Pokeball, Go!

I have a gift for all of you Pokemon lovers (or parents of Pokemon lovers out there) in Cyberspace.
But first, a little back story: My two oldest children are ever-so-slightly obsessed with Pokemon. They are also obsessed with throwing things at each other while yelling "Charizard, use Flamethrower!", or "Thunderbolt, Pikachu!" Needless to say, I got sick of the younger one screeching about being hit in the forehead with a plastic Pokeball so I decided to make a slightly softer version. Below, after the little story (made with my oldest son's help as well as a loan of some of his toys), you'll find a super-easy pattern for making your own Pokeball!

It was early in the morning, and Ash and Pikachu were preparing to enter the Safari Zone, when suddenly the spotted a Chansey! Ash realized that this could be a once in a lifetime chance to catch the elusive Pokemon who is said to bring happiness to it's owner.

Ash sent Pikachu out to prepare to battle in the hopes that he could weaken Chansey enough to catch him with his Pokeball. (He does, after all, gotta catch 'em all!)

"Pikachu, use thunderbolt!"

Chansey was down, and Ash threw out his Pokeball in an effort to capture the much coveted Pokemon. No! A miss! Try again, Ash!


Phew! Persistence is a good thing, and Ash's was rewarded with a new Pokemon to call his own!

Crocheted Pokeball Pattern

Materials:

Small amount each of red, black, and white worsted weight yarn.

G hook

Fiberfill or stuffing material of your choice.

Scissors

Yarn needle

Stitch marker

Ball:

Note: This pattern is worked in continuous rounds, so be sure to place your stitch marker in the first st of each row to avoid losing your place!

With white yarn, ch2.

Round 1: Work 8 sc in second ch from hook.

Round 2: Inc in each sc around. (16 sc)

Round 3: (Sc in next sc, inc in next) around. (24sc)

Round 4: (Sc in next two sc, inc in next) around. (32sc)
Rounds 5-8: Sc in each sc around. Sw to black yarn.

Round 9: Sc in each sc around. Break off yarn, leaving a long tail for sewing.

With red yarn, ch 2.

Repeat rounds 1-8 as for first half. Break off yarn, weave in ends.

Using long tail, sew the two halves together, stuffing firmly before fully closed. Weave in ends.

Button:

With white yarn, ch 2.

Round 1: Work 6 sc in second ch from hook. Join with sl st to first sc. Break off yarn.

Round 2. Join black yarn in any sc. Inc in each sc around. (10 sc). Break off yarn, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Attach the button to middle of the ball right over where you did your color changes. Weave in ends.

Now go throw it at somebody!