We are officially ready to open the gate for our next Crochet-Along! 🐴 We are beyond thrilled to announce that the amazing Jessie from Projectarian is bringing you #TheHerdCAL.
Get ready to crochet a horse handbag that is guaranteed to be a total showstopper! ✨🐴 We know you are rearing to go, but a new CAL naturally comes with a few questions before the mane event kicks off (pun intended!).
Navigate the trail, and get the answers to all your questions here:
1. What Exactly Is a Crochet-Along (CAL)?
A CAL, or Crochet-Along, is a super fun online event where crafters from all over the world come together to work on the exact same secret project at the same time.
Instead of getting the whole pattern at once, we release it in bite-sized parts over six weeks. It gives you the perfect excuse to share your progress, ask questions, and cheer on your fellow makers. It’s a fantastic way to learn new techniques and join a wonderful community of yarn lovers!
2. What Are We Making?
Hold onto your riding boots because we are making a crochet handbag that looks like a horse! 🐴👜
Yes, you read that right. It’s a beautifully shaped and fully functional statement piece that will have everyone asking, "Where did you get that?!" It is a total showstopper.
3. Who Is the Designer?
We are beyond excited to welcome back Jessie, the creative genius behind Projectarian! Some of you might already know and love her from our previous #UnderWaterCAL (by the way, you can still grab the Plus pattern for that right here!)
Jessie is legendary for her incredibly detailed, lifelike, and magical shaped crochet designs. She has put so much love and creativity into this horse handbag, and we can't wait for you to take the reins and make it yourself!
Want to get to know the brilliant maker behind the design? Trot on over read or reread the blog post to get properly acquainted with Jessie. 🐎
4. When Is This All Happening?
Mark your calendars and get your hooks and hooves ready! 📅 Here is the galloping schedule for #TheHerdCAL:
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Part 1: May 7, 2026
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Part 2: May 14, 2026
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Part 3: May 21, 2026
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Part 4: May 28, 2026
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Part 5: June 4, 2026
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Part 6: June 11, 2026
5. Is the Pattern Free?
Yes, the pattern is 100% FREE during the CAL! 🎉
IMPORTANT: The pattern will only be free for the duration of the CAL. Shortly after the final part is released, the pattern will become a paid pattern available exclusively on Hobbii Plus. So be sure to sign up, follow along, and download the final pattern while it's free!
6. How Do I Get the Pattern?
The absolute best way to join the herd is to sign up for #TheHerdCAL and you can do that right here.
Important! Make sure to sign up before Part 1 drops (May 7, 2026) so you are on the list from day one.
Prefer to check the site yourself? No problem, the pattern will also be updated weekly on the blog.
7. What's the Skill Level?
We’ve rated this pattern as Intermediate.
But don't let that spook you! 🐴 This project is completely suitable for confident beginners who want to take the reins and learn some new skills as we go. If you already have a solid handle on the basics and are willing to try something new, we'd love for you to trot along with us.
Before we leave the starting gate, make sure you're familiar with:
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Working in rows and in the round (in a spiral)
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Accurately counting your stitches and rows
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Basic sewing for assembly
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Telling the difference between the wrong side (WS) and right side (RS) of your work
Pro Tip: Before we start, make sure your tension is perfectly dialed in by checking out our gauge swatch guide right here!
8. What's in the #TheHerdCAL Kit?
#TheHerdCAL kit comes packed with all the yarn you need to bring your horse handbag to life, plus some secret accessories to give your bag that perfect professional finish.
Kits are limited and will be available starting March 31, 2026.
What is NOT included in the kit is the Crochet hooks.
You will need to raid your stash for a 3 mm and a 6 mm crochet hook (assuming you meet gauge!). If you don't have these handy, or you need to adjust your size after swatching, you can grab a brand new right here.
Here are Some Nice to Have for Your Saddlebag:
9. Where Can I Share My Project and Get Help?
The best pasture to graze in is our Hobbii Make-Alongs Facebook group! It’s a wonderful, supportive community where you can ask questions, show off your progress, and see how everyone else's horses are coming along.
You can also share your photos on Instagram and Facebook! Be sure to use the official hashtag #TheHerdCAL and tag @hobbii_yarn and @projectarian so we can see your beautiful work.
🎁 Did Someone Say... GIVEAWAY?
You bet we did! What better way to celebrate crossing the finish line than with a giveaway? We are gifting five 100 € Hobbii gift cards to our amazing makers! 🧶✨
How to enter:
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Post a photo of your finished bag to your Instagram or Facebook feed before June 28, 11:59pm.
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Tag @hobbii_yarn and @projectarian.
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Include the hashtag #TheHerdCAL.
The winners will be announced June 29. Good luck!
