How to Crochet a Ball: Your Simple Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Transform an exercise ball into a stunning crocheted work of art with this beginner-friendly guide! This African Flower Crochet Yoga Ball Cover combines style and functionality, creating a decorative yet practical design. With its beautiful floral patterns and customizable details, it's the perfect stash-busting project for any crochet enthusiast.

Crochet along with the video tutorial for additional help:

Before diving into the project, gather the essential supplies:

• Worsted weight acrylic yarn: This pattern is perfect for using up scrap yarn from your stash.
• Crochet hook: A 5.5mm crochet hook works best for this project.
• Scissors: Necessary for cutting yarn cleanly.
• Needle: Used for sewing in ends.
• Stitch markers (optional): Handy for marking stitches and corners during assembly.
• Inflatable exercise ball: Choose a 75cm (29.5 inches) ball for the best fit.

Using acrylic yarn ensures durability and easy washing. Plus, it's beginner-friendly and available in a wide array of colors.

The cover is constructed using 65 hexagons and 12 pentagons. The hexagons feature six petals, while the pentagons have five. The same pattern is used for both shapes, but the number of stitches in the first round determines whether the piece becomes a hexagon or pentagon.

One hexagon will act as the access point for inflating, deflating, removing, or washing the cover. To make it noticeable, use contrasting colors for its petals. This ensures it's easy to spot whenever needed.

If you're new to hexagon crochet, check out the Zig Zag Hexi Crochet Pattern.

Start by crocheting all the hexagons and pentagons required. Sew in the ends for a neat finish prior to assembly. However, leave the final row unworked for the joining color, as the join-as-you-go method will complete it.

If you're unfamiliar with crochet pentagons, explore the Pentagon Blocks Collection for detailed resources.

Start by joining one pentagon with five hexagons around it to form the initial shape. Attach each hexagon to its respective sides using the join-as-you-go method, which utilizes slip stitches for seamless, tight joins.

• Corners: Use two double crochets, a slip stitch, and a tight chain to secure.
• Sides: Alternate between double crochets in the working block and slip stitches into the finished block above.

For guidance on joining, check out this Inspiration Guide on Crochet Balls.

Add 10 hexagons around the first pentagon-hexagon structure by joining two or three sides as needed. Pay attention to alternating flat areas and corner valleys for a cohesive design.

Follow a similar process, adding 10 more hexagons. Use stitch markers to identify flat edges and ensure uniform placement.

Once row three is complete, insert pentagons at each marked flat edge. This step enhances the ball's rounded shape while maintaining its structural integrity. Attach each pentagon to one side with slip stitches.

Learn more about easy-to-follow patterns in the Blocks - Best Selling Products library.

Repeat the above steps to create a second half. Once both halves are ready, join them by adding 15 hexagons along the center seam. Alternate joining on two and three sides to allow the structure to curve into a sphere. Leave the special hexagon unjoined for now.

Deflate your exercise ball and insert it through the open hexagon. Inflate the ball inside the cover to fit snugly. Finally, close the special hexagon using single crochet and leave the tail loose for future adjustments.

• Decorative Customization: Experiment with color schemes, textured yarns, or appliques to make your cover unique.
• Washing: Remove the ball if needed for easy cleaning.
• Adjustments: Undo stitches at the special hexagon to deflate or replace the ball.

Discover additional inspiration from the How To Crochet a Ball - The Ultimate Guide.

Finished your beautiful crochet ball cover? Show it off! Join The Secret Yarnery Crochet Community on Facebook or tag @SecretYarnery on Instagram. Your creativity could inspire others.

This project doesn't just cover an exercise ball—it adds personality to your home while embracing the joy of crochet. Let’s create something amazing, one stitch at a time!