I developed this pattern to use up my most common, worsted weight stash yarns. These balloons work up in just a few minutes and have the two thumbs-up approval of every child that’s played with them.

Supplies needed

• 20-25yds washable worsted weight scrap yarn (you can also double-up a lighter weight yarn).
• 4mm hook
• stitch markers
• cut up pieces of sponge for stuffing (I prefer the cheap, soft foam sponges from the dollar store, cut into 1” cubes)

I do not recommend using the magic ring start for this project as the rougher play nature of this toy could cause it to work loose. The chain start is sturdier and holds up better for long term use.

Each round is started in the 1st stitch of the previous round.

Terms/stitches/abbreviations/notes

• sl st - slip stitch (used for joining)
• yo -yarn over
• ch - chains
• sc - single crochet
• sc2tog - single crochet two together : decrease worked as (insert hook, yo, pull through, insert hook in next st, yo, pull through, yo, pull through both loops)
• dc - double crochet
• dc inc - double crochet increase (two stitches worked in to the same stitch)
• dc2tog- double crochet two together : decrease worked as (yo, insert hook, yo, pull through, insert hook in next st, yo, pull through, yo, pull through 3 loops, yo, pull through remaining 2 loops)

This pattern has not been tested by anyone but myself so please let me know if anything is unclear or there’s a mistake.