Yarn Stash Smash 2026 is a low-pressure MAL hosted by Bobbleheadknits and Mandy Vaughn Knits (Diary of a Sweater Knitter). The goal is simple: use the yarn and fiber you already love in your stash.
Make-Along Dates
- Yarn Stash Smash 2026 runs from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026.
Quarterly Prize Periods
- Q1: January 1 – March 31, 2026
- Q2: April 1 – June 30, 2026
- Q3: July 1 – September 30, 2026
- Q4: October 1 – December 31, 2026
Projects must be completed and posted during the applicable quarter to be eligible for that quarter’s prizes and bonus entries.
The Goal
- Shop your stash instead of buying new materials
- Reduce overwhelm and finish projects you've been meaning to make
- Celebrate progress, not perfection
- Each finished stash project is 1 entry. The majority of materials must be stash. We won't police you, this is just for some fun and encouragement.
What Counts as Stash
- Any yarn or fiber you owned before 2026
- Items must not be purchased specifically for this make-along
- Gifted yarn or fiber counts as long as it was already in your home
Eligible Projects
All fiber arts are welcome, including but not limited to:
- Knitting (hand or machine)
- Crochet
- Spinning
- Weaving
- Loom knitting
- Nalbinding
- Felting
- Dyeing (stash yarn or fiber only)
- The bottom line - use your yarn and/or fiber. We aren't picky on how you do it!
Finished objects, yardage, fabric, or usable fiber all count as completed projects.
Entries
- Each finished project made primarily from stash = one entry
- The majority of materials must be stash yarn or fiber
- You may enter as many projects as you finish
How to Enter (Important!! Read This!)
To be entered for prizes, finished projects must be posted in the Yarn Stash Smash thread in either:
Ravelry Threads
You are welcome to double dip and post the same project in both groups.
Bonus Entry Rules
Bonus prompts are optional and offer an extra way to earn entries. You may earn one bonus entry per quarter, even if you complete multiple prompts.
- Each quarter's bonus prompt may earn one additional entry.
- Bonus entries must be completed during that quarter.
- Projects must be posted in the Yarn Stash Smash thread in either Ravelry group.
- You may complete multiple prompts, but the bonus is capped at +1 per quarter.
Bonus Entry Prompts
Q1 (January–March)
- Use yarn or fiber that has been in your stash the longest.
- Complete a long-abandoned WIP or UFO.
Q2 (April–June)
- Try a different fiber art than usual (weaving, machine knitting, felting, etc.).
- Frog, rework, or upcycle a project you've been wanting to take out and turn it into something new.
Q3 (July–September)
- Use a stash item you've been side-eyeing because you're not sure how to use it.
- Use up a large quantity in one project (cone, sweater quantity, or multiple skeins).
Q4 (October–December)
- Make something for someone else using stash yarn or fiber.
- Finish a project you didn't think would get done this year.
Social Media (This is optional, we know not everyone uses social media)
- You're welcome to share projects on social media using #yarnstashsmash2026
- Due to platform algorithms, hashtag use does not guarantee we're going to see your post. If you'd like to guarantee we do, please tag us
- Social media sharing is optional and not required for entry
Subscriber Requirement
- Please be a subscriber guys, it really helps out our channels:
- Mandy Vaughn Knits (Diary of a Sweater Knitter)
- Bobbleheadknits
Prizes
- More Prize Information Coming Soon!
- Prizes will be awarded at the end of each quarter
- Random surprise prize drawings may happen throughout the year.
- Drawings will happen on our podcasts, so stay tuned.
- Supporting yarn dyers and indie companies is important to us, and gift certificates will be included as part of the prizes.
Contact
The Most Important Rule
Have fun.