Terracotta Tower Treat Ball: Free Crochet Pattern for Large Dogs

Introduction

This Terracotta Tower Treat Ball is a sturdy, rollable puzzle toy made especially for big dogs who deserve a challenge. Worked in durable worsted-weight cotton, it's a closed cylinder with a small treat hole at the bottom, so your pup can nose and paw it around to shake out kibble or treats. The warm terracotta body is dressed up with four mustard overlay-crochet bands in an offset, stepped Art Deco pattern that looks far more complicated than it is. It feels firm and dense in the hand, holds its shape when rolled, and is gentle on teeth and floors.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) cotton. Approximately 150 yd terracotta (color A) and 50 yd mustard (color B). Sample uses Lily Sugar'n Cream (100% cotton, 2.5 oz/120 yd per ball): 2 balls A, 1 ball B.
• Hook: 4.0 mm (US G-6).
• Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors.
• Finished size: Approximately 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) diameter x 6 inches (15 cm) tall.

Abbreviations

• MR — magic ring: a loop of yarn you work your first stitches into.
• sc — single crochet.
• dc — double crochet.
• inc — increase: work 2 sc in the same stitch.
• dec — decrease: work 2 stitches together into 1 sc.
• st(s) — stitch(es).
• rnd(s) — round(s).
• sl st — slip stitch.
• ch — chain.

Gauge

16 sc x 18 rnds = 4 inches (10 cm) in sc worked in the round. To check, crochet a small swatch in the round with your 4.0 mm hook and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if you're off, since gauge keeps the cylinder the right size for the treat hole and treats.

Tips Before You Start

• Work in continuous rounds and do not join unless a round says to. Use a stitch marker to track the start of each round.
• Overlay crochet: hold color B behind the work and work its stitches around the posts of color A stitches from 2 rounds below. Keep B's tension loose so the bands don't pucker.
• Stuff nothing — this toy stays hollow so treats can rattle and fall out. Keep your stitches tight and even for a firm, durable fabric.
• Cotton is the right choice here: it's strong, washable, and holds shape better than acrylic for a toy that gets chewed and rolled.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Body (Color A)

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6 sts).

Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts).

Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).

Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x6 (24 sts).

Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] x6 (30 sts).

Rnd 6: [4 sc, inc] x6 (36 sts).

Rnd 7: [5 sc, inc] x6 (42 sts).

Rnd 8: [6 sc, inc] x6 (48 sts).

Rnds 9-12: sc in each st around (48 sts).

Rnd 13: sc in each st around (48 sts).

Rnd 14 (overlay B): with B, [sc in next st, dc around post of next st 2 rnds below] repeat around, join with sl st to first sc, fasten off B (48 sts).

Rnds 15-16: with A, sc in each st around (48 sts).

Rnd 17 (overlay B): with B, [dc around post of next st 2 rnds below, sc in next st] repeat around, join with sl st to first sc, fasten off B (48 sts).

Rnds 18-19: with A, sc in each st around (48 sts).

Rnd 20 (overlay B): with B, [sc in next st, dc around post of next st 2 rnds below] repeat around, join with sl st to first sc, fasten off B (48 sts).

Rnds 21-22: with A, sc in each st around (48 sts).

Rnd 23 (overlay B): with B, [dc around post of next st 2 rnds below, sc in next st] repeat around, join with sl st to first sc, fasten off B (48 sts).

Rnds 24-25: with A, sc in each st around (48 sts).

Rnd 26: [6 sc, dec] x6 (42 sts).

Rnd 27: [5 sc, dec] x6 (36 sts).

Rnd 28: [4 sc, dec] x6 (30 sts).

Rnd 29: [3 sc, dec] x6 (24 sts).

Rnd 30: [2 sc, dec] x6 (18 sts).

Rnd 31: [sc, dec] x6 (12 sts).

Rnd 32: dec x6 (6 sts).

Fasten off, weave tail through remaining sts and pull closed.

Treat Hole (Color A)

Using A, join yarn at bottom center of cylinder. Row 1: ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next 2 sts (3 sts). Turn, ch 1.

Row 2: sc in each st across (3 sts). Turn, ch 1.

Row 3: sc in each st across (3 sts).

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Sew around the hole to reinforce, ensuring the opening is about 0.5 inch (1.5 cm) wide.

Edging (Optional, Color B)

With B, join at top edge, ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off. Repeat at bottom edge.

Assembly and Finishing

Weave in all ends securely, especially the overlay band tails, working them into the inside of the cylinder. Block lightly to shape the cylinder and smooth the bands. Test the treat hole size with your dog's treats; if they fall out too easily, tighten the sewn reinforcement, and if they don't fit, loosen it slightly.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the mustard bands for a contrasting color like teal or cream for a different Art Deco palette.
• Add a fifth overlay band for a taller, more stepped look — just work it in the same alternating pattern between rounds 24-25.
• For a slower-dispensing toy, make the treat hole slightly smaller and use larger, rounder treats.