This is a perfect toy for the little athlete! Because it is soft, this knitted version of the classic toy is great for use indoors and won’t break things the way a real bat and ball would.

The bat measures 16.5 inches long and is 11 inches around at its widest point. The ball measures 12 inches around. Instructions are given (with photos) for making a foam insert with a dowel in the middle for added stability.

Directions are included for working the bat flat or in the round to give the knitter options. Working the bat flat makes it easy to put over the foam insert, but involves sewing up a seam along the length of the bat. Working in the round avoids seaming, but makes it so that the foam insert cannot be used. If you are stuffing the bat rather than placing foam inside, this would be a good option.

Materials:
-US Size 5 (3.75mm) needles, or size needed to obtain gauge.
To make the ball and the bat in the round: 32” or longer circular needle for Magic Loop technique or DPNs.
To make the bat flat: Straight needles.
-Knit Picks Shine Worsted; C1 Willow, 2 balls; C2 Cream, C3 Serrano, 1 ball each
-Removable stitch marker
-Yarn needle
-Stuffing
To make foam insert the following materials are also needed:
-½” diameter wooden dowel cut to 16” long
-1”x15”x17” foam pad
-Curved tapestry needle
-White thread
-White embroidery thread or lightweight scrap yarn