Simple Crochet Ball (Amigurumi Sphere)

A beginner-friendly solid sphere worked in continuous rounds. Perfect as a stress ball, play toy, ornament base, or simple geometric plush. Uses only single crochet and basic increases/decreases.

Difficulty: Easy

Finished Size: Approx. 3.5 inches (9 cm) diameter

Yarn: Worsted weight (4) acrylic or cotton, approx. 50 yd (46 m). Sample uses solid color.

Hook: US F-5 (3.75 mm) or size needed to obtain firm fabric. Go down 1–2 sizes from yarn label for tight amigurumi stitches.

Notions:

• Polyester fiberfill stuffing
• Yarn needle
• Stitch marker
• Scissors

Gauge: 5 sc and 5 rnds = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in sc worked in the round. Exact gauge is not critical but fabric must be dense so stuffing does not show.

Abbreviations (US terms):

• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• inc: 2 sc in same st (increase)
• dec: single crochet 2 stitches together (invisible decrease preferred)
• st(s): stitch(es)
• rnd(s): round(s)
• rep: repeat
• [ ]: total stitches at end of round

Notes:

• Work in continuous spiral rounds; do not join or turn. Mark first st of each rnd with stitch marker and move up each rnd.
• Use invisible decrease (insert hook in front loops only of next 2 sts, yarn over and pull through both, yarn over and pull through 2 loops) for smoother surface.
• Stuff firmly as directed—under-stuffing causes dents; over-stuffing stretches stitches.
• Tight even tension creates the best sphere. If ball flattens, add more even rounds or stuff more firmly.
• Pattern uses exact stitch sequence requested for Rnds 1–9.

Pattern Instructions

Ball Make 1.

Rnd 1: Magic ring, 6 sc into ring. [6 sc]

Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around. [12 sc]

Rnd 3: *sc in next 1 st, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around. [18 sc] (6 increases → 12 + 6 = 18 ✓)

Rnd 4: *sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around. [24 sc] (6 increases → 18 + 6 = 24 ✓)

Rnd 5: *sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around. [30 sc] (6 increases → 24 + 6 = 30 ✓)

Rnd 6: sc in each st around. [30 sc]

Rnd 7: sc in each st around. [30 sc]

Rnd 8: sc in each st around. [30 sc]

Rnd 9: sc in each st around. [30 sc]

Rnd 10: *sc in next 3 sts, dec; rep from * around. [24 sc] (6 decreases → 30 – 6 = 24 ✓)

Rnd 11: *sc in next 2 sts, dec; rep from * around. [18 sc] (6 decreases → 24 – 6 = 18 ✓)

Rnd 12: *sc in next 1 st, dec; rep from * around. [12 sc] (6 decreases → 18 – 6 = 12 ✓)

Stuff firmly with fiberfill, shaping into a smooth ball. Add more stuffing just before final round if needed.

Rnd 13: dec around. [6 sc] (6 decreases → 12 – 6 = 6 ✓)

Finishing Fasten off, leaving a 8-inch (20 cm) tail. Thread tail onto yarn needle. Weave through front loops of remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close hole. Weave in end securely through the ball several times. Shape gently with hands into a round sphere.

Optional embellishments (for simple character or object versions): Embroider a face with contrasting yarn, add French-knot dots, or surface slip-stitch simple lines before closing. For a stress-ball version, stuff extra-firmly.

Care: Spot clean or hand wash cold, reshape, and air dry.