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This little fabric jingle ball cat and baby toy is the perfect size for little hands AND little paws. Recycled sweaters, a few jingle bells and a little stuffing is all you need. However, if you want to make the CAT really happy, you can add a little catnip while stuffing. The cats go crazy.

I posted earlier this summer on how to make the larger sized balls. This is the same process, however, the pieces are just smaller. You can download the pattern for all sizes FREE HERE.

Here is a little quick video on the process of making the fabric jingle ball. For full written instructions, check out the post here.

What you need

8 small pieces of sweaters (You can use felted wool sweaters, cotton, fleece, and even regular knit fabric.

stuffing

1/4 cup Catnip herb (optional)
needle and thread
sewing machine (can be sewn by hand)
scissors
pattern

2-3 jingle bells (any size)

If you want to bring a smile to your kitty cat, dog or baby, there is still time to whip up a little fabric jingle ball for Christmas.

Jingle ball instructions

Make sure you are saving your felted sweater scraps. These balls are the perfect thing to make with your scraps.

Have fun sewing!

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

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baby toys cat toy dog toys free sewing pattern jingle ball recycled sweater projects Sewing

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

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Jan Howell

DIY Fabric Jingle Ball Cat and Baby Toy

What you need

Jingle ball instructions

Jan Howell

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Here is what you will need

1. Decide which size ball you want and cut out paper pattern

2. Cut out 8 wedges

3. Sew along the right side of each pair

4. Place two of the pairs right sides together and match up points

5. Sew the two sections together

6. Starting in the middle of one side, sew all the way around

7. Turn inside out and stuff firmly

8. Sew opening closed

Jan Howell

Connect:

Jan Howell

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