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!

♥

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

♥

 

 

Comments

[Crystal]

I am making my sister's cat several of these. He is an only fur baby. So he will I think enjoy these.

[Susan Round]

Lucy: I'm trying to find your email or a way I can send you a personal note! Please, could you send me the way? I'd appreciate it so much.

Susan Round
[email protected]

[Anne]

What size crochet hook would you recommend for the little balls please?
It's a beauty

[Ros Moseley]

Hi Lucy,

Thank you so much for the giggles in the wording of this pattern your projects are also very lovely buy what makes it for me if how you word your patterns,
It would not be as lovely by video.

Thank you so much honey keep it up lots of love xxxxxx

[Amy]

Love these little balls! They're the perfect for when I become sidetracked and have that itchy urge to do a little crochet project on the side.

[Hande Aksoy]

These are just lovely! And wouldn't they make gorgeous cat toys? ❤

[Jill morrow]

You are amazing. I have often tried to read many crochet patterns and I always come back to your super clear directions and photos. No one does it as well! And your eye for colour, pattern and style is totally incredible.... eg. The groupings of objects from around you house..... arranged according to colour....they tell a story....or many....so unique.... I do similar things with found bits and pieces from nature. I love collecting interesting sticks and branches. I keep them by sticking them in amongst the trees! Thanks for doing what you do.....it's beautiful!

[Sherin]

Hi Lucy,
Thanks to your fabulous tutorials I have renewed my interest in crotcheting which started in my teens about 45 years ago! I have made a pram size version of the cosy stripe blanket, the skinny striped scarf in the Comic Relief eBook and now I have just learnt how to crotchet little balls which I am going to attach to the end of the scarf. I did make a donation and tried to add a comment in the Paypal section but I think it got a bit mangled! So thanks for your very generous tutorials, I have learned so much! Sherin, Sydney, Australia 🇦🇺

[DarkAshes]

Everyone writes patterns differently. To make the tutorial better and useful please include..

size hook you used (preferably in mm)

Yarn weight

Key: sc = single crochet
DC = double crochet

Even though you use dc I can't help but think you mean single. Sorry if I got confused but I read many patterns and you can't really blame me. =/

[sharon]

great i am going to use these for eyes in the alligator scarf just knitted for grandson.....thank you

[Denna]

These turned into lollipops on a stick. Made several in yummy colors, glued a candy stick in one end, wrapped in a bit of cello with ribbon and TAHDAH, holiday tree ornaments. Making a dozen in assorted colors. Now I am going to get brave and try them with stripes!

Love the blog!

[Shibuble]

Hi, Lucy. Just faffed about almost ALL day trying to follow a pattern for a little ball. Very frustrated and angry at the end, I tell you. Then I remembered seeing something years ago on your blog. Well. Five minutes later, I produced a GORGEOUS little thing which I will now make millions of !! Your instructions are so clear and concise. You are a blessing to me. All my projects have been through you. And, many more will follow. Trust me. God bless you, sweetie.

[MO]

This is the best little ball tutorial ever! They are so cute and work up so quickly! Thx so much for making your older blog posts available. I refer to them frequently. Hugs MO

[Sarah Eddleston]

I absolutely love them. I think I used a slightly too large hook. I used a 3.5mm hook. I don't think that they are quite as small as yours but they are still adorable. love them.

[Megan O'Donnell]

You mentioned amigurumi in this post... Was wondering if you would consider doing a tutorial on how to join amigurumi together. For example, how to join legs and arms to the main body...

[emma]

I needed a pattern for eyes to add to an octupus I made for my kids. This will be perfect in white with a first 6 sts in black. Can't wait. Might then have to make a load of little balls for fun too.

[ecelectichomelife.blogspot.com]

Just lovely as always Lucy. Today on my blog, I mention you and your lovely little balls you crochet as well as Christmas baubles to make with yarn. Pop over and visit, you are most welcome! http://eclectichomelife.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/knitted-christmas-baubles_15.html?showComment=1387195708501

[Kathy]

I love all your things -- all colorful, just like I like!

[debbie]

HI. I love all your crochet! Is there a pattern for the hearts please?

[Mary M]

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

[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.