I came up with this Yarn Ball Stress Reliever pattern a while ago, but as usual so many things have come up and the typing of the pattern hit the back burner! On a good note, I'm giving it to you now! :)
This thing is a big hit in my house! It feels great on my hands, it exercises them and relieves the tension, plus my boys LOVE throwing it around. Bonus, the stitches are nice and tight, so I don't have to worry about an explosion lol
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First, you will need to decide what you prefer to use for stuffing. You can use simple fiberfill as I have listed in the materials, but you can also use a store bought stress ball or you can make one using a balloon and cornstarch (as I used).
If using a balloon and cornstarch: You need party balloons (not water balloons, because they are too thin and will break open), 2/3-1 cup of cornstarch, and a mini funnel. Stick the funnel into the neck of the balloon and funnel the cornstarch down inside. Tie off balloon. Optional: For added security, place this balloon inside another balloon and tie off.
Yarn Ball Stress Reliever
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Materials
Worsted Weight Yarn (#4)
F/5/3.75mm Hook
Fiberfill
Yarn Needle
Scissors
Optional Materials
Party Balloon
Cornstarch (⅔-1cup)
Mini Funnel
Gauge
Not important for this project
Size
Approximately
2.75” diameter / 8.5”circumference
Stitch Guide
arnd = around
ch = chain
hdc = half double crochet
sl st(s) = slip stitch(es)
st(s) = stitch(es)
Surface sl st(s) = See Special Stitches
TLO = See Special Stitches
Skill Level
Easy
WRITTEN IN U.S. TERMS
Notes
Beginning chains do not count as stitches.
This pattern is worked in the round (no joining or chaining unless specified).
Instructions appearing between asterisks should be repeated as indicated.
Special Stitches
Third Loop Only (TLO): The loop that runs parallel to the back side of a hdc; aka camel stitch.
Surface Slip Stitches: Working slip stitches across the surface of a project.
Instructions
1. Make a magic ring, ch 1, 8 hdc in ring (8)
2. In TLO: 2 hdc in each st arnd (16)
3. In TLO: *2 hdc, hdc* arnd (24)
4. In TLO: *2 hdc, hdc x 2* arnd (32)
5. In TLO: *2 hdc, hdc x 3* arnd (40)
6. In TLO: hdc in each st arnd (40)
7-8. Repeat round 6
9. In TLO: *dec, hdc x 3* arnd (32)
10. In TLO: *dec, hdc x 2* arnd (24)
Insert stuffing (or other stress ball) here and continue the next steps working around it
11. In TLO: *dec, hdc* arnd (16)
12. In TLO: dec arnd (8)
13. LOOSELY surface sl st up the back, across the top, and down the front to the starting point.
14-15. Repeat 12 working parallel to the others
16. LOOSELY surface sl st up the back, across the top, and then halfway down the front, surface sl st across the last 3 surface sl sts and then finish surface sl sts down the front. Ch 11, sl st across ch, sl st to bottom of ball; Fasten.
Finishing
I hope you love these as much as I do! Join my Blackstone Designs Crochet Community group on Facebook to stay up to date, receive special offers, pattern support, and so much more! Hope to see you there!
Written
Pattern © 2014 Sonya Blackstone of Blackstone Designs. Please do not
sell, share, or modify this
pattern, but instead share the link to where the pattern can be found.
You may sell items you make with this pattern. This pattern, as with
all Blackstone Designs/Sonya Blackstone patterns, are not for
educational use
without written permission from the designer.
Labels: Back Bar Only, Crochet, Custom Crochet Hook, Free Crochet Pattern, Loops and Threads Impeccable, Red, Red Yarn, Stress Reliever Ball, Surface Crochet, Surface Slip Stitch, Worsted Weight, Yarn, Yarn Ball
