purlJam

# Knitted Soccer Ball (Football)

A simple, fun knitted soccer ball perfect for kids or sports fans! This beginner-friendly amigurumi project is worked seamlessly in the round from bottom to top.

## Finished Measurements
Approximately 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) in diameter

## Materials
- **Yarn**: Worsted weight yarn, approximately 100 yards (91 m)
  - Main Color (MC): White, 70 yards (64 m)
  - Contrast Color (CC): Black, 30 yards (27 m) for optional embroidery/surface decoration
- **Needles**: US 6 (4 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or size needed to obtain gauge, OR one 32-inch or longer circular needle for Magic Loop method
- **Notions**: 
  - Stitch marker
  - Tapestry needle
  - Fiberfill stuffing (approximately 2-3 oz)
  - Scissors

## Gauge
19 stitches and 26 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch worked in the round

**Important**: Gauge is critical for amigurumi. Knit tightly to prevent stuffing from showing through. If your fabric looks too loose, go down a needle size.

## Abbreviations
- k: knit
- kfb: knit into front and back of stitch (1 stitch increased)
- k2tog: knit 2 stitches together (1 stitch decreased)
- pm: place marker
- sm: slip marker
- st(s): stitch(es)

## Notes
- Ball is worked in the round from bottom to top in stockinette stitch (knit every round).
- Use DPNs or Magic Loop method; switch to DPNs if using Magic Loop when stitch count becomes too small (under 16 sts).
- Stuff firmly as you go for best results, especially once you begin decreasing.
- Stitch marker indicates beginning of round.

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### Soccer Ball Body

**Setup**: Using MC, cast on 8 sts. Divide evenly over DPNs (2-2-2-2) or use Magic Loop. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Pm for beginning of round.

**Round 1**: Knit.

**Round 2 (Increase Round)**: [Kfb] 8 times. (16 sts)
*Check: 8 sts × 2 = 16 sts ✓*

**Round 3**: Knit.

**Round 4 (Increase Round)**: [Kfb, k1] 8 times. (24 sts)
*Check: 16 sts + 8 increases = 24 sts ✓*

**Round 5**: Knit.

**Round 6 (Increase Round)**: [Kfb, k2] 8 times. (32 sts)
*Check: 24 sts + 8 increases = 32 sts ✓*

**Round 7**: Knit.

**Round 8 (Increase Round)**: [Kfb, k3] 8 times. (40 sts)
*Check: 32 sts + 8 increases = 40 sts ✓*

**Round 9**: Knit.

**Round 10 (Increase Round)**: [Kfb, k4] 8 times. (48 sts)
*Check: 40 sts + 8 increases = 48 sts ✓*

**Round 11**: Knit.

**Round 12 (Increase Round)**: [Kfb, k5] 8 times. (56 sts)
*Check: 48 sts + 8 increases = 56 sts ✓*

**Round 13**: Knit.

**Round 14 (Increase Round)**: [Kfb, k6] 8 times. (64 sts)
*Check: 56 sts + 8 increases = 64 sts ✓*

**Round 15**: Knit.

**Round 16 (Increase Round)**: [Kfb, k7] 8 times. (72 sts)
*Check: 64 sts + 8 increases = 72 sts ✓*

**Round 17**: Knit.

**Round 18 (Increase Round)**: [Kfb, k8] 8 times. (80 sts)
*Check: 72 sts + 8 increases = 80 sts ✓*

**Round 19**: Knit.

**Round 20 (Increase Round)**: [Kfb, k9] 8 times. (88 sts)
*Check: 80 sts + 8 increases = 88 sts ✓*

**Round 21**: Knit.

**Round 22 (Increase Round)**: [Kfb, k10] 8 times. (96 sts)
*Check: 88 sts + 8 increases = 96 sts ✓*

**Rounds 23-35**: Knit (13 rounds even).
*This creates the middle/equator section of the ball, approximately 2 inches tall.*

**Round 36 (Decrease Round)**: [K2tog, k10] 8 times. (88 sts)
*Check: 96 sts - 8 decreases = 88 sts ✓*

**Round 37**: Knit.

**Round 38 (Decrease Round)**: [K2tog, k9] 8 times. (80 sts)
*Check: 88 sts - 8 decreases = 80 sts ✓*

**Round 39**: Knit.

**Round 40 (Decrease Round)**: [K2tog, k8] 8 times. (72 sts)
*Check: 80 sts - 8 decreases = 72 sts ✓*

**Round 41**: Knit.

**Round 42 (Decrease Round)**: [K2tog, k7] 8 times. (64 sts)
*Check: 72 sts - 8 decreases = 64 sts ✓*

**Round 43**: Knit.

**Round 44 (Decrease Round)**: [K2tog, k6] 8 times. (56 sts)
*Check: 64 sts - 8 decreases = 56 sts ✓*

**Round 45**: Knit.

**Round 46 (Decrease Round)**: [K2tog, k5] 8 times. (48 sts)
*Check: 56 sts - 8 decreases = 48 sts ✓*

**Round 47**: Knit.

**Begin stuffing the ball firmly now.**

**Round 48 (Decrease Round)**: [K2tog, k4] 8 times. (40 sts)
*Check: 48 sts - 8 decreases = 40 sts ✓*

**Round 49**: Knit.

**Round 50 (Decrease Round)**: [K2tog, k3] 8 times. (32 sts)
*Check: 40 sts - 8 decreases = 32 sts ✓*

**Round 51**: Knit.

**Round 52 (Decrease Round)**: [K2tog, k2] 8 times. (24 sts)
*Check: 32 sts - 8 decreases = 24 sts ✓*

**Round 53**: Knit.

**Continue stuffing firmly.**

**Round 54 (Decrease Round)**: [K2tog, k1] 8 times. (16 sts)
*Check: 24 sts - 8 decreases = 16 sts ✓*

**Round 55**: Knit.

**Round 56 (Decrease Round)**: [K2tog] 8 times. (8 sts)
*Check: 16 sts - 8 decreases = 8 sts ✓*

**Add final bits of stuffing to make ball nice and round.**

**Round 57**: [K2tog] 4 times. (4 sts)
*Check: 8 sts - 4 decreases = 4 sts ✓*

Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail. Thread tail through remaining 4 sts, pull tight to close, and weave in end securely on inside.

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## FINISHING

1. **Weave in cast-on tail** at bottom of ball.

2. **Shape the ball** by rolling and squeezing gently to achieve a round shape.

3. **Optional - Classic Soccer Ball Pattern**:
   Using CC (black) and tapestry needle, embroider the classic pentagon and hexagon pattern:
   - Mark 12 evenly-spaced points around the ball for pentagon centers
   - Use straight stitches or duplicate stitch to create pentagon shapes (5-sided) in black
   - Connect pentagons with hexagon outlines as desired
   - Alternatively, use fabric paint or permanent marker for simpler decoration

4. **Simple beginner option**: Leave plain white, or add just a few black patches randomly placed using duplicate stitch for a sporty look.

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## Care Instructions
Hand wash gently in cool water if needed. Reshape and air dry flat. Not suitable for machine washing or drying.

## Design Notes
This soccer ball makes a great gift for young children (soft and safe) or as a decorative item for sports enthusiasts. The simple construction technique can be adapted to make other ball sizes—just add or subtract even rounds in the middle section for larger or smaller balls.

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**Pattern designed for beginner knitters comfortable with basic increase and decrease techniques and working in the round.**