10+ Best 2023 CALs Free Crochet Patterns

Welcome to 2023, beautiful people! Are you already looking for crochet patterns for The Best 2023 CALs? We bet you are! After all, what could be more fun this time of the year than exciting crochet along?

Joining a community of crafters and creating wonders with colorful yarn is our favorite way of spending the first weeks and months of a new year. And all the rest of it, to be honest!

The inspiration you get from this selection of the best 2023 CALs will last you for a long time. Let’s explore!

Check out these patterns under the links below and follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more creative ideas!

If you need more inspiration, check out our collections of Flower Afghans and Colorful Stripes Blankets.

The Best Crochet-A-Long Ideas

1. Maxine Afghan

What a mesmerizing design – florals, circles, squares, ripples… Kayla’s project has it all and will be the perfect choice for those of you who like challenges. CALs are fun not only because of working along other crocheters, but also because of the complexity of the pattern. Each round brings new and exciting stitches and colors.

Level: intermediate Author: Kayla Wagner

photos by Kayla Wagner / ravelry.com

Find this pattern on ravelry.com.

2. Maya’s Meadow CAL 2023

Some designs make my jaw drop, and the newest design by Dedri is definitely one of them. This blanket is colorful, fun and uses the motif beloved by crocheters – flowers. If you think you’ve seen it all, take a look at the photos because it may surprise you. Think about all the possible colorways for this project and envision your favorite one.

Level: intermediate Author: Dedri Uys

photos by Dedri Uys / lookatwhatimade.net

Find this pattern on lookatwhatimade.net.

3. Eliza Throw

Get ready for Joanita’s CAL because it starts on 6th June 2023! This blanket pattern will be released in 4 parts over 4 weeks, so make sure you’ve got yarn and hook ready. You can try it even if all you know are basic stitches because special stitches will be explained in the instructions.

Level: intermediate Author: Joanita Theron

Find this pattern on creativecrochetworkshop.com, or read more on ravelry.com.

4. India Blanket CAL

Colorful stripes and dots create a pattern that is hard to look away from. Kaz’s CAL starts at the beginning of June 2023, so check the yarn info and choose the colorway you like. This pattern leaves a lot of room for experiments, so use up leftover yarns, or come up with a totally new color palette.

Level: intermediate Author: Kaz – Insomnia Crochet

Find this pattern on ravelry.com.

5. Springfrost Blanket CAL

This is the first sign of spring 2023 in the online crochet community! Could it be any more beautiful? We certainly don’t think so! On top of that, the crochet pattern is designed by Attic24, so it is simply bound to be a success. Join the crochet along!

Level: upper beginner Author: Attic24

The original pattern and the photos are on Attic24.

6. Alive CAL

This crochet along will make you feel alive even on the darkest, coldest winter day! And the blanket you will crochet will make you so proud of your determination and wonderful crochet skills. All you need to do is follow Sandra McButton!

Level: upper beginner Author: Sandra McButton

The original pattern and the photos are on Hooks and Yarn. More info on Ravelry.

7. Animal Square CAL

This is a special crochet-along for animal lovers! And parents who enjoy crocheting charming baby blankets. Even if you are still a beginner crocheter, you will have plenty of fun following the patterns by Repeat Crafter Me. Get equipped with colorful yarn and go for it!

Level: upper beginner Author: Repeat Crafter Me

The original pattern and the photos are on Repeat Crafter Me. Here is more info on the crochet-along.

8. Coronation Keepsake Blanket

A royal design by Sirdar! Guess what? This crochet pattern will be available not only free of charge but also as part of a crochet along! This may be the best piece of news we all hear today! Get your yarns and hooks ready! The crochet along starts soon.

Level: upper beginner Author: Sirdar

The original pattern is on Sirdar. The photos are on Instagram.

9. Seeking Balance CAL

A crochet masterpiece designed by Iman van der Kraan! Anyone who joins this super exciting crochet along will learn a myriad of stitches and take their skills to the next level. Are you ready for this beautiful challenge?

Level: advanced Author: Iman van der Kraan

The original pattern and the photos are on Ravelry.

10. Madison’s Rainbow Baby Blanket

One more amazing idea by Melanie Grobler from M&M Crochet Designs! Rainbows and wonderful stitches – this is definitely a combination made in heaven. On top of that, this pattern is part of a crochet along. How could this get any better, right?

Level: intermediate Author: Melanie Grobler

The original pattern and the photos are on M&M Crochet Designs. More info on Ravelry.

11. Diamond Duchess

A spectacular crochet throw designed by Kathryn Middleton! If you want to learn how to make this wonder yourself, join the crochet-along starting on the 10th of May 2023 in the author’s Facebook group. It will be an amazing adventure!

Level: medium Author: Kathryn Middleton

The original pattern and the information about the CAL are in the Facebook Group. More info and the photos are on Ravelry. The pattern is free in the Facebook group for the duration of the CAL.

12. Rainbow Granny Blanket CAL

After joining this crochet-along, you’ll become a granny square master! This fun design from Raffaella explores all the possibilities the granny square has to offer. As you can see, there are geometric shapes, hearts, flowers, and much more. I, personally, am in love with the bunting-inspired edging with tassels!

Level: intermediate Author: Raffaella Tassoni

photo by Raffaella Tassoni / ravelry.com

Find this pattern on raffamusadesigns.com, or read more on ravelry.com.

13. Shapla Bil Throw

Sadika’s throw is a true work of art and should be treated as such, so use it with care! You can turn it into a decorative bedspread, hang it on the wall, or – very carefully – use it as a rug. This pattern will be published in five parts over eight weeks, so head to Ravelry to keep track and save each part to your library.

Level: intermediate Author: Sadika Sobhan

photo by Sadika Sobhan / ravelry.com

Find this pattern on ravelry.com.

14. Sweet Dreams Baby Blanket

If you’ve always wanted to try making intricate crochet afghan blocks, this is your sign to do so! Melanie’s project, which you can see in the photos below in two colorways, will be a great choice for adventurous beginners and seasoned crocheters alike. Learn some new crochet techniques or play with multicolored yarn.

Level: intermediate Author: Melanie Grobler

photo by Melanie Grobler / ravelry.com

Find this pattern on mandmcrochetdesigns.com, or read more on ravelry.com.

15. Revelation

This unique square blanket project by Helen Shrimpton is a true show-stopper. The pattern features separate rounds for the corners, adding a distinctive touch to the design. While the stitches themselves are straightforward, it’s the intricate arrangement that creates a fabulous texture, making it a visually captivating and engaging project. Such a designed blanket will look great when draped over your bed, couch, or favorite chair. Would you like to give it a go?

Level: intermediate Author: Helen Shrimpton

photo by Helen Shrimpton / ravelry.com

Find this pattern on crystalsandcrochet.com, or read more on ravelry.com.

16. Nordic Noël Crochet Along

Add an extra bit of festive flair to your living space with this fabulous CAL crochet blanket pattern. Designed by Helen Smith, each square incorporates charming Nordic-inspired holiday decorations that capture the essence of the season. By creating this enchanting blanket you will jump at the opportunity to infuse your home with the warmth and handmade charm of Nordic holiday traditions. It will make a cozy Christmas gift idea for the loved ones in your life, too!

Level: intermediate Author: Helen Smith

photo by @knitsirdar / instagram.com

Find this pattern on sirdar.com.

17. Sungold Blanket

With its colorful look, this blanket crochet project from Lucy of Attic24 is sure to brighten up every room. The pattern is inspired by flower-filled gardens, giving it a cheerful rainbow effect. Crafted with 15 shades of Stylecraft DK yarn, it features easy-to-follow stripes designed to provide a relaxing crochet experience. Don’t be afraid to give it a try and bring a pop of color into your home space!

Level: upper beginner Author: Lucy of Attic24

photo by Lucy of Attic24 / attic24.typepad.com

Find this pattern on attic24.typepad.com.