A431 Football

A431 Football

Make this football and start the fun with friends!

Football

Project: Football

Pattern: A431

Craft type: Knitting

Difficulty: ●●●

MEASUREMENTS

Length (approx, when stuffed) cm 23

Yarn Required:

Lincraft Coaster
Main Colour (MC)		 50g balls 1
Lincraft DK 8ply
Contrast Colour (CC)		 100g balls small amount

NEEDLES

A pair of 3.75mm knitting needles.
Wool needle for sewing up.

REQUIREMENTS:

A 3.75mm crochet hook.
Washable filling.

TENSION:

Tension is not important for this project, which is worked on smaller needles than usually recommended.

FOOTBALL

Using 3.75mm needles and MC, cast on 6 sts.
1st row: K1, inc in next 4 sts, K1 … 10 sts.
2nd and alt rows: Purl.
3rd row: K1, inc in next 8 sts, K1 … 18 sts.
5th row: K2, * inc in next st, K1, rep from * to end … 26 sts.
7th row: K2, * inc in next st, K2, rep from * to end … 34 sts.
9th row: K2, * inc in next st, K3, rep from * to end … 42 sts.
11th row: K2, * inc in next st, K4, rep from * to end … 50 sts.
13th row: K2, * inc in next st, K5, rep from * to end … 58 sts.
15th row: K2, * inc in next st, K6, rep from * to end … 66 sts.
17th row: K2, * inc in next st, K7, rep from * to end … 74 sts.

Work 51 rows stocking st, beg with a purl row.

69th row: K2, * K2tog, K7, rep from * to end … 66 sts.
70th and alt rows: Purl.
71st row: K2, * K2tog, K6, rep from * to end … 58 sts.
73rd row: K2, * K2tog, K5, rep from * to end … 50 sts.
75th row: K2, * K2tog, K4, rep from * to end … 42 sts.
77th row: K2, * K2tog, K3, rep from * to end … 34 sts.
79th row: K2, * K2tog, K2, rep from * to end … 26 sts.
81st row: K2, * K2tog, K1, rep from * to end … 18 sts.
83rd row: K1, * K2tog, rep from * to last st, K1 … 10 sts.
85th row: K1, * K2tog, rep from * to last st, K1 … 6 sts.

Break off yarn, run end through rem sts, draw up tightly and fasten off securely.

LACES (make 6)

Using 3.75mm hook and CC, make a 4cm long ch.
Fasten off.

FINISHING

Join Football seam leaving cast on end open. Stuff firmly then close rem seam. Sew Laces in position as pictured. Sew in all ends.

Alternative Yarns

When substituting Lincraft Coaster for the Main Colour (MC), choose a yarn that produces a firm knitted fabric on 3.75mm needles so the washable filling does not show through the stitches.

Suitable alternatives may include smooth DK or 8ply yarns with enough structure to hold the football shape after stuffing. For the Contrast Colour (CC), use a smooth 8ply yarn that creates clearly defined crochet chains for the laces.

Important: Although tension is not important for this project, the fabric should be knitted firmly enough to contain the filling securely. Test a small swatch before beginning if using a substitute yarn.

Customisation Ideas

  • Choose team colours for the Main Colour and Contrast Colour.
  • Use a traditional brown or tan yarn with white laces for a classic football look.
  • Make several footballs in different colours as soft decorative or play items.
  • Use contrasting laces to make the front detail stand out more clearly.
  • Add simple embroidered initials before stuffing and closing the final seam.

Care Instructions

Follow the care instructions provided on the yarn labels used for the project. Because the football contains washable filling, use a gentle washing method suitable for both the yarn and filling.

Reshape the football while damp and allow it to dry thoroughly before use or storage. Check the seam and crocheted laces regularly to ensure they remain securely attached.

Get a copy of the instructions Download guide

Things you'll need