As you know, I love making something new with an old sweater. It’s been a while since I have posted a sewing tutorial, so today I am going to share with you how to make a simple fabric ball. This little ball is so fun to make using a variety of upcycled sweaters. It can also be made using woven, knit, and wool fabrics.
This fabric ball makes the best baby gift! They are quick to sew up and add a quaint, unique addition to any gift.
Babies are not the only ones to fall in love with these soft squishy toys. My border collie, Ben, loves these balls. Actually, he likes anything made with a wool sweater.
I have made several balls for friends with cats. I add a little dried catnip and they go crazy!!!!!
Lets get on with the fabric ball instructions.
Here is what you will need
- Sewing machine or you can sew the ball by hand with a needle and thread.
- Felted Wool sweaters, knit fabric or any woven fabric.
- Pins
- Scissors
- Needle and thread
- Jingle bells (optional)
- Stuffing
- Free Downloadable Pattern
For more information on how to work with felted wool sweaters, you can check out the posts here.
1. Decide which size ball you want and cut out paper pattern
There are two sizes available.
2. Cut out 8 wedges
Feel free to mix colors and patterns. A whimsy, fun-colored ball, is a fun ball.
Decide what order and what colors you want where. Pin them together in two’s with right sides together.
3. Sew along the right side of each pair
Back stitch at the beginning and end of the seam. You will now have four pieces.
4. Place two of the pairs right sides together and match up points
Pin in place.
Sew just one side from point to point. Cut threads and open up. You should have 4 pieces sewn together. Now do this with the remaining pieces.
Now you will have two separate pieces.
5. Sew the two sections together
With right sides together, place the two pieces together matching top and bottom points. Pin in place.
6. Starting in the middle of one side, sew all the way around
Leave about a 2 ½ inch opening to stuff the ball.
*****It is a little bulky at the top so go slow and make sure the points are lined up. Don’t worry, it will smooth out nicely when stuffed. After sewing, clip the bulk at the top and bottom of the ball.
7. Turn inside out and stuff firmly
Add jingle bells now if you want the ball to make a sound. I like to add 4-5 bells per ball. Make sure they are secured in the middle of the stuffing and not on the outside edges.
8. Sew opening closed
Double thread a needle and knot the end. Slip stitch opening closed. Knot and poke the needle out anywhere in the ball and cut the thread.
Here is a tutorial video that shows how to do a slip stitch.
Ta dah! Now wasn’t that fun!
You can get the full pattern set that includes an octagons ball and a cube pattern.
Jan Howell
Connect:
Jan Howell
Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.
No comment yet, add your voice below!