Large Crochet Dog Ball Pattern
- Simply Jelly Jam
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
My crochet travel habit and practice exercise.
As a novice crocheter, I realized that making crochet balls a great practice exercise. This exercise turned into a creative travel habit where I make a quiet toy for my dog. After a while, I found the ideal pattern to make a large ball for my large dog!
NOTE: Basic, beginner crochet skills are needed to follow the pattern below. However, I linked to helpful resources throughout the blog post for absolute beginners who want to try making a ball anyway.
In case it's helpful, below are the main points covered in this post:
Materials
Below are the essential materials for making a large crochet dog ball. In short, you will need the following materials:
Medium # 4 Worsted Weight Yarn
In my case, I used scrap yarn, most from a few The Woobles' kits I completed, to make and fill the ball.
If you choose to use different brand yarns or weights (thickness), the final size of your crochet ball may vary.
For example, the yarn I used with this pattern is the right size for my large German Shepard dog, but too big for my smaller Chihuahua mix.
However, if you decide to use blanket yarn with this pattern, the crochet ball may be too big for a German Shepard dog, but the right size for a Great Dane.
4mm Crochet Hook
Since I used scrap The Woobles yarn, I also used the recommended 4mm crochet hook that came with a The Woobles kit.
If you choose to use a different yarn from what I used, the label wrapped around the yarn identifies the recommended hook size you should use.
Stuffing/Filling
The crochet ball needs to be filled with stuffing to maintain a round shape. I used scrap yarn for my filling. You can use store-bought fiberfill or repurposed stuffing from old dog toys, pillows, or clothes.
Tapestry/Yarn Needle
I used a plastic tapestry needle to fasten off (a.k.a., finish) the crochet ball.
Scissors
In the end, you will need to cut the yarn to separate the crochet ball from the ball of yarn. I consider scissors essential, but I guess you could gnaw through the yarn with your teeth if you have no other option.
Stitch Marker(s)
While not exactly "essential," using at least one stitch marker is helpful for beginners and novices to mark their progress.
I use a stitch marker to identify the first stitch in a round just in case I miscount and must redo it. If I am watching TV while crocheting, there is a very high chance that I will miscount my stitches.
I used plastic clover locking stitch markers that came with The Woobles kits, but you could use split ring markers, safety pin, clasp, or scrap yarn to identify the beginning or end of your rounds.
Helpful Video Resources
I need to give credit where credit is due! Below is Crocheniacs video that taught me how to make various sized crochet balls. I highly recommend watching it if you want to know how to adjust the pattern to fit your needs and preferences.
AMIGURUMI Crochet ball in ANY SIZE | Easy crochet tutorial
Credit: Crocheniacs | Amigurumi Teacher (via YouTube)
Video Length: 20 minutes 15 seconds
The sizes shared in the above video were a bit small for my large dog, so I followed her instructions to increase the stitches to fit my dog's mouth. I would not have figured out a good pattern for the yarn I use regularly if it were not for Crocheniacs' video!
If you need a reminder on how to do certain stitches or techniques, check out videos linked below. I included a variety of sources, including The Woobles tutorials since that is how I initially learned to crochet.
In case it's helpful, below are the points covered in this subsection:
Making a Magic Ring/Circle/Loop
NOTE: I used the chain 2 technique, but I shared links to different techniques below.
Crochet Chain 2 Method, alternative to the Magic ring / circle
Credit: Amigurumi_Joys (via YouTube)
Video Length: 1 minute 50 seconds
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2eAzgQKODs
How to start crocheting in the round: The chain 2 (ch 2) method
Credit: The Woobles (via YouTube)
Video Length: 6 minutes 2 seconds
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=795quzPBXTY
How to Crochet - Magic Ring (or Magic Circle)
Credit: MJ Carlos (via YouTube)
Video Length: 2 minutes 53 seconds
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p298HxgsO1s
How to Crochet a Magic Ring / Magic Loop Tutorial | THE EASIEST WAY
Credit: Cherilyn Q (via YouTube)
Video Length: 1 minute 18 seconds
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLl6ZD4joUs
How to crochet a magic loop with 6 single crochet stitches in it
Credit: The Woobles (via YouTube)
Video Length: 10 minutes 12 seconds
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-s-NSEPfq4
Single Crochet Stitch
Best Single Crochet for Amigurumi - beginner amigurumi tutorial (+ inv dec)
Credit: olliehollycrochet (via YouTube)
Video Length: 15 minutes 14 seconds
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-WZmEp0UbM
How to crochet single crochet stitches (sc) in the round
Credit: The Woobles (via YouTube)
Video Length: 1 minute 5 seconds
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FcRdxg0aeY
Increase Stitch
Increase stitch (inc) | How to do an increase stitch in crochet
Credit: Amigurumicom (via YouTube)
Video Length: 0 minute 36 seconds
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aw5xJn8qiXM
Single Crochet Increase
Credit: BananaMoonStudio (via YouTube)
Video Length: 0 minutes 38 seconds
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1z30q4qfEk
How to increase stitches (inc) in crochet
Credit: The Woobles (via YouTube)
Video Length: 2 minutes 35 seconds
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvD1qrrRX5c
Decrease Stitch
NOTE: I used the invisible decrease stitch technique, but I shared links to different techniques below.
How To Crochet: Invisible Decrease for Beginners (Inv Dec) - Amigurumi Tutorial
Credit: A Menagerie of Stitches (via YouTube)
Video Length: 1 minute 58 seconds
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVSozABhcHs
How to invisibly decrease stitches (dec) in crochet
Credit: The Woobles (via YouTube)
Video Length: 2 minutes 43 seconds
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZ8qHGQDT6Y
How to Decrease Single Crochet | an Annie's Tutorial
Credit: Annie's Attic Videos (via YouTube)
Video Length: 0 minute 18 seconds
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkSlm38ZRjo
Single Crochet Decrease Stitch
Credit: BananaMoonStudio (via YouTube)
Video Length: 0 minute 22 seconds
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10bNYRilJ2g
Fasten/Close Off
[EASY & SIMPLE!] How to Close and Finish Off Amigurumi Hole | Amigurumi Crochet Tutorial
Credit: olliehollycrochet (via YouTube)
Video Length: 4 minutes 15 seconds
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_Tr47opheo
Ultimate Finish for Amigurumi (right-handed version)
Credit: PlanetJune (via YouTube)
Video Length: 2 minutes 32 seconds
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMkNQAZ5Si0
How to close amigurumi
Credit: The Woobles (via YouTube)
Video Length: 3 minutes 16 seconds
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJdf0lwqxwo
Color Change
NOTE: Switching yarn colors is not necessary for making this crochet ball. However, I am including this in case you want to give it a try. Your dog may not care either way.
Invisible Color Change | How to change color invisibly in crochet
Credit: Amigurumicom (via YouTube)
Video Length: 0 minute 59 seconds
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTq5QMzRPCM
How to change colors in crochet
Credit: The Woobles (via YouTube)
Video Length: 6 minutes 5 seconds
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyC-VdgiZy4
Large Crochet Dog Ball Pattern
Now, for the main reason you checked out this blog post, below is the pattern I used to make my large crochet ball:
Abbreviations:
rnd = round
sc = single crochet
inc = increase
dec = decrease
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring
Rnd 2: 6 inc [12]
Rnd 3: (1 sc, 1 inc) x 6 [18]
Rnd 4: (2 sc, 1 inc) x 6 [24]
Rnd 5: (3 sc, 1 inc) x 6 [30]
Your piece may start to curl at this point. You can push your piece inside-out so that the "right/proper/neat" side of the piece is faced outwards. The yarn tail would typically be on the inside/unseen.
Rnd 6: (4 sc, 1 inc) x 6 [36]
Rnd 7: (5 sc, 1 inc) x 6 [42]
Rnds 8-14: 42 sc
Rnd 15: (5 sc, 1 dec) x 6 [36]
Rnd 16: (4 sc, 1 dec) x 6 [30]
Rnd 17: (3 sc, 1 dec) x 6 [24]
Begin stuffing with your preferred material. This is also a good time to add a squeaker if you want it included.
Rnd 18: (2 sc, 1 dec) x 6 [18]
Rnd 19: (1 sc, 1 dec) x 6 [12]
Add more stuffing if needed.
Rnd 20: 6 dec
Rnd 21: fasten/close off
Why I Crochet on Every Trip
If I plan to stay at least one night in a hotel, I always bring materials to create a crochet ball as a practice exercise. After a long drive, crocheting is a relaxing way to unwind and de-stress.
I regularly travel with my dogs. I bring a couple of toys for my dogs, but I always crochet at least one ball for my large dog to play fetch in the room during the day. (We do not play fetch at night to avoid disturbing other hotel guests.)
My dog is always grateful for a new toy, even a rushed handmade one, so crocheting on trips always feels worthwhile.
What's Next?
I plan to learn how to make other crochet dog toys, but for now, my dog and I are happy with simple crochet balls.
Consider making a crochet ball as a beginner's practice exercise! It is also a 'sneak peek' into making amigurumi toys if that interests you.
Comment below if you handmade toys for your pets!
Don't forget to subscribe below to be notified by email when I post something new.
Thanks, and have a great day!
~Simply Jelly Jam
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