Feel the jelly beads inside the leading rubber ball pop out. It's ridiculously satisfying and good exercise for your hands. This crochet stress reliever may be just the ticket for a great novelty gift using Bernat Blanket. This is the Popper Crochet Stress Ball pattern.
I tried a few options during the design. Ensured the smooshy fit right and tested how many stitches to skip to make the hole work. Skipping three stitches, the beads were coming out but not popping to give the sensation to your squish hand. One hole I felt was too much stress for the smooshy to find it. Two stitches were just right.
I also tried this with Chunky #5 Yarn but didn't enjoy how the yarn looked. Bernat Blanket fills in the spaces between the stitches.
Bernat Blanket, Small yarn quantity.
- Pale Gray
Hook: 6 mm / J/10
Gauge: 9 sc and 10 rows = 4” [10 cm]
1 Smooshy Ball. The smooshy is approximately 2.5” in diameter. Smooshy is approximately $1.50 CDN at a dollar store or $1.05 USD. They are pretty cheap.
I did try chunky #5 weight yarn, shown in red. I didn’t like how the stitches look personally but the pattern did work. Caron Colorama was used for the red prototype before switching to Bernat Blanket.
Abbreviations List
- Beg = Begin(ning)
- Ch = Chain(s)
- Dc2tog = Double crochet 2 together
- Rem = Remain(ing)
- Rep = Repeat
- Rnd(s) = Round(s)
- RS = Right side
- Sc = Single crochet
- Sk = Skip
- St(s) = Stitch(es)
Note: The ball is made of a continuous circle. There are no slip-stitched lines.
TIP: Ensure there are no burs on the crochet hook that may puncture the rubber ball.
Create an adjustable ring (magic circle).
1st rnd: RS. 6 sc dc in ring. Do not join. 6 sc. Place a stitch marker on the last stitch made and continuously move it to the last stitch for each round to keep track.
2nd rnd: 2 sc in each sc around. 12 sc.
3rd rnd: *1 sc in next st, 2 sc in next st. Rep from * around. 18 sc.
4th rnd: *1 sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next. Rep from * around. 24 sc.
5th rnd: *1 sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next. Rep from * around. 30 sc.
6th rnd: Ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 sc in each of the rem sts.
7th rnd: 1 sc in ch-2 sp. 1 sc in next 2 sts. *Sctog over next 2 sts, 1 sc in next 3 sts. Rep from * around. 24 sc.
8th rnd: *Sc2tog over next 2 sts, 1 sc in next 2 sts. Rep from * around. 18 sc.
Insert smooshy ball. Do not stab, and ensure no burs are on your crochet hook.
9th rnd: *Sc2tog over next 2 sts, 1 sc in next st. Rep from * around. 12 sc.
10th rnd: Sc2tog around. 6 sc. Cut yarn leaving long tail.
Using long tail and carefully without puncturing the smooshy, collect the 6 remaining stitches with a tapestry needle and pull hole closed. Fasten off.
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Tutorial
More Balls to Play With
Karen Burkholder says
What size stress ball did you use? Would you please add that information to the pattern. Thank you
Mikey says
I thought I did... let me recheck.
Mikey says
Yes, its in the article. It says this...1 Smooshy Ball. The smooshy is approximately 2.5” in diameter. Smooshy is approximately $1.50 CDN at a dollar store or $1.05 USD. They are pretty cheap.
Cheryl Garrido says
OMG! I work with neurodiverse kids and young adults. I showed them the video! I don’t know who was more excited? Them or me. I did make a dumb du,b error. I ordered the wrong size squishy. I got 36 “1 inch” balls instead of the 2.5 inch balls. Doh!
Mikey says
Oh cheryl, just adjust to make a smaller ball cover.
Jasmine Quiles says
Such a creative and fun project! The Popper Stress Ball looks like a perfect blend of practicality and novelty—great for gifting or stress relief. Thanks for sharing the detailed pattern and tips!