Make Crochet Ball ‘Swatches‘
If you are a crocheter or knitter, you know all about swatches. If you are an amigurumist, you don’t often make swatches, but you are no stranger to spheres, ovals, tubes, cones, and other roundish shapes.
Why make ball swatches?
Explore Yarn Textures: See how different yarns, especially colorful or fluffy ones, look and behave when crocheted in the round.
Test New Stitches: Experiment with various stitches and see how they work in a spherical shape.
Practice Consistent Tension: Spherical shapes are great for refining even tension, a helpful skill for all crochet projects.
Learn Shaping Techniques: Ball swatches allow you to practice increasing and decreasing, which is ideal for creating smooth, round shapes.
Practice Basics: For beginners, it's a perfect way to get comfortable crocheting in the round or a spiral.
Use Leftovers: A fun way to put leftover yarn to good use.
Quick Project Satisfaction: Enjoy the joy of a quick and satisfying crochet project that can be completed in one sitting.
Make Cat Toys: Add a bell or bit of crinkle paper inside for a fun, safe cat toy or stuff with catnip.
Learn Juggling: Make a few and practice your juggling skills—crocheted balls are soft and easy to grip. Fill with a mix of rice and hollow fiber.
Experiment with Color Transitions: Practice color changes and gradient techniques within a small, manageable project.
Prep for Amigurumi: For those interested in making amigurumi, practicing ball shapes is an excellent start.
Make Soft Play Balls for Kids: They're safe and customizable—perfect for little ones.
Create Unique Decorations: These little balls can double as adorable decorations.
Relax and Unwind: Enjoy the rhythmic process and benefit from crochet’s calming effects. The repetitive motion is great for mindfulness and stress relief.
How to crochet a ball?
Abbreviations US:
sc - single crochet
inc - increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
dec - decrease (1 sc in next two stitches in FLO)
FLO - in front loops only
*...* - repeat in between
pm - place stitch marker
Directions:
Make a magic ring
R1. 6 sc in the ring, pm (6)
R2. inc in every sc around, pm (12)
R3. *1 inc, 1 sc* around, pm (18)
R4. *1 inc, 2 sc* around, pm (24)
R5. *1 inc, 3 sc* around, pm (30)
R6-10. sc around, pm (30)
R11. *1 dec, 3 sc* around, pm (24)
R12. *1 dec, 2 sc* around, pm (18)
R13. *1 dec, 1 sc* around, pm (12)
R14. dec around (6)
Cut a long piece of yarn. Use a tapestry needle to weave the tail through the six remaining stitches in FLO. Pull the yarn to close and tighten the circle. Hide the leftover yarn end inside the work.
Give it a try, and enjoy the creative therapy!
“We are all creative beings.”
