Little Balls

So. Little Balls.....I did start trying to make a photographic tutorial for them, but the light disappeared before I had chance to finish. They are very easy and straightforward though, so I thought I might just write out the pattern in case you feel compelled to fill your life with them (they would make a terrific garland don't you think?).

They are worked in Double Crochet (that's Single Crochet if you're in the US) in amigurumi style, ie the rounds are worked in a spiral as opposed to distinct start/stop rounds. Usually it's necessary to use a row marker when you work in this way, but as these balls are so little, I found I can do it just by counting. And shhhhhhhhhhhh-ing anyone who tries to talk to me while I'm counting.

To begin, chain 2. The first round is worked out of the first chain.

Round 1 :: work 6 dc into the first chain (count 6!)

Round 2 :: work 2dc into each dc of the first round (count 12!)

Rounds 3, 4 & 5 :: work 1 dc into each dc of the previous round, ie three rounds of 12 stitches (count 36! Keep counting! Shhhh anyone who tries to interrupt!)

At this point, your Little Ball should resemble a miniature beanie hat that sits on the end of your finger. This is where the Cute sets in.

Now STUFF!! Get a small bobble of toy stuffing or a blob of cotton wool and stuff it into your Little Ball. It will misbehave, it will try to escape. Use the end of your hook (the non hooky end) to push it into place. Be firm.

Round 6 :: (skip 1 stitch, dc into next stitch) 6 times. In other words, work 1 dc into every alternate stitch around. Watch your tension, keep your stitches nice and tight and you should find that the crochet gathers in nicely around the stuffing to leave a very small hole. Make a couple of slip stitches to close the hole completely, and finish off.

Now go forth and make loads more! The cuteness factor really kicks in when you have a whole gathering of Little Balls in a dinky little china bowl.

I hope that you have lots of fun making these little cuties, they are seriously satisfying and a weeny bit addictive. And perhaps if you've been inspired to give them a go, that you might consider making a small donation to help support what I do here in the Attic...thank you SO much!

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xx Your support is very, very much appreciated. Wishing you many happy, blissful hours of joy with hook and yarn xx

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Comments

[Elsa Milena Rosado]

Every day I see your blogs and love everything, no weaving for 50 years but God gave me other granddaughter anda now I have time to do.
Congratylations and thank you.

[Mary M]

These are so cute! What size hook did you use? I bet my Mom would