How To: Knit a Ball

Knitted balls can be used for all sorts of projects. The obvious is a Christmas ornament, but knitted balls can also be the basis for knitting toys or snowmen. And of course, they can be used simply as balls which make a lovely gift for a baby. They can be all one color, striped or patterned. To get started, follow the directions below for a one-color knitted ball. You will need to know how to knit on double-pointed needles, so if you need help with that, check out my other article.

Before beginning, here are the abbreviations I will be using:

• st(s) = stitch(es)
• dpn(s) = double-pointed needle(s)
• k = knit
• k2tog = knit two together
• kfb = knit one stitch in the front, then in the back
• ** = repeat instructions between asterisks, as directed

Tips

• You will increase 6 sts every other round.
• Watch the videos below for a walkthrough.

Cast on 6 stitches and knit one row. Divide stitches equally among 3 double-pointed needles. Place stitch marker and begin to knit in the round.

Round 1:    kfb all sts (12 sts)
Round 2:    k
Round 3:    * k1, kfb * (18 sts)
Round 4:    k
Round 5:    * k2, kfb * (24 sts)
Round 6:    k
Round 7:    * k3, kfb * (30 sts)
Round 8:    k
Round 9:    * k4, kfb * (36 sts)
Round 10:   k
Round 11:   * k8, kfb * (40 sts)
Round 12:   k
Round 13:   k
Round 14:   k
Round 15:   * k8, k2tog * (36 sts)
Round 16:   k
Round 17:   * k4, k2tog * (30 sts)
Round 18:   k
Round 19:   * k3, k2tog * (24 sts)
Round 20:   k
Round 21:   * k2, k2tog * (18 sts)
Round 22:   k

Start stuffing the ball with yarn scraps, fiber fill, etc.

Round 23:   * k1, k2tog * (12 sts)
Round 24:    k
Round 25:   * k2tog * (6 sts)

Cut yarn leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread large-holed needle with yarn tail, pull through remaining stitches. Run needle down the center of ball and through to other side. Snip excess tail close to ball's surface. Makes about a 2.5-inch diameter ball.