Crochet in My DNA MAL
For those who were born to crochet!
This collaboration between Scheepjes and design duo Hilly de Vries and Iris van Meer is a visually striking project, created for crocheters who consider their craft an integral part of their identity. Inspired by the iconic DNA helix, the design features bold, intertwining waves of colour that form a dynamic and eye-catching masterpiece—showcasing both skill and passion.
Using Hilly’s unique join-as-you-go corner-to-corner technique (no bobbins required!), this rewarding project made with a choice of four Scheepjes yarns evolves effortlessly, as vibrant hues twist and flow, bringing the MAL design to life. The finished piece offers versatility, ideal as a practical rug or a striking wall hanging—perfect for those who live and breathe crochet! This project is featured in Scheepjes Colour Crafter, Scrumptious, Cahlista, and Softfun yarns, offering participants a variety of fibres and an extensive colour palette to suit their creative preferences. Additionally, a smaller version of the design has been created using alternative shades of Softfun—an ideal option for those with limited time or space.
The MAL run over 4 weeks: 30 April to 21 May 2025
We encourage MAL participants to join the International or Dutch Official Scheepjes Facebook Groups. Here they will join a passionate community simultaneously creating a crochet masterpiece alongside other like-minded crafters around the world. Supported and encouraged by our highly skilled mods and admin, as well as fellow participants, this community-driven project is for everyone who feels they have crochet in their genes, regardless of existing experience!
Iris will be also present over the course of the MAL to assist and interact with participants via our Facebook groups. She also plans to release additional blogposts and tips to answer any frequently asked questions and help beginner crocheters get on their way.
Pattern Availability
The full written pattern will be available in 4 free weekly parts via the designers’ website Een Mooi Gebaar. It will be available in English, with a choice of UK or US terminology, and also in Dutch. There will also be an option to support the design duo by purchasing a complete ad-free PDF. The pattern will be available at a discounted price of €7.50 for the duration of the MAL (no discount code required). At the end of the MAL, the price will revert to the regular price of €9.95.
Please note that prices may be subject to some variation based on local currency, time of purchase and taxes.
In preparation for a successful MAL, on 23 April, Iris will publish Tips & Tricks. This will include handy pattern notes and instructions on making a gauge swatch. The pattern is suitable for crocheters of all levels of experience and the designers have also prepared helpful accompanying videos in both English and Dutch.
Featured Colourways
Please note that hook sizes mentioned are those used by the designer and pattern testers. The hook size required to achieve gauge may differ depending on your personal tension.
Colour Crafter and Scrumptious versions are crocheted using 3mm and 3.5mm hooks and measure approx. 75cm x 110cm (29.5 x 43in). With both DK yarns identical in weight and gauge, it’s also perfectly possible to mix and match them within the same project!
There are two different Softfun versions to choose from. The larger piece measures 112 x 83cm (44 x 32.5 in) and the mini 68 x 94cm (27 x 37 in). Softfun is crocheted with a 2.5 - 3.5mm crochet hook (always make a test swatch to determine which size hook suits your yarn tension). A marvellous all-rounder, DK weight Softfun is lightweight, breathable, strong and easy care for.
The Cahlista Aran weight version is crocheted using 3.5mm and 4mm hooks and measures approx. 97cm x 139cm (38 x 55in). This super smooth un-mercerised cotton yarn has an optimised twist to reduce splitting whilst maintaining a soft drape and is an ideal option for crafters who favour exclusively natural fibres. Cahlista is also a particularly smart choice for crocheters wishing to make a rug.
Scheepjes Colour Crafter 100% Premium Acrylic (Anti Pilling), 100g/300m
Rainbow Version
Yarn A: Maastricht 1246 x 2 balls
Yarn B: Knokke 2012 x 1 ball
Yarn C: Heerlen 1432 x 1 ball
Yarn D: Gent 2002 x 1 ball
Yarn E: Ede 1002 x 2 balls
Yarn F: Charleroi 2016 x 1 ball
Yarn G: Brugge 2003 x 1 ball
Yarn H: Brussel 2004 x 1 ball
Pastel Version
Colour A Lelystad 1026 x 2 balls
Colour B Helmond 1724 x 1 ball
Colour C Urk 1034 x 1 ball
Colour D Sint Niklaas 2019 x 1 ball
Colour E Goes 1820 x 2 balls
Colour F Barneveld 1005 x 1 ball
Colour G Leiden 1020 x 1 ball
Colour H Ommen 1240 x 1 ball
Scheepjes Scrumptious 50% Recycled Polyester (recycled plastic bottles) x 50% Acrylic, 100g/300m
Yarn A: Grape Jelly 316 x 2 balls
Yarn B: Bubblegum Ice Cream 355 x 1 ball
Yarn C: Custard Pie 341 x 1 ball
Yarn D: Rose Barfi 321 x 1 ball
Yarn E: Charcoal Ice Cream 301 x 2 balls
Yarn F: Sweet Potato Mochi 320 x 1 ball
Yarn G: Lavender Slice 334 x 1 ball
Yarn H: Candy Meringue 330 x 1 ball
Scheepjes Cahlista 100% Natural Cotton, 50g/85m
Yarn A: Vivid Blue 146 x 5 balls
Yarn B: Mercury 074 x 3 balls
Yarn C: English Tea 404 x 3 balls
Yarn D: Charcoal 393 x 3 balls
Yarn E: Midnight 527 x 5 balls
Yarn F: Deep Ocean 391 x 3 balls
Yarn G: Old Lace 130 x 3 balls
Yarn H: Caramel 506 x 3 balls
Scheepjes Softfun 60% Cotton x 40% Acrylic, 50g/140m
Full sized pink version
Yarn A: Pink 2480 x 3 balls
Yarn B: Starfish 2620 x 2 balls
Yarn C: Soft Coral 2636 x 2 balls
Yarn D: Hot Pink 2495 x 2 balls
Yarn E: Mahogany 2637 x 4 balls
Yarn F: Rose Pink 2608 x 2 balls
Yarn G: Cyclamen 2534 x 2 balls
Yarn H: Flamingo 2653 x 2 balls
Full sized blue/brown version
Colour A Lagoon 2644 x 3 balls
Colour B Glacial Mist 2646 x 2 balls
Colour C Sea Mist 2625 x 2 balls
Colour D Dark Turquoise 2511 x 2 balls
Colour E Cloud 2530 x 4 balls
Colour F Cedar 2631 x 2 balls
Colour G Wheat 2533 x 2 balls
Colour H Latte 2622 x 2 balls
Mini Version
Colour A: Black 2408 x 3 balls
Colour B: Pickle 2616 x 2 balls
Colour C: Pine 2643 x 2 balls
Colour D: Tortilla 2632 x 2 balls
Colour E: Bright Turquoise 2423 x 3 balls
Colour F: Bumblebee 2634 x 2 balls
Colour G: Graphite 2601 x 2 balls
Colour H: Apple 2516 x 2 balls
About the Designer
The MAL project is a collaborative design by Hilly, also known as Hook to Hook, and Iris, the creative force behind the crochet website Een Mooi Gebaar.
Hilly, a designer from the northernmost region of North Holland, is a retired mother of four and a devoted crochet enthusiast. Having learned to crochet at a young age, she has nurtured her passion throughout her life. Her aversion to sewing individual pieces together led her to develop a unique approach—an innovative variation on the traditional corner-to-corner technique. Hilly’s home is adorned with stacks of beautiful blankets showcasing her signature style.
Since 2020, Hilly has been collaborating with Iris, who has been crocheting for over a decade and is dedicated to bringing crochet to a wider audience. Through Een Mooi Gebaar, she has curated an extensive collection of over a thousand crochet patterns—ranging from original designs to carefully translated works from other designers (with permission!), as well as contributions from her vibrant community of followers. Her patterns are renowned for their clarity, featuring step-by- step instructions without abbreviations to ensure ease of use for everyone. Passionate about bringing more colour, joy, and relaxation into people's lives, Iris strives to provide a creative escape from the negativity of modern media. Her mission is to encourage creativity and mindfulness, helping people to embrace their artistic potential in a stress-free, enjoyable way.