The Study of Crochet Series by Mikey Pattern

The Crochet Study Series unofficially started in 2013 when Mikey decided to try to freeform a blanket pattern. Using yarn, unknowingly to him, that was already scheduled for discontinuance, Bernat Mosaic. Today, in 2026, there are over 20 designs in the Study of Series, with more being produced each year. You can find all of the studies here.

The blanket was square, and you will see some resemblance to the first officially launched pattern that would come out 4 years later, called the Study of Texture Blanket.

Mikey took this blanket and plopped it on a table during one of the yarn tent sales. People were pleading for a pattern, but there was none. Daniel said, "You need to write this up!" But the lack of design knowledge and how to write patterns was a barrier, and the thoughts got pushed to the side.

Bernat Mosaic Original Study of Blanket - No Pattern Available

Mikey's lack of knowledge is showcased in the original mosaic version, where the middle of each side indented inward because the corners did not compensate for the stitches used. It was causing tension, and you can clearly see that he added several back-and-forth sections in the middle of each side to try to balance the blanket.

The First Official Written Pattern for A Company

Another opportunity came in 2016 when Yarnspirations asked Mikey to design any blanket he wanted. He went on to develop Stitch, Stop and Roll, the first-ever design to hit a major platform. Hexagons with texture are puzzled together.

This design was intended to accompany a cross-country tour of Canada, called Stitch, Stop, and Roll. Daniel would come to have a heart attack two months before we rolled, and the cross-country tour was cancelled, but this project lived on.

Crochet Stitch Stop and Roll Blanket.

At the time of designing this, his knowledge of writing a crochet pattern was lacking, but the design team at Yarnspirations accepted his hand-drawn crochet diagram and wrote out the instructions. Mikey would come to study the instructions, lingo, verbiage, and more to understand the complexities of writing a pattern. Yarnspirations went on to create the first crochet diagram based on his mock-up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zr1a6DCfrL4

The exercise of making Stitch, Stop and Roll had applications of learning experiences, things to consider, such as the following:

1. Step-by-Step Instructions. The pattern could be broken up to make parts of a series.

2. The cost of the project was the biggest influence on the design. Yarnspirations wanted to stay within a $40 CDN budget, and the design required a specific colour palette and the maximum use of each yarn ball, so there wasn't much yarn left over.

3. Five examples were made, and the blue one was the best-selling. However, the bold version, orange, green, and blue, was the original blanket and Mikey's favourite of all.

Failure to Launch

Knowing the project budget is the most important factor for success. Mikey was asked to host a stitch-along that completely tanked. With new people in the power seats, it was determined that they wanted attention to a step-above-value yarn. Though Mikey had shared that the cost of the project was too high, the opinion was ignored based on the last administration, and the project went forward. The Crochet Globe Trotter Shawl was not within the realm of a typical crochet crowder.

Crochet Globe Trotter Shawl Pattern

Mikey was not used to crocheters not jumping onto an idea. The project cost well over $100 CDN to make. It was not a project for budget-minded people and missed the mark. It would solidify the thinking to stay within budget.

The First Written Attempt Pattern

In 2017, Mikey had pulled out the 2013 sample to see if he could duplicate the design. Knowing most of the pattern was free-formed without thinking about mathematics, it was unknown whether it was possible.

It started out similarly, but it was quickly realized that way too much forming for the original would not make it work. It began a new journey with looking at the original and then going my own pathway.

But there was a problem with this green study of the texture pattern. It was the yarn choice. The yarn was affordable and available. Unlike the shawl, which was done as a stitch sampler, it was clear that value-oriented projects have to be front and center.

Prototype of Original Study of Texture Pattern

When a yarn is made for a retailer, it doesn't get listed as a product for sale on Yarnspirations.com. This prototype was done by Caron Big Cakes and is not allowed to be used as a stitch-along or final sample. Caron Cakes and extension products aren't listed on Yarnspirations as they're exclusive to a retailer.

The second sample for testing needed to be made with Bernat Pop! instead. After checking inventory levels, Mikey settled on the sample to use the colours of Lipstick On My Collar. He loved the tinges and highlights of the long self-striping yarn, and it worked out very well.

The design is intended to reflect a storyline or concept involving something relatable. Each section was named after a concept, such as the town square in the middle. One of the designers at Yarnspirations said to him at the time, You have the time to put thought and process into your design without a strict timeline. Designing for purpose, not obligation.

Official Launching Colours of the Study of Texture Crochet Blanket

Behind the scenes, Mikey recalls a crocheter who was very upset with the yarn's name, as it seemed mocking to someone having an affair. The crocheter had been through a situation involving this delicate topic and found the name was triggering. It's difficult to be a manufacturer.

The project ended up being a hit and kicked off the first of what would come of many years of the Study of Crochet Blankets by Mikey.

More Study of Crochet Blankets

The Study of Crochet Blankets has a concept in mind from the outset. The second study was the Study of Planet Earth, focusing on the inner mantle of the Earth's core and extending outward through the layers to the Earth's crust and beyond.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxpQnY5O7o0

Going forward, the studies usually focus on the current trend. Bernat Pop! from today, 2026, is a memory, so people will need to substitute the yarn. What worked in 2018 has to change, and, truly, the crocheter can change anything they want.

See All of the Study Blankets Here

There is a lot of work to do in studying blankets, as it involves looking up current trends and what is happening in the world. With politics on high alert, one day he may launch a study of politics and throw some nasty stitches into the mix to make life difficult. It's a tough world to navigate.

One of the elements that makes Mikey a great designer is his ability to handle being upset or angry. It seems to spark rage and throw unlikely stitches together out of spite. It ends up turning out to be something incredible. He needs to get angrier more often, but in the meantime, life is short, and there is a lot to experience in stitchwork.

Love what you crochet and experience unique stitches to spice up your life.