch, ch 2, sl st into the same ch as the dc just made) work from ( to ) 2 times, then sl st in each of the next 4 chs, ch 2, dc into the same ch as the ch-2, hdc in each of the next 2 chs, sc in each of the next 2 chs, sl st in the last ch, then…

Stitches Worked into the Opposite Side of the Chain: ch 1, rotate to work into the bottom of the foundation ch, sl st into the first ch, sc in each of the next 2 chs, hdc in the next ch, ch 1, sl st into the same ch as the hdc just made, (sl st in each of the next 3 chs, ch 1, hdc in the same ch as the ch-1, hdc in each of the next 2 chs, ch 1, sl st into the same ch as the hdc just made) work from ( to ) 3 times, then sl st in each of the next 3 chs, ch 1, hdc in the same ch as the ch-1, sc in each of the next 2 chs, sl st in the last ch.

Fasten off, leaving an 18″ long tail of yarn for attaching the mouth to the goody bag. Approximate size of the mouth is 5-1/4″ L x 1″ H. Continue on to Jack-O-Lantern’s Facial Features.

Orientation Note: The stitches worked into the first side of the chain are the bottom of the mouth.

Option 3 – Facial Features

Note: I ran out of black and orange yarn so I don’t have pictures of the face attached to the bag just yet.

Eyes: Center and attach the eyes on the goody bag so that the top of the eyes is 7-8 rounds down from the drawstring holes.

Nose: Center the nose on the face. Use a yarn needle and tail of yarn to attach it to the goody bag.

Mouth: Center the mouth with the eyes. Use a yarn needle and attach the mouth to the goody bag

Weave in all ends. Your project is complete!

Segment #3 – Option 4

Option 4 – Facial Features

I’ve included more than one option for facial features. Choose the face you’d like to add to your ghost and make the corresponding pieces. Instructions for the pieces are below.

Note: The pieces in the shocked ghost face are shown in orange to make it easier to see the stitches in the photos.

• Shocked Ghost
  • Eyes: Crochet 2 black eyes.
  • Mouth: Crochet 1 shocked mouth.

• Happy Ghost
  • Eyes: Crochet 2 black eyes, then add the whites to the eyes as shown in the photos below. Add eyelashes, if desired.
  • Mouth: Crochet 1 happy mouth.
  • Bow: Crochet 1 bow, if desired.

Adding Whites to the Eyes for a Happy Ghost Face

Using a yarn needle and 8″ piece of white yarn, add a small bit of white to the eye as shown in the photos below. You’ll see in the photos that I started by making a small triangle, then I worked back and forth filling in the small space.

After you’ve completed both eyes, continue on to make a happy mouth.

Happy Mouth

Row 1: With Black yarn and a 4.00 mm crochet hook, ch 10, working into the back hump of the chain, sl st in the 2nd ch from your hook, sc in the next ch, hdc in the next ch, dc in the next ch, 3 tr in the next ch, dc in the next ch, hdc in the next ch, sc in the next ch, sl st in the next ch. (11 sts)

Fasten off leaving an 8” tail for attaching the mouth to the goody bag. Continue on to Attaching Ghost Facial Features to the Goody Bag. Happy Mouth is approximately 2-1/8″ W x 1″ H.

Attaching Ghost Facial Features to the Goody Bag

Note: I ran out of white and black yarn so I don’t have pictures of the face attached to the bag just yet.

Center the eyes and mouth on the goody bag. Use a yarn needle and the tails of yarn on each piece to sew the eyes and mouth onto the goody bag. Position the eyes and mouth as close or as far apart as you prefer.

Eyelashes – If you choose to add eyelashes to your ghost, use a yarn needle and an 8″ long piece of black yarn and sew 3 little lashes on each eye, as shown in the photos below. The eyelashes I stitched on range between 1/4″ – 3/8″ L.

Continue on to the Bow, if you’d like to add a bow. If not, your project is complete!

MMCAL Archives

While you’re patiently waiting for our next MMCAL to begin, I’ve dug out a few links from our MMCAL archives to share!

• MMCAL Archives #1
• MMCAL Archives #2
• MMCAL Archives #3
• MMCAL Archives #4
• MMCAL Archives #5

Psst… If you’d like to see all of them, here’s the entire MMCAL Archive.

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