Crochet Lemon Stress Ball
If you need a bit of stress relief in your life (and who doesn't?), then the Crochet Lemon Stress Ball is just what you need. Not only will you instantly feel more relaxed as you work up this free crochet pattern, but you can also continue to squeeze away stress once you've completed the pattern. Just a little bit of worsted weight yarn and some stuffing is used to complete this free pattern. It's pretty easy to crochet, too, so you can make one to keep at home and another one to keep at the office!
Crochet HookH/8 or 5 mm hook
Yarn Weight(4) Medium Weight/Worsted Weight and Aran (16-20 stitches to 4 inches)
MATERIALS:
- Green worsted weight yarn, like Red Heart Super Saver in Spring Green– approx. 1 yard (91.4 cm)
- Yellow worsted weight yarn, like Red Heart Super Saver in Bright Yellow–approx. 26 yards (24 meters)
- H8/5.0mm crochet hook
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
- Polyfil stuffing
Approx. 4.5 in. (11.4 cm) long and 2.5 in. (6.4 cm) wide
GAUGE:
15 sc x 18 rows = 4 in. (10 cm) x 4 in. (10 cm)
ABBREVIATIONS:
ch(s) = chain(s)
dec = decrease
FLO = front loop only
in = inch(es)
rnd(s) = round(s)
sc = single crochet
sc2tog = single crochet two together
sl st = slip stitch
st(s) = stitch(es)
YO = yarn over
( ) = work instructions within parentheses as many times as directed
[ ] = repeat everything in the brackets the number of times indicated
NOTES:
- When decreasing in this pattern, I would suggest the invisible decrease. With the Right Side of your work on the outside of the Lemon, insert hook into FLO of next st, then insert hook into FLO of following st, [YO and pull through 2 loops] 2 times.
- This pattern calls for Polyfil to stuff the lemon, but you can use some other stress-relieving options such as:
- Cut the leg off a pair of pantyhose. Insert the toe into your nearly completed Lemon at around Rnd 18 and use a funnel to fill the pantyhose with Poly beads until you are happy with the feel of the Lemon. Tie off the pantyhose to close the opening and trim any extra pantyhose. Finishing crocheting the Lemon.
- Blow up a water balloon to stretch it out. Then insert it into your nearly completed Lemon at around Rnd 18 and use a funnel to fill the balloon with sand or corn starch. Tie off the balloon when you are happy with the feel of the Lemon and finish crocheting the Lemon.
With Green ch 3 and sl st to 1st ch to form ring.
Rnd 1: Ch 1, work 6 sc into ring. Don’t join rnds and continue to work in a spiral – 6 sts. Fasten off Green. Join Yellow.
Rnd 2: Sc in each sc around – 6 sts.
Rnd 3: (2 sc in next st, sc in next sc) 3 times – 9 sts.
Rnd 4: Sc in each sc around.
Rnd 5: 2 sc in each sc around – 18 sts.
Rnd 6: (2 sc in next sc, sc in next two sc) 6 times – 24 sts.
Rnd 7: Sc in each sc around.
Rnd 8: (2 sc in next st, sc in next 5 sc) 4 times – 28 sts.
Rnd 9 -15: Sc in each sc around.
Rnd 16: (Sc2tog, sc in next 5 sc) 4 times – 24 sts.
Rnd 17: Sc in each sc around.
Rnd 18: (Sc2tog, sc in next 2 sc) 6 times – 18 sts.
Note: Begin stuffing the Lemon firmly and continue to stuff a little more as you finish the rest of the pattern.
Rnd 19: Sc2tog around – 9 sts.
Rnd 20: Sc in each sc around.
Rnd 21: (Sc2tog, sc in next sc) 3 times – 6 sts.
Rnd 22: Sc2tog 4 times. Sl st into next st and leave last st unworked – 6 sts.
Fasten off yarn and weave tail through remaining 6 sts, pull to close and weave in ends.
Free Crochet Video: Stitch Away Stress - watch it below!
Don't forget to show off your lovely lemon when you’re done! Post a pic of it along with the hashtag #StitchAwayStress and #lemonstressball on social media!
Plus, learn more about the health benefits of yarn crafts and the habits of your fellow crocheters with this downloadable PDF infographic.