Knitted soft playing ball



I hope the pictures and the instructions below will help you understand on how to make this ball which can be an ornament or toy for children to play with.

There are many variations to make this ball.
  • We can use 4 different colours of wool or use wool that is multicoloured.
  • If making a bigger ball cast on more stitches.
  • If making a smaller ball cast on fewer stitches, as long as when you fold the rectangle it should make a square.
For this ball I used...

4.5 US size needle
4 ply multicoloured wool
thick needle to stitch the sides
old cloth, felt or polyester stuffing material

To make a 5" diameter ball, cast on 17 stitches and Knit all rows into a rectangle. Approximately 68 rows. When folded it should be a square.
This is the knitted rectangle. Keep about 60 cm of thread hanging and cut. Don't cut the thread from the starting edge, this will be put inside when closing the ball.
Put a needle on the long thread (60 cm) and stitch by picking up the corner knits. From one corner to the other of the long side. See the picture below.

Pull the thread so it will look like this.

Align the sides to match, like above. Put the needle through the two edges and stitch till the end of the wide side.
It will look like a hat.
Stuff with old clean cloth or felt material. Can use pillow or craft stuffing, which is available at fabric and craft shops.
Stuff to the top as much as possible so the ball will hold its shape.
Thread through the edges from one corner to the other of the long side.
Put the thread that you started knitting with inside the ball. Pull the thread to bring the ball together.
Stitch with the remaining thread to close the ball secure.
Pull the thread up and make a loop if hanging as an ornament. Or if making a ball to play put the thread through the ball and stitch into the ball.
Start tossing!

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50 comments:

  1. that a beautiful ball...I have never tried knitting a ball before, I have knitted scarves and crocheted shawls and baby blankets before....this is a cool idea for a small baby gift!...

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  2. nice idea to make ball at home looking beautiful

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  3. Ooooh, I really like this! These could make some great Christmas ornaments if done in red and green stripe!

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  4. Bravo on such a lovely creation! Your pictures and instructions are so clear and concise. I just made a hat for my godson whose on his way so I think I am going to have to give this a shot as well.

    <3 Marea

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  5. Thats a lovely ball...love knitting....

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  6. wow!!! beautiful... Its really a yummy looking ball..... U r multi talented... what a finished work.......... great work... Keep it up... Just feel very happy to see such things... Thanks dear for posting such a beautiful thing..

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  7. I almost forgot this one.. thanks for sharing yar... kids will love this...

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  8. Your pics are perfect!! My mom is the family knitter, I just forwarded this to her, hopefully we'll have our own knitted ball soon! Really nicely done!

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  9. I totally love this - that is gorgeous - I definitely want to try this :-)
    Sue

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  10. You did a great job...Looks gorgeous.

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  11. love knitting....and tht ball looks very colorful,cute and creative akheela....love tht last pic...is tht ur princess...

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  12. Beautiful and you've done it perfectly!

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  13. Very cute and colorful looking knitted ball. Easy to understand illustration.

    Deepa
    Hamaree Rasoi

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  14. At first, I thought this was an edible ball! It's so pretty though, I could eat it... Your instructions are great, I feel I can totally make this (and I'm normally bad at handicrafts!)

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  15. Really you are talented Akila, thanks for sharing this ball,cant wait to try..

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  16. That is so cute ... You are very skilled

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  17. Troppo bello,complimenti!!!! ;-)

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  18. you are multi talented Akila...:)

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  19. Wow - beautiful! Thanks also for the really detailed instructions - I'm wondering if it works with my paper twines, too (the ball would be a bit harder I guess - and perhaps not perfectly shaped) - I think I have to try to make one out of paper twine! Have a great weekend!
    Linda / PaperPhine

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  20. Such a cute ball..wonderfully knitted :)I wish I could knit too..

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  21. my daughter would love playing ball with it. you're so talented.

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  22. Beautiful.. i crochet a bit.. may be i can try this with that :)

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  23. I wish I could knit or some other crafts.

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  24. I'll have to show this to my daughter. She loves to knit and has lots of little friends she could make this for.

    Kristi

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  25. Huh, I would have thought you would have shaped it with short rows. Cool

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  26. Sweet, cuddly and soft - perfect for little hands (and heads!).

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  27. U have a flair for art and beauty! This looks amazing!

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  28. thats a beautiful ball!!! would love one for myself!!

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  29. How absolutely adorable! This would also make a great stress reliever for grown ups :)

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  30. it looks just too beautiful, i can never imagine doing them so perfectly! :)

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  31. beautiful art work dear, keep rocking

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  32. Wow, mashAllah I just stumbled upon your blog, and it's great! Keep up the good work!!

    Fi amani Allah

    The Creative Muslimah @ www.thecreativemuslimah.blogspot.com

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  33. I love knitting unfortunately I cannot do it any more. This seem easy enough for my kid if I can get her to sit for 10 minutes that is.

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  34. Awesome....your color selection and your knitting work is just tooo tooo good....loved it....i wish i knew knitting to give it a shot.....

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  35. Fantastic Tutorial. You have a nice place here :)

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  36. Hi! Wonderful idea! I've made my rectangle but I'm stumped by how to pick up the corner knits to close the ball from a rectangle. Please add more pictures to clarify this point!

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  37. Hi, I love this idea! I am trying this now but need some more clarification on how to pick up the corner knits to close the ball. If possible please add more explanation and pictures. Even a video :) Thanks!

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  38. Use a big needle as shown on the picture and thread the long piece of wool that is attached to the rectangle. Pick up the knitting on the edge and then pull so it will gather up then close up the wide edges so the ball can be filled with cloth before it is fully stitched. Hope this helps and clarifies.

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  39. What size knitting needle are you using and what is the approximate diameter of the finished stuffed ball? I've been wondering about how to make ball toys for my puppies and adult dogs. I've seen patterns using double pointed needles, not straight needles. I prefer using straight needles.. I'd like to make my balls about 4 inches in diameter.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sally thank you for asking since many readers requested more information I have updated the post :) enjoy making these easy and fun knitted balls

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Thank you for commenting :)