How to Make A Pentagon Fabric Ball / Easy DIY Baby Gift Idea
If you’re looking for a soft, cozy sewing project that uses up fabric scraps and makes an adorable handmade gift, these Pentagon Fabric Balls are just the thing.
They may look a little tricky—after all, you’re sewing a ball from pentagons—but don’t let that scare you. Once you understand the construction, it’s actually a simple and very enjoyable project.
These fabric balls are soft, squishy, and perfect for babies and little hands. You can make them in different sizes, use quilting cotton, or even upcycle felted wool sweaters for a more textured look.
So grab your fabric scraps and let’s get started.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Fabric scraps (quilting cotton or felted wool sweaters and even upcycled t-shirts can be used)
- Pentagon pattern template
- Sewing machine or needle & thread
- Rotary cutter, mat, and ruler (or fabric scissors)
- Universal needle size 80 (if using upcycle tshirts or knit fabric, use a stretch needle)
- Quarter-inch presser foot (optional)
- Fiberfill stuffing
- Jingle bell (optional – for baby toys)
- Turning stick or point turner
Cutting the Pentagon BallcPieces
Start by cutting out your pentagon shapes.
You’ll need:
12 pentagons total (You can cut these using fabric scissors, but a rotary cutter and ruler make the process faster and more precise—especially when cutting multiple layers.
Time-saving tip:
Stack up to six layers of cotton fabric and cut them at once with a sharp rotary blade.
And of course… don’t forget to save your scraps for future projects. 😊
Arrange Your Layout
Before sewing, lay out your 12 pentagons on the table in the arrangement you want.
Helpful tip:
Make the top and bottom center pentagons the same color.
This makes assembly much easier and helps keep everything aligned as you sew.
Seam Allowance & Machine Setup
Use a ¼ inch seam allowance.
Follow your machine’s seam guide or use a quarter-inch presser foot.
Install a universal needle size 80, or if you are sewing on knit fabric-you’ll need a stretch or ballpoint needle.
I like to place my arranged pentagon floweres next to my machine for easy access the to pieces.
Step 1: Sew the First “Flower” Unit
Take one center pentagon and begin sewing the surrounding five pentagons to it.
Important:
You will only sew the bottom edge of each pentagon—and you must start and stop ¼ inch from each edge.
Do not sew all the way to the corners.
Why this matters:
Leaving that ¼-inch gap allows the pieces to fold and join properly as the ball forms.
Repeat this process until all five outer pentagons are attached around the center.
Your piece will resemble a fabric flower.
Hand Sewing Option
Prefer hand stitching? This project works beautifully that way too.
Use a backstitch:
- Take a small stitch forward.
- Go back halfway into the previous stitch.
- Continue forward again.
This creates a strong, secure seam similar to machine stitching. - Knot your thread by wrapping the needle through a loop before pulling tight.
Step 2: Sew the Side Seams
Now sew the side edges of the pentagons together.
- Place right sides together.
- Start and stop at the same ¼ inch points.
- Backstitch at each end.
As you work around, your piece will begin forming a small bowl shape. - Repeat this entire process to create a second bowl with the remaining pentagons.
Step 3: Join the Two Halves
Place the two bowls right sides together. Here’s the key alignment tip:
You won’t match point to point.
Instead:
Match the point of one pentagon to the valley seam of the other half.
Sew one edge at a time, starting and stopping at the ¼ inch marks.
It may feel awkward as you go—but trust the process. It comes together beautifully.
Continue sewing around…But leave one opening unsewn for turning and stuffing.
Step 4: Turn & Stuff
- Turn the ball right side out through the opening.
- Use a turning stick to gently push out the points.
- Stuff with fiberfill until halfway full.
- Optional (but adorable):
- Add a jingle bell inside for a soft rattle sound—perfect for babies.
- Finish stuffing until the ball is firm and evenly filled.
Step 5: Close the Opening
Use a ladder stitch (invisible stitch) to close the gap.
How to: Stitch inside one fold. Cross directly to the opposite fold.
Repeat back and forth. (Small stitches = cleaner finish.)
When you reach the end: Make a knot. Insert the needle into the ball. Bring it out elsewhere and clip the thread. The tail disappears inside.
Finished Pentagon Fabric Ball
And that’s it—you’ve got a soft, squishy pentagon fabric ball.
Make them for:
- Baby toys
- Shower gifts
- Scrap-busting projects
Sensory balls (with bells inside) - Holiday ornaments (smaller size)
Pattern & Size Options
I’ve included a link below where you can get the pattern that includes:
- Multiple ball sizes
- Additional ball designs from previous tutorials
👉PDF Pattern Bundle
If there are rivets in the jeans, try cutting just below them and through the belt loop.
Remove the remaining belt loops by using a seam ripper.
Clip or pin the pocket fabric and jean fly down in place.
Mark with a pin. (I find that measuring about 4 ½ to 5 inches is about average.
(A serger works great, but if you don’t have one, just sew a wide zigzag stitch along the edge). 
Pin the stretchy waistband to the jeans, lining up center points.
If you’re good to go, then use a zigzag stitch (5 width, 3-4 in length) all the way around.
To finish off the cut zipper, so the zipper pull doesn’t fall off or gape open, you can whip-stitch the top of the zipper together using a double-threaded needle.
This project is also a great way to repurpose:
