Knitted Sphere

Knitted Sphere by Ruth Haydock

What is Being Made

The Knitted Sphere is a small, three-dimensional knitted toy designed by Ruth Haydock. This project creates a finished sphere measuring 4 cm (1.5 inches) in diameter, making it an ideal size for use as a small juggling ball or decorative toy. The compact finished size and quick construction time make this an efficient project for crafters looking to create small handmade toys or practice pieces.

Craft and Primary Technique

This pattern is worked entirely using the knitting craft. The sphere is constructed through circular knitting techniques, with the pattern worked in rounds to create the three-dimensional spherical shape. The design demonstrates how strategic increases and decreases in circular knitting can transform flat stitches into dimensional forms.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Knitted Sphere is primarily worked in stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric. The pattern includes shaping through increases and decreases worked across multiple rounds to build the sphere's form. Stitch counts are clearly indicated at the end of each round or row throughout the pattern, allowing knitters to verify their progress and maintain accurate shaping.

Materials and Specifications

• Yarn Weight: DK (double knit) weight yarn
• Needles: 3 mm (US 2.5) needles, or size needed to obtain stated tension
• Gauge: 13 stitches by 18 rows equals 5 cm by 5 cm (2 inches by 2 inches) over stockinette stitch
• Yarn Quantity: Small amounts of yarn required, making this an excellent project for using yarn scraps or remnants

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. While the basic techniques are straightforward stockinette stitch and simple shaping, the three-dimensional construction and the need to maintain consistent gauge and stitch counts require intermediate-level knitting experience and attention to detail.

Additional Resources

Ruth Haydock provides supplementary instruction for this pattern through a step-by-step video tutorial titled How to Knit a Sphere, available on her YouTube channel. This video resource can help knitters visualize the construction process and troubleshoot any challenges encountered while working the pattern.