Amigurumi crochet: Basic shape ball

Crochet ball: Your perfect instructions for amigurumi
Welcome to the fascinating world of amigurumi crochet! Today we'll show you how to crochet a perfect ball - an essential component for many amigurumi projects. From the head to the paws, the ball opens up countless possibilities in amigurumi art. These step-by-step instructions will help you to achieve quick success and make beautiful creations, even if you are new to crochet.

It all starts with a yarn ring
To get started, first crochet a yarn ring with six single crochet stitches. The magic ring gives you the perfect starting point. If you have never made a yarn ring before, you can find detailed instructions here.

The art of increasing
Don't be afraid of increasing - it means only, that your circle will get bigger. To achieve a spherical shape, we now need to increase the number of stitches.

This is how you increase:

1. Pull the magic ring tightly together, insert a marker thread to mark the end of the round.
2. Insert the crochet hook into the next single crochet stitch of the previous round.
3. Insert the working yarn through the single crochet stitch. You should have two loops on the crochet hook.
4. Pick up the working yarn again and pull it through both loops. There is now one loop left on the crochet hook. You have crocheted a single crochet stitch.
5. For the increase, stitch again in the same single crochet stitch from the previous round and crochet another single crochet stitch.

Important: Crochet instructions sometimes state that you should increase in every third stitch. This means that you make the increase in the third stitch of the round.

Increase for the ball:

1. Magic ring with six single crochet stitches
2. Crochet two single crochet stitches in every single crochet stitch to make 12.
3. Crochet two single crochets in every other stitch = 18 stitches
4. Crochet two single crochet stitches in every third stitch = 24 stitches
5. Crochet two single crochet stitches in every fourth stitch = 30 stitches
6. Crochet two single crochets in every fifth stitch = 36 stitches

Crochet the round to the marking thread and then start the next one. Count the "Vs" (single crochet stitches) to be sure.

Shaping the ball
Now it's time to crochet upwards. Crochet four rounds of 36 single crochet stitches without increasing. This will gradually form a ball.

Decrease: The path to the perfect ball
To complete the ball, we reduce the number of stitches. This forms a round ball.

Decrease when crocheting:

1. Insert a marking thread.
2. Insert into the single crochet stitch of the previous round.
3. Pull the working yarn through the stitch - you have two loops on the hook.
4. Insert into the next single crochet stitch and pull the working yarn through - three loops on the hook.
5. Pull the working yarn through all three loops - you have one loop on the needle.

This is how stitches are crocheted together. If the instructions say to decrease every third and fourth stitch, crochet the first two stitches as normal from the beginning and then decrease.

Decrease for the ball:

1. Round 11: Every fifth and sixth stitch together = 30 stitches
2. Round 12: Every fourth and fifth stitch together = 24 stitches
3. Round 13: Every third and fourth stitch together = 18 stitches
4. Round 14: Every second and third stitch together = 12 stitches

Check the number of stitches here too. After these steps, your ball should have taken shape.

Super round and super fluffy
Stuff the ball with a little wadding to give it stability. Use the end of the crochet hook to stuff the ball and make sure that the loop does not slip.

Last round = last round
Finally, crochet the stitches together until the ball is completely closed. Now you need a slip stitch: insert it into the single crochet stitch, pull the working yarn through and pull the new loop through the old one. Now you need to sew only the thread or use it as a practical loop.

Now it's your turn!
With these instructions, you are well equipped to crochet baubles for your amigurumi creations. Visit our online store to purchase all the materials you need quickly and easily. Let your creativity run wild and design unique amigurumis!

Have fun crocheting!