Teal Coral Argyle Cat Ball Free Crochet Pattern
Teal Coral Argyle Cat Ball Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This little teal and coral argyle cat ball is a quick, satisfying project for anyone who wants to make a durable toy their cat will actually play with. It is designed for crocheters who are comfortable with basic stitches and ready to try a little shaping and simple color appliqué. The dense half double crochet back-loop-only band gives the sphere a firm, bouncy texture that holds its shape through batting and pouncing. At about 3 inches across, it is the perfect size for a cat to grab, carry, and kick, and the coral diamonds outlined in white make it look like a tiny piece of argyle knitwear.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight acrylic — Teal (A) 30 yd, Coral (B) 10 yd, White (C) 5 yd
- Hook: 3.5 mm (E/4)
- Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, polyester fiberfill for stuffing, rust-proof pins for placement
- Finished size: Approx. 3" (7.5 cm) diameter
Abbreviations
- ch — chain
- sc — single crochet
- hdc — half double crochet
- sl st — slip stitch
- inc — increase (work 2 stitches into the same stitch)
- dec — decrease (work 2 stitches together into one)
- sc2tog — single crochet 2 stitches together
- sc3tog — single crochet 3 stitches together
- blo — back loop only
- MR — magic ring
- FO — fasten off
Gauge
16 hdc x 12 rows = 4" (10 cm) in hdc blo. Work a small swatch in hdc back loop only and measure it; if your stitches are larger than this, go down a hook size so the ball stays dense and firm.
Tips Before You Start
- Work tightly. A dense fabric keeps the stuffing from showing through and makes the ball more durable for batting.
- Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round so you never lose your place in the continuous spiral.
- Stuff firmly but in small pieces as you close the ball, so it stays round rather than lumpy.
- Pin all four diamonds in place before sewing any of them down, so the ring stays evenly spaced.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ball (Color A)
Rnd 1: MR 6 hdc (6 sts)
Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts)
Rnd 3: [hdc, inc] x6 (18 sts)
Rnd 4: [2 hdc, inc] x6 (24 sts)
Rnd 5: [3 hdc, inc] x6 (30 sts)
Rnds 6–10: hdc blo around (30 sts)
Rnd 11: [3 hdc, dec] x6 (24 sts)
Rnd 12: [2 hdc, dec] x6 (18 sts)
Rnd 13: [hdc, dec] x6 (12 sts)
Stuff firmly.
Rnd 14: dec x6 (6 sts)
FO, weave closed.
Diamond Appliqué (make 4, Color B)
Row 1: Ch 6, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc across (5 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc, sc2tog (3 sts)
Row 3: Ch 1, sc3tog (1 st)
FO, leave a 6" tail.
Diamond Outline (Color C)
With C, sl st around the edge of each diamond. FO, weave in ends.
Assembly and Finishing
Pin the 4 diamonds evenly around the equator of the ball with their points touching. Sew each diamond in place using its tail, catching only the surface of the ball so the stitching does not show on the inside. Weave in all ends securely. Gently shape the ball between your hands and steam-block lightly if needed to smooth the surface; do not soak it, since the stuffing should stay dry.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Add a small jingle bell or crinkle material inside before closing for extra sound interest.
- Swap the coral and white for any two contrasting colors to make a different argyle look.
- Make a set of three balls in different colorways and store them in a small basket as a gift.
