The Progressive Pattern Project: New this year on the Yarn Discovery Tour

The Northeast Ohio Yarn Discovery Tour runs for 20 days every September and has been a cherished event in our crafting community for the last 17 years. But even traditions deserve an occasional update, and the participating shops of the YDT are working hard to add a new twist to our shop hop this year.

As we have done in the past, participants are invited to buy a passport ($10) and visit as many of our shops as they choose during the Tour. The new twist is that with your passport purchase, we will be including a pattern to make either a simple knit or crocheted block, and instructions for projects that can be made from it like a blanket, bag, pillow, or top. The initial block will be the very simplest pattern for either craft, welcoming beginners to join along.

At each shop during the Tour, simply present your passport to receive another knit and crochet block pattern, no purchase needed. Each shop will have samples of their blocks worked up in yarns they carry as a suggestion for you. If you make a purchase of at least $10 in the store, you will also get to choose a free knit or crochet pattern, have your passport stamped and be entered into the raffle for that store’s prize basket.

The Progressive Patterns are written to make blocks of similar size as long as you use similar yarns and tools throughout. There will be a variety of skill levels, but the aim is to be friendly to our beginners and fun for our experienced crafters. You get to choose which or how many of the patterns to include in your project and can include only knit or only crochet or both types of blocks as you choose. With 18 stores participating and the initial basic blocks with your passport purchase, there are a total of 38 blocks to choose from if you visit every shop! If you visit fewer shops, you can repeat and alternate the blocks you collect in your project. 

We are hoping to see your projects before the 2026 YDT by inviting you to post photos of your finished objects on the YDT Ravelry Group thread: 2025 (First ever!) Progressive Pattern Project.