This is a really simple pattern that makes a wonderful toy! A great gift for babies and toddlers. The pattern now includes directions to make three sizes and optional stripes on the ends.

Sizes: Approximately 4 (7.5, 11)” long and 9 (14.5, 21)” around.

The increase used is the right leaning increase (RLI), also known as the lifted or raised increase.

The decrease used is knit two together (k2tog).

The football is knit in the round on double point needles and stuffed as you go, so there are no seams to be sewn up.

One ball of Knit Picks Shine Worsted is enough to make one football. Two balls are needed for the larger size.

I have also used Knit Picks Swish Bulky yarn to make this football, which works nicely as well. The bulky yarn makes a slightly firmer fabric. Both are soft and washable, which are my main requirements for yarn being used to make kids’ toys. Since wool costs more than cotton and the football doesn’t need to be warm, I opted to go with the Shine Worsted. One skein of the Swish Bulky (137 yards/100 gram hank) is enough for two footballs.