Balls - Free Crochet Pattern

Hello everyone!

In 2012, my girls and I worked hard to fill a box full of pet toys for our local shelter, that we dropped off at Christmas time. Last year (2013) we wanted to do the same thing. This time tho, we wanted to concentrate on toys for both cats and dogs, and on something that was quick, easy and used up old yarn. These balls are really simple to make, and their 3 strand togetherness makes for both fast stash-busting, and durability. The larger balls are great for fetch and the smaller ones perfect for kitties.
Of course, they also make great inside balls for kids too!

You will need:
6.5mm hook
3 strands of yarn. I use mostly DK weight, but have some with funfur, thin cottons and chunkier yarns.
sewing needle
Some stuffing
Stitch marker

Small Ball
1: ch2, sc 8 times into the first chain (or magic circle), place marker
2: sc twice in each stitch around
3-5: sc in each stitch around
6: sc2tg around, end off leaving a long tail.
Stuff the ball
Weave your tail in and out of remaining stitches and pull tight to gather closed. Weave in all ends.

Medium Ball
1: ch2, sc 8 times into the first chain (or magic circle), place marker
2:  sc twice in each stitch around
3: *sc in the first stitch, 2sc in the next stitch* Repeat around
4-8: sc in each stitch around
9: *sc, sc2tg* repeat around
10: sc2tg around, end off leaving a long tail.
Stuff the ball
Weave your tail in and out of remaining stitches and pull tight to gather closed. Weave in all ends.

Large Ball
1: ch2, sc 8 times into the first chain (or magic circle), place marker
2:  sc twice in each stitch around
3: *sc in the first stitch, 2sc in the next stitch* Repeat around
4: *sc in the first 2 stitchs, 2sc in the next stitch* Repeat around
5-10: sc in each stitch around
11: *sc in the first 2 stitches, sc2tg*, repeat around
12:: *sc, sc2tg* repeat around
13: sc2tg around, end off leaving a long tail.
Stuff the ball
Weave your tail in and out of remaining stitches and pull tight to gather closed. Weave in all ends.