purlJam

<pattern>

# **Sensory Fidget Cube**
*A beginner-friendly fidget toy with six different textures*

## **PATTERN DETAILS**
- **Difficulty Level**: Beginner
- **Finished Size**: Approximately 3" x 3" x 3" (7.5 x 7.5 x 7.5 cm)
- **Construction Method**: 6 modular square panels seamed together

---

## **MATERIALS**

### **Yarn**
- **Weight**: Worsted (4)
- **Yardage**: Approximately 100-120 yards total
- **Recommended**: 
  - 3-4 contrasting colors for visual interest (25-40 yards each)
  - OR 1 variegated/self-striping yarn
- **Fiber**: Cotton or acrylic blend (cotton provides better texture definition; acrylic is more durable)

### **Hooks & Notions**
- **Hook Size**: US G-6 (4.0 mm)
- **Yarn Needle**: For seaming and weaving in ends
- **Stitch Markers**: Optional, for marking rows
- **Fiberfill Stuffing**: Polyester, approximately 1-2 oz (enough to stuff firmly)

---

## **GAUGE**
**12 stitches x 13 rows = 3" x 3" in single crochet**

*Gauge is important for this project to ensure all panels are the same size. Adjust hook size if needed.*
- If your square is too small: Go up one hook size
- If your square is too large: Go down one hook size

---

## **ABBREVIATIONS**
- **ch**: chain
- **sc**: single crochet
- **hdc**: half double crochet
- **dc**: double crochet
- **sl st**: slip stitch
- **st(s)**: stitch(es)
- **inc**: increase (2 sc in same st)
- **bobble**: work 5 dc in same st, remove hook from loop, insert hook in first dc of group, pick up dropped loop and pull through (creates a textured bump)
- **FLO**: front loop only
- **BLO**: back loop only

---

## **PATTERN NOTES**

### **General Instructions**
- Each panel is worked flat in rows with a turning chain
- All panels should measure approximately 3" x 3" when complete
- Work tightly for a firm texture that holds its shape
- Weave in ends as you complete each panel
- Choose different colors for different panels for added visual stimulation

### **Stitch Pattern Key**
This cube features 6 different textures:
1. Smooth Surface (basic sc)
2. Bobble Texture (raised bumps)
3. Ridged Surface (BLO ridges)
4. Loop Texture (finger loops for pulling)
5. Popcorn Dots (3D texture)
6. Waffle Stitch (grid texture)

---

## **INSTRUCTIONS**

### **PANEL 1: Smooth Surface**
*Perfect for calm, soothing fidgeting*

**Ch 13.**

**Row 1**: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. [12 sc]

**Rows 2-13**: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. [12 sc]

Fasten off, leaving a 12" tail for seaming.

**Verification**: Panel should measure 3" x 3" [✓ 12 sts x 13 rows = 3" x 3"]

---

### **PANEL 2: Bobble Texture**
*Satisfying bumps to press and poke*

**Ch 13.**

**Row 1**: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. [12 sc]

**Row 2**: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. [12 sc]

**Row 3** (Bobble Row): Ch 1, turn, sc in first 2 sts, *bobble in next st, sc in next st; repeat from * to last 2 sts, sc in last 2 sts. [5 bobbles, 7 sc]

**Row 4**: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (working into top of each bobble). [12 sc]

**Rows 5-6**: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. [12 sc]

**Row 7** (Bobble Row): Ch 1, turn, sc in first st, *bobble in next st, sc in next st; repeat from * to last st, sc in last st. [6 bobbles, 6 sc]

**Row 8**: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. [12 sc]

**Rows 9-10**: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. [12 sc]

**Row 11** (Bobble Row): Repeat Row 3. [5 bobbles, 7 sc]

**Row 12**: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. [12 sc]

**Row 13**: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. [12 sc]

Fasten off, leaving a 12" tail for seaming.

**Verification**: Panel should measure 3" x 3" [✓ 12 sts x 13 rows with bobbles creating 3D texture]

---

### **PANEL 3: Ridged Surface**
*Deep grooves to trace with fingers*

**Ch 13.**

**Row 1**: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. [12 sc]

**Rows 2-13**: Ch 1, turn, sc BLO in each st across. [12 sc]

*Working in back loops only creates horizontal ridges*

Fasten off, leaving a 12" tail for seaming.

**Verification**: Panel should measure 3" x 3" [✓ 12 sts x 13 rows with raised ridges]

---

### **PANEL 4: Loop Texture**
*Fun loops to pull and slide fingers through*

**Ch 13.**

**Row 1**: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. [12 sc]

**Rows 2-3**: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. [12 sc]

**Row 4** (Loop Row): Ch 1, turn, sc in first 2 sts, *ch 5, skip next st, sc in next 2 sts; repeat from * to last st, sc in last st. [4 loops created]

**Row 5**: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st and in each ch-5 space (work 2 sc in each ch-5 space). [12 sc]

**Rows 6-8**: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. [12 sc]

**Row 9** (Loop Row): Ch 1, turn, sc in first st, *ch 5, skip next st, sc in next 2 sts; repeat from * to last 2 sts, ch 5, skip next st, sc in last st. [4 loops created]

**Row 10**: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st and in each ch-5 space (work 2 sc in each ch-5 space). [12 sc]

**Rows 11-13**: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. [12 sc]

Fasten off, leaving a 12" tail for seaming.

**Verification**: Panel should measure 3" x 3" [✓ 12 sts x 13 rows with loop texture]

---

### **PANEL 5: Popcorn Dots**
*Smaller raised dots for varied texture*

**Ch 13.**

**Row 1**: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. [12 sc]

**Rows 2-3**: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. [12 sc]

**Row 4** (Popcorn Row): Ch 1, turn, sc in first 3 sts, *work 4 dc in next st, remove hook, insert in first dc, pick up dropped loop and pull through (popcorn made), sc in next 3 sts; repeat from * once more, sc to end. [2 popcorns]

**Rows 5-6**: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. [12 sc]

**Row 7** (Popcorn Row): Ch 1, turn, sc in first st, *work popcorn in next st, sc in next 3 sts; repeat from * to last 3 sts, work popcorn in next st, sc in last 2 sts. [3 popcorns]

**Rows 8-9**: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. [12 sc]

**Row 10** (Popcorn Row): Repeat Row 4. [2 popcorns]

**Rows 11-13**: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. [12 sc]

Fasten off, leaving a 12" tail for seaming.

**Verification**: Panel should measure 3" x 3" [✓ 12 sts x 13 rows with popcorn texture]

---

### **PANEL 6: Waffle Stitch**
*Grid pattern for tactile interest*

**Ch 13.**

**Row 1**: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. [12 sc]

**Row 2**: Ch 2 (counts as hdc), turn, *hdc FLO in next st, hdc BLO in next st; repeat from * to last st, hdc in last st. [12 sts]

**Rows 3-12**: Ch 2 (counts as hdc), turn, *hdc BLO in next st, hdc FLO in next st; repeat from * to last st, hdc in last st. [12 sts]

*Note: Alternate working in front loops and back loops to create waffle texture*

**Row 13**: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. [12 sc]

Fasten off, leaving a 12" tail for seaming.

**Verification**: Panel should measure approximately 3" x 3" [✓ 12 sts x 13 rows with waffle grid texture; hdc creates slightly different row gauge but should still measure 3"]

---

## **ASSEMBLY**

### **Step 1: Arrange Panels**
Lay out your 6 panels and decide which texture goes on which side of the cube. Suggested arrangement:
- **Top**: Smooth Surface
- **Bottom**: Ridged Surface
- **Front**: Bobble Texture
- **Back**: Popcorn Dots
- **Left Side**: Loop Texture
- **Right Side**: Waffle Stitch

### **Step 2: Create Cross Shape**
Arrange panels in a cross/plus shape:
```
        [TOP]
[LEFT] [FRONT] [RIGHT]
       [BOTTOM]
        [BACK]
```

### **Step 3: Join Panels**
Using yarn needle and long tails:

1. **Join the cross**: 
   - Whip stitch or sl st the Top panel to the Front panel (one edge)
   - Join Bottom panel to Front panel (opposite edge)
   - Join Left panel to Front panel (left edge)
   - Join Right panel to Front panel (right edge)

2. **Fold into cube shape**:
   - Join Top panel to Back panel
   - Join Bottom panel to Back panel
   - Join Left panel to Top, Bottom, and Back panels
   - Join Right panel to Top, Bottom, and Back panels

3. **Leave one edge open** (suggest leaving one edge of the Back panel open for stuffing)

### **Step 4: Stuff**
- Stuff cube firmly with fiberfill
- Pack into corners for good shape
- Don't overstuff - cube should be squeezable
- Test the firmness - should have satisfying resistance when squeezed

### **Step 5: Close Final Seam**
- Whip stitch the final edge closed
- Weave in all remaining ends securely
- Trim excess yarn

---

## **FINISHING**

### **Shaping**
- Massage and shape the cube with your hands
- Press corners to create defined edges
- Squeeze to distribute stuffing evenly

### **Optional Embellishments**
- Add embroidered details on smooth panel
- Attach small button or bead to one side (ensure secure if giving to children)
- Use safety eyes on one panel to create a "face side"

---

## **CARE INSTRUCTIONS**
- **Hand wash** in cool water with mild detergent
- Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring)
- Reshape and lay flat to dry
- Do not machine wash or dry

---

## **CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS**

### **Size Variations**
- **Smaller (2" cube)**: Ch 9, work 8 sts x 9 rows per panel
- **Larger (4" cube)**: Ch 17, work 16 sts x 17 rows per panel

### **Color Schemes**
- **Rainbow**: Each panel a different color
- **Ombre**: Gradual color transition
- **High contrast**: Black and white or complementary colors
- **Calming**: Blues and greens
- **Energizing**: Bright primary colors

### **Texture Modifications**
- Replace any texture with your favorite
- Make all 6 sides the same texture
- Add beads inside for gentle rattling sound (ensure securely sealed)

### **Sensory Add-Ons**
- Insert crinkle material (cleaned plastic wrapper) before stuffing for sound
- Use different yarn textures (fuzzy, smooth, bumpy)
- Add ribbon loops to one corner

---

## **TROUBLESHOOTING**

**Problem**: Panels are different sizes
**Solution**: Check your gauge and adjust hook size. Count stitches carefully at the end of each row.

**Problem**: Cube shape is uneven
**Solution**: Ensure seams are sewn straight and panels are aligned properly. Add or remove stuffing to even out shape.

**Problem**: Bobbles/popcorns aren't pronounced
**Solution**: Work bobbles more loosely, and work the following row tightly around them to make them "pop" more.

**Problem**: Seams are visible or bulky
**Solution**: Use whip stitch with matching yarn color, or crochet panels together with slip stitch using smaller hook.

---

## **PATTERN TESTING NOTES