Free crochet pattern
Soft striped crochet ball for babies
This soft baby ball is worked in continuous single crochet rounds of cotton yarn, changing colour every two rounds for bold stripes that babies can grip and track. It is about 3.75 inches across, stuffed firmly, and can hold a sealed rattle insert. There are no small parts to come loose.
By the crochetpatterns.io editorial team · Reviewed · Editorial policy
By the crochetpatterns.io editorial team · Reviewed September 13, 2026 under our editorial policy · pattern testing in progress
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Skill level | Easy |
| Yarn weight | Medium (#4) |
| Yardage | 50–70 yd (46–64 m) |
| Hook | 3.5 mm |
| Gauge | Rounds 1–6 measure 3.5 in (9 cm) across. |
| Finished size | About 3.75 in (9.5 cm) diameter |
| Time | about 1.5 hours |
Materials
- Worsted weight (#4) 100% cotton yarn in two or three colours, about 60 yd / 55 m total
- 3.5 mm (US E-4) crochet hook
- Polyester fibrefill; optional sealed plastic rattle insert
- Stitch marker, tapestry needle
Abbreviations (US terms)
Notes before you start
- Work in a continuous spiral. Change colour on the last yarn over of the final stitch of every even round.
- Carry unused colours up the inside rather than cutting, to reduce ends near a baby's mouth.
Ball
- Rnd 1: Make a magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6)
- Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
- Rnd 3: *Sc in next st, inc; rep from * around. (18)
- Rnd 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, inc; rep from * around. (24)
- Rnd 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, inc; rep from * around. (30)
- Rnd 6: *Sc in next 4 sts, inc; rep from * around. (36)
- Rnds 7–12: Sc in each st around. (36)
- Rnd 13: *Sc in next 4 sts, dec; rep from * around. (30)
- Rnd 14: *Sc in next 3 sts, dec; rep from * around. (24)
- Rnd 15: *Sc in next 2 sts, dec; rep from * around. (18)
- Stuff firmly, placing the rattle insert in the centre if using.
- Rnd 16: *Sc in next st, dec; rep from * around. (12)
- Rnd 17: Dec around. (6)
- Fasten off, thread the tail through the front loops of the last 6 sts, pull closed and knot.
Finishing
- Bury the tail deep inside the ball.
- Check every join by tugging firmly before giving the toy to a baby.
Errata
No corrections have been published for this pattern. Found a mistake? Tell us and we will log the fix here with a date.
Frequently asked questions
Is a crochet ball safe for a baby?
Use tight stitches, cotton yarn and no buttons, beads or safety eyes. Only use rattle inserts sold as sealed for toys, and inspect the ball regularly for wear.
Can I wash it?
Cotton balls can be hand-washed or put in a laundry bag on a gentle cycle. Rattle inserts should be removed first if the ball is unpicked, so hand-washing is simpler.
