Remember playing with squishy sensory balls? Well, they are fun to include in your twiddle mat too. I make them using yarn and fill them with stuffing.
Easy to make and very forgiving if you make a mistake.
I like to use a size 3.5 hook and double knit or aran (10ply) yarn for this twiddles item.
Chain 4 and make a circle by inserting your hook into the first stitch of your chain and doing a slip stitch.
Row 1: Make 8 SC into the circle. Join with a slip stitch into the first chain you made at the beginning of this row. (8 stitches)
Top Tip: Chain 1 at the beginning does not count as a stitch.
Row 2: Chain 1, 1 SC into next stitch, then make 2 SC stitches into next stitch, repeat until you join with a slip stitch into the first chain you made at the beginning of this row. (12stitches)
Row 3: Chain 1, 1 SC , then 2 SC into next stitch, followed by 2 SC, into next 2 stitches, repeat around the row and join with a slip stitch. (16 stitches)
Row 4: Chain 1, 1 SC, 3 SC into next 3 stitches, 2 SC into next stitch, repeat around the row and join with a slip stitch. (20 stitches)
Top Tip: If you want a bigger squishy ball keep increasing the stitches.
Row 6: Chain 1, SC into every stitch, and join with a slip stitch.
Now you are ready to reduce the stiches and fill the little ball.
Chain 1, SC 2 stitches together keep repeating around and around. When you have a small hole, insert your filling and then keep on reducing the stitches by crocheting 2 SC tog until the hole has disappeared.
Before you cut the yarn make a chain so that you can attach the squishy ball to your twiddle mat, muff or cuff. Finish off and sew in your ends.
Once you get the idea of repeating the rounds to increase and decrease the stitches, you can make these any size you want.
Have a go! Lots of fun
Happy creating!