Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Kids Play Ball – Free Knitting Pattern Review

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There is something wonderfully old-school about a handmade knitted play ball, isn’t there? This sweet little Kids Play Ball pattern from CraftBits is a simple free knitting project for making soft striped toy balls, perfect for babies, toddlers, playrooms, or using up those bright leftover bits of yarn hiding in the bottom of the basket.

The pattern uses Aran/12 ply wool and 6mm needles, so it works up fairly quickly and has that lovely chunky handmade look. The instructions are very straightforward, increasing out from 8 stitches, working the body of the ball, then decreasing back down before sewing, stuffing, and gathering the ends closed. It is one of those quick knitting patterns that feels wonderfully satisfying because you end up with something useful and giftable, not just another half-finished square sitting in the “I’ll get back to that” pile.

I especially like this project as a beginner-friendly knitted toy pattern, though new knitters may want to take a little care when shaping and stuffing so the ball stays nicely rounded rather than pear-shaped — because yes, we have all made a “ball” that looked suspiciously like a vegetable at some point.

This would be a lovely handmade baby shower gift, a soft indoor play toy, or a stash-busting project for bright yarn scraps. Use washable yarn if it is going to be loved by little hands, and a bag of toy stuffing from Amazon or your local craft store will make several balls, so it is a nice budget-friendly make too.

You can find the free pattern over on CraftBits here: Kids Play Ball. The project page describes it as a free knitting pattern for a striped ball and includes the basic materials and shaping instructions.

Have you read?

Book Review: Best Dressed Crab and Friends – Knitted Sea Creatures With an Ocean of Outfits

I knew I was going to like this book the moment I saw a crab wearing a puffer vest.

Best Dressed Crab and Friends by Karla Courtney is one of those knitting books that’s completely unnecessary in the very best possible way. Do we need knitted sea creatures with entire wardrobes? Probably not. Do I now want a lobster in a sweater sitting on my craft-room shelf? Absolutely.

The book includes patterns for six knitted sea creatures, including a crab, turtle, lobster and puffin, along with an impressive 44 little garments and accessories.

And the outfits are where this book really becomes fun.

There’s a crab with a bum bag and puffer vest, a puffin in a varsity jacket and a turtle with interchangeable shells. You can knit pumpkin, strawberry, peppermint, gingerbread and Christmas tree shell designs, so apparently even turtles need seasonal wardrobes now.

There is also an oversized turtle shell with a hidden pocket for a hot water bottle, which is both slightly bonkers and rather brilliant.

Plenty of Room to Make Them Your Own

Looking through the preview pages, I particularly like the little colourwork sweater charts. You can follow the designs provided or start mixing colours and motifs to create completely different outfits.

The patterns are supported by a techniques section, photos and charts, so although the finished creatures look quite detailed, the instructions are designed to be approachable.

If knitted animals with wardrobes are already your thing, have a look at our review of Knitted Wild Animal Friends, which includes 12 knitted animals and their clothes.

We’ve also previously reviewed Knitted Animal Friends, another lovely choice if your yarn stash is slowly turning into a miniature knitted zoo.

More Than Just Cute Knitting Patterns

One nice extra is that Best Dressed Crab and Friends also includes marine facts from scientists and fishermen, including lobsterman Jacob Knowles.

Author Karla Courtney is already known online for her wonderfully quirky knitted sea creatures, with her videos clocking up millions of views, so turning them into a full pattern collection feels like a very natural next step.

What I like most about this book is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. These are the sorts of knitting projects that make people smile.

They’re fun to make, fun to photograph and would make very memorable handmade gifts.

Would I Buy It?

Yes.

Especially for the knitter who already owns plenty of sensible knitting books and needs something a little more playful.

It’s a great pick for anyone who enjoys knitted toys, colourwork, novelty knitting or making ridiculously tiny clothes.

And really, if you’ve ever wanted to knit a fashionable crab, this may finally be your moment.

Best Dressed Crab and Friends: Knitted Sea Creatures with an Ocean of Outfits is published by GMC Publications and is due for release on September 8, 2026.