Question 1

What is an MKAL?

Accepted Answer

MKAL stands for Mystery Knit A Long! Knit Alongs (KALs) are fun, social activities in which a group of knitters all make the same project in a specified timeframe. A Mystery Knit Along adds an extra level of spice, because you won't know what the thing you're knitting is when you start. A section of the pattern (clue) is released each week, and at the end of the Knit Along, the final design is revealed.

The Westknits MKAL is always a shawl design, and always incorporates interesting techniques (shaping, stitch patterns, and other design features), but beyond that, it's a mystery!

Question 2

Will there be brioche in this pattern?

Accepted Answer

If there is brioche, there will also be a non-brioche option ;)

Question 3

When are the kits on sale?

Accepted Answer

Thursday 4th September, 17:00 Amsterdam time - check what time this is for you here.

Question 4

When will my order be shipped?

Accepted Answer

During the MKAL our orders can take a bit longer to ship out than usual but we'll be working hard to get your order out as soon as possible. All orders placed before 17th September should be on their way by 26th September.

We do our best to ship out orders in order to reach all our knitters around the world in time for the first clue. It can take a few weeks to ship out all of the orders placed right after launch, so please don't stress if you haven't received a tracking number or update before 26th September.

If you purchased your kit before 17th September and have not received an update by 26th September, please email orders@stephenandpenelope.com and our team would be happy to provide you with an update.

Any orders placed after 17th September will be shipped out as soon as possible, but are not guaranteed to arrive before cast on which is 2nd October.

Question 5

What do I need to attach my patch?

Accepted Answer

Applying iron-on patches is a simple process that can be done at home with just a few materials. Here’s what you’ll need:

Iron
Ironing board or towel
Thin cloth or parchment paper
Your patch!
Item to be patched (clothing, bag, hat, etc.)

Question 6

When does the MKAL start?

Accepted Answer

Clue 1 is released on 2nd October 2025

Question 7

Is the pattern included in the kits?

Accepted Answer

The pattern is not included with the yarn kit. You can purchase the pattern on westknits.com or Ravelry.

Question 8

I'm going to be out of town, can I ask for my order to be shipped later?

Accepted Answer

Due to the volume of orders we aren't able to hold orders to be shipped at a later date.

Question 9

How do I apply my patch?

Accepted Answer

Step 1: Prepare Your Item

Remove the patch from the packaging.

Before applying the patch, ensure the item you are patching is clean (the sticky dot from the packgaing should remian on the card). If you are restoring a piece of clothing, washing and drying it beforehand is best. This will ensure that the patch adheres properly and stays in place.

Make sure the item you are attaching the patch to can be ironed!

Step 2: Heat Your Iron

Plug in your iron and set it to the highest heat setting. Turn off the steam function, which can interfere with the patch application process.

Step 3: Position the Patch

Place the item you are patching on the ironing board or a towel. Then, position the patch on the object in the desired location. Use pins or tape to hold the patch in place if needed.

Step 4: Protect Your Patch

To protect your patch from direct heat, place a thin cloth or parchment paper over it. This will prevent the patch from melting or getting damaged during the ironing process.

Step 5: Apply Heat

Press the iron firmly over the patch and hold it in place for 10-15 seconds. Make sure to apply pressure evenly over the entire patch. This will activate the adhesive on the back of the patch and help it adhere to the item.

Step 6: Check the Adhesion

After applying heat, carefully lift the corner of the patch to check if it is sticking to the item. If it is not fully adhered to, repeat step 5 until it is securely in place.

Step 7: Let it Cool

Once the patch is fully adhered, let it cool for a few minutes. This will allow the adhesive to set and ensure the patch stays in place.

Step 8: Test the Adhesion

After the patch has cooled, gently pull on it to test the adhesion. If it comes off easily, repeat steps 5-7 until securely in place.

Question 10

What yarn do I need to participate?

Accepted Answer

This year’s shawl features 4 contrasting colours of fingering weight yarn (100g of each colour) plus an optional 25g of mohair if you want to incorporate a Mohair Dare into your palette. Choose a coordinating colour of mohair for a harmonious Mohair Dare or select a contrasting colour pop to add some fluffy spice to your palette.

Question 11

How do I sign up?

Accepted Answer

From 4th September you can purchase the MKAL pattern on westknits.com or ravelry.

There will be lots of fun chat in the MKAL 2025 Ravelry group and on Instagram.

Question 12

What thickness of yarn will I need?

Accepted Answer

This shawl is designed for fingering weight yarn.

Question 13

Can I combine multiple orders into one shipment?

Accepted Answer

We will do our best to combine your MKAL order with another purchase!

If you have multiple orders placed within 48 hours of one another we will do our best to combine your orders together and refund any excess shipping.

If you would not like your orders to be combined - please email us as soon as possible at info@stephenandpenelope.com and we will send your orders separately.

If you placed a second order more than 48 hours after your original order, please send us an email to info@stephenandpenelope.com and we will see what the options are in regards to combining your outstanding orders.

Unfortunately this isn't something we can offer to customers in the UK.

Question 14

What can I apply my patch to?

Accepted Answer

We love to use the patches on project bags, totes or jacket's. Just check that the item you are attaching the patch to can be ironed!

Question 15

What colour yarn should I pick?

Accepted Answer

It’s important to have some contrast between your colours to see the details and crisp lines in the fabric.

Solid, semi-solid, and speckled fingering weight yarns are all great options for this year’s shawl. Try a monochromatic colour family with light, medium, and dark shades of blue for example. Embrace a vibrant colour story with 4 contrasting colours in different colour families like yellow, pink, orange, and grey for example.

Knit the recommended swatch to get a good representation of this year’s colour relationship. Superwash and non-superwash wool yarns will both work beautifully for the shawl. If you prefer to knit with non-wool fibres, then try your favourite cotton or cotton blend quality. Alpaca or silk blends would also be beautiful drapey fibre options.

Question 16

How do I get the clues?

Accepted Answer

The clues are released every Thursday. If you purchase the pattern through Ravelry, you will receive an email and be able to update your pattern in your Library. If you purchase the pattern through westknits.com you will receive an email when the update is available for download.

Question 17

What if I try and buy something that someone else has in their cart?

Accepted Answer

We have lots of beautiful kit options so you should be able to find that perfect palette for your MKAL shawl! However, it's important to know our system doesn’t hold stock that you have in your shopping cart. Your order is only confirmed once payment has been received.

Our top tips for MKAL ordering is to add any extra items you'd like with your MKAL to your basket ahead of time and to make sure you already have a Stephen & Penelope account.

Question 18

I have put my shipment address in incorrectly, can you help?

Accepted Answer

If you've incorrectly input your address, we can update it for you, provided we have not yet begun processing your order. Please contact us at info@stephenandpenelope.com to request an address change.

Please keep in mind that as soon as we start processing your order we will not be able to make any address changes, nor can we alter a shipment address once it has been sent. Our team begins shipping out the first orders almost immediately after launch, so please contact us as soon as possible if you need to make a change.

Question 19

Tips for keeping your patch looking fab!

Accepted Answer

To ensure that your patch stay in excellent condition, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Avoid washing the item with the patch too frequently, which can cause the patch to loosen or come off.
Hand wash the item or use the delicate cycle on your washing machine.
If ironing the item, avoid placing the iron directly on the patch. Instead, use a thin cloth or parchment paper to protect it.
If the patch starts to come off, you can re-apply heat to reactivate the adhesive and secure it back in place.

Question 20

How many clues are there?

Accepted Answer

There are four clues:

Clue 1 - Thursday, 2 October

Clue 2 - Thursday, 9 October

Clue 3 - Thursday, 16 October

Clue 4 - Thursday, 23 October

Question 21

Do I pay tax if I'm not from Europe?

Accepted Answer

All customers outside of the European Economic Area (whose order is shipped outside of the EEA) will have the sales tax deducted at check out. Once your address is added during the check out process, you will be shown your invoice without tax.

If you want to find out more please email us at info@stephenandpenelope.com

Question 22

I want to purchase more than one kit, is that possible?

Accepted Answer

Of course! You're more than welcome to purchase additional kits.

Question 23

What skill level is the MKAL designed for?

Accepted Answer

The pattern will be suitable for adventurous beginners (you should already know how to knit, purl, increase, decrease, and read a pattern), and it will be enjoyable for seasoned knitters too. There is so much support throughout the KAL so you will find a lot of help and tips on completing each section in the MKAL 2025 Ravelry group. There will be photo tutorials and step-by-step videos to assist you with visualising the techniques and construction.

Question 24

I'm in the US and worried there will be delays to my shipment, will it arrive on time?

Accepted Answer

We work with our couriers who are normally able to deliver packages from Amsterdam to the USA in a few working days. There may be some delays to US packages but we're not expecting anything significant and will be shipping them in plenty of time to ensure they arrive for cast on.

Question 25

I'll be in Amsterdam soon, can I order my MKAL kit and pick it up in store?

Accepted Answer

You can definitely order your kit to be picked up in store however, it might take a few weeks for us to process the MKAL kit orders so make sure you've received a message that your order is ready before heading to the shop, if you're unsure you can always call ahead.

Question 26

Can I buy the MKAL goodies separately?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can purchase the MKAL goodies separately if you're shopping your stash this year!

Question 27

Can I combine my MKAL order with a pre-order item?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, this is possible. However, please be aware that combining your MKAL order with a pre-order will most likely mean that you won't receive your yarn before the clues start launching. We wouldn't want you to miss out on the fun!

Question 28

How much will this year's MKAL kits be?

Accepted Answer

Our kits will be €120 - €150 (incl VAT), if you'd like help creating your own palette we'd love to help - just send us an email to info@stephenandpenelope.com!

Question 29

Can I get my yarn wound?

Accepted Answer

Because of the volume of orders, unfortunately it's not possible to wind yarn in MKAL kits.

Question 30

Can I use yarn from my stash?

Accepted Answer

Yes of course! The Mystery Knit Along is open to everyone, it's not necessary to buy a kit to participate. We're offering kits at a range of price points, and our customer service team are always happy to help you match yarn to skeins in your stash.

Question 31

Will there be any events in store to celebrate the MKAL?

Accepted Answer

This year we'll be holding MKAL Crafternoons!

Join Stephen at the shop to knit your Westknits MKAL together with other mystery shawl knitters! Come get inspired and bring your Mystery MusiKAL shawl progress for a casual crafternoon and good woolly vibes.

15:00-17:00 each Thursday during the MKAL.
2nd October

9th October

16th October

23rd October

Haarlemmerdijk 132-A | 1013JJ Amsterdam. (Get directions here)

RSVP here

Question 32

What yarn do I need to participate?

Accepted Answer

This information will be released on 4th September at 17:00 CEST

Question 33

Is Hex available to purchase as single skeins? If so, when?

Accepted Answer

This first batch of Hex is especially for the MKAL kits, but we will have the yarn available in the future as single skeins. We’ll keep you updated on our website and through our newsletter when the yarn is available as single skeins.

Question 34

Is all the yarn used in the shawl?

Accepted Answer

If you have fingering weight yarn that is about 400yds / 366m, that will work as well. I had some leftovers in my shawl. There is a final Clue 4 option to create a large section for Clue 4 to maximize your yardage. There will be options to make Clue 4 smaller to accommodate varying yardage amounts. If you have 400yds / 366m of each color, that's enough yarn to knit the shawl, but you may work the recommended smaller version for Clue 4.

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