Shape Play MAL - crocheting together

Shape Play MAL Designed by Tatsiana of Lilla Björn Crochet
4-Week MAL Runs: 2–23 July 2025 (final release date)

Project Overview

Shape Play is a celebration of geometry, creativity, and contemporary crochet design. Conceived by Tatsiana of Lilla Björn Crochet, this generously sized rectangular shawl showcases her signature overlay crochet technique, creating a mesmerising interlocking surface pattern.

Designed to be styled in multiple ways, the Shape Play Shawl can be worn simply draped over the shoulders, or transformed using cleverly placed buttons to create a variety of styling options. It can be fastened under the arms to form a shrug-style wrap, or alternatively at the front or over the shoulders to create a poncho-style silhouette—making it a truly adaptable accessory for everyday wear or special occasions.

Offering an engaging and rewarding project for adventurous beginners and beyond, Shape Play combines thoughtful detail, technical interest, and colour play in one striking piece. Participants can select Scheepjes Unity for natural softness and tactile comfort, or choose from the Scheepjes Whirl family to achieve flowing gradients and beautiful drape. Whether opting for subtle elegance or vibrant colour shifts, each maker is invited to shape their own masterpiece through individual yarn choices.

What do I offer at Fonaltündér / Yarn Fairy?

• Immediately available materials, yarns :)
• If you dream of any color from the Scheepjes range that is currently out of stock or not available from me yet, I will still source it for you so you can create your dream shawl!
• I provide Hungarian / English language assistance if you get stuck anywhere in reading or interpreting the pattern. So far, everyone who has embarked on the joint crochet project has succeeded! I encourage you because such a project boosts your confidence, and you can learn a lot. Not to mention, it’s a great way to relax, and you’ll end up with a wonderful shawl!
• If you write to me personally (at info@fonaltunder.hu) and sign up for the project, I will offer you a 10% discount on the price of the necessary yarns! This way, you can embark on this super journey with even greater enthusiasm.

Yarn Options

• Scheepjes Unity (70% Superwash Merino Wool, 30% Polyamide; 100g/420m)
  
  Scheepjes Unity is a sport weight yarn blend, offering a balance of natural luxury and enhanced durability. With its soft, breathable fabric and lightweight feel, it provides excellent warmth and moisture-wicking properties, ensuring comfort across different seasons. The addition of Polyamide lends strength, flexibility, and resilience to the finished piece, making it ideal for accessories designed for regular wear and adaptable styling. Unity’s fluid drape and tactile surface beautifully complement the overlay crochet techniques featured in the Shape Play design. With a broad palette of variegated, tonal, and solid shades, it invites crocheters to personalise their project through subtle blends or bold colour contrasts.
   
• Scheepjes Whirl Family
  
  Participants seeking flowing drape and breathtaking colour transitions can explore a variety of yarns within the Scheepjes Whirl family, that all share the same gauge:
   
  • Scheepjes Whirl (60% Cotton, 40% Acrylic; 215g/1000m)
  • Scheepjes Whirlette (60% Cotton, 40% Acrylic; 100g/455m)
  • Scheepjes Mega Whirl (60% Cotton, 40% Acrylic; 666g/2998m)
  • Scheepjes Cotton Whirl (100% GOTS Certified Organic Cotton; 226g/1000m)
  • Scheepjes Cotton Whirlette (100% GOTS Certified Organic Cotton; 100g/455m)
    
    The original Scheepjes Whirl cakes are crafted from a breathable cotton/acrylic blend and offer long, softly transitioning gradients across 1000 metres—ideal for creating a lightweight yet striking Shape Play shawl. For a sustainable, natural fibre alternative, Scheepjes Cotton Whirl provides the same signature gradient effect in pure organic cotton with its own exclusive colourways. Makers can combine their Whirl or Cotton Whirl with Scheepjes Whirlette or Cotton Whirlette— solid colour companion yarns designed to perfectly match or contrast with Whirl cakes. These are ideal for extending gradients or creating distinctive overlay effects within the Shape Play design. Scheepjes Mega Whirl offers the same beloved qualities as the original Whirl—delivering lightweight comfort, soft drape, and smooth colour transitions across an exceptional 2900 metres per cake.

Inspirational Colourways

To support participants in selecting their yarns, several suggested colourways are featured for inspiration. These combinations showcase the unique properties of Unity and the Whirl family, offering a variety of looks. Makers are also encouraged to explore their own creative choices to personalise their Shape Play project.

Yarn Quantities and Featured Colourways

Blocked shawl measures approx. 70cm x 145cm (27½ x 57in)

1st Option - Scheepjes Unity

• Yarn A: 975 Canadutch x 2 balls
• Yarn B: 983 Scott x 3 balls
• Yarn C: 970 Cypress Textiles x 2 balls

2nd Option - 2 x Whirls plus 1 x Whirlette

Choose two different Whirl cakes plus a Whirlette that matches one of the cakes to extend the gradient:

• Yarn A:
  • Whirl Sea Breeze Tease (781) x 1 cake
  • Whirlette Blueberry (854) x 1 cake
• Yarn B:
  • Whirl Shrinking Violet (558) x 1 cake

3rd Option - 4 x Whirlette plus 1 x Whirl

If participants prefer to have a shawl with colour symmetry (i.e. matching colours at each end), they should select two of the same Whirl Cakes plus a complementary Whirlette for the border.

• Yarn A: Whirlette Chestnut (891) x 4 cakes
• Yarn B: Whirl Pastel Parfait (795) x 1 cake

4th Option - Mega Whirl Version

With this option, yarn is pulled from opposite ends of the same cake.

• Yarn A and B: Mega Whirl 403 Noctura
  The Shape Play design uses approximately two-thirds of the Mega Whirl, leaving around one Whirl’s worth of yarn remaining. Participants are encouraged to use their leftover yarn creatively, with the Grinda Shawl by Tatsiana of Lilla Björn Crochet suggested as an ideal follow-up project!

Additional Materials

• 3.5mm crochet hook (or size needed to achieve gauge)
• 10 x buttons, approx. 1–1.5cm (½–¾in)

Pattern Availability

The pattern includes fully written instructions in both English (US terminology) and Dutch, with accompanying photo and video tutorials (in English only).

The Shape Play Shawl pattern will be available for purchase via Ravelry at the start of the MAL, with a discounted price of $4.50 USD (regular price $5.50 USD) during the event. Prices may be subject to some variation based on local currency, time of purchase, and taxes. A Tips & Tricks PDF, including a summary of the materials, gauge/tension, measurements, pattern notes, and additional technical information, will also be released at the start of the MAL.

General Information

Join the Official Scheepjes Facebook Groups (International and Dutch) and take part in simultaneously creating a versatile shawl that incorporates the overlay crochet technique. Supported by our highly skilled moderators and admins, as well as fellow participants, this community-driven project is an inspiring make for adventurous beginners and beyond.

About the Designer

Tatsiana is the designer behind Lilla Björn Crochet, meaning "Little Bear Crochet" in Swedish. A valued member of the Scheepjes Design Collective, she is renowned for her innovative approach to crochet and her mastery of overlay crochet techniques. Drawing inspiration from her Scandinavian travels, where she finds beauty in the cold grey sea and fresh, windy air, Tatsiana combines her love of new techniques, colour exploration, and "drawing with yarn" into every project. Overlay crochet—used to stunning effect in the Shape Play MAL—has become her signature style, enabling her to transform simple stitches into intricate, textured designs. For Tatsiana, the creative process is as rewarding as the final piece: a continual journey of learning, experimentation, and joyful craftsmanship.