Let me introduce you to my Crochet Amish Puzzle Ball. I can hype it up and tell you that your kids will have endless hours of fun playing with this puzzle ball, but the truth is that I have a lot more fun with this puzzle ball than my kids do (although they DO love it). The minute someone walks into my house I practically force it on them! And what fun it is watching people try to assemble it. Of course, it only takes them a little while to figure it out because it IS pretty simple.
Update January 2022: I have updated the pattern for the puzzle ball. The pattern remains the same*, just easier to follow and with better photos.
*I have changed the recommended hook from a 4mm to a 4.5mm, and I have changed the recommended yarn from a double-knit to a worsted weight.
I designed this ball in 2011 and shared it in 2012 when the little mister above was not even a year old.
Ten years later, my boys still LOVE playing with their original (pink) ball.
Ten years later, I am still as passionate as ever about sharing patterns in a way that makes them as easy as possible (within my means) to follow.
What a wonderful decade this has been!
This Amish Puzzle Ball comes apart into three segments which have to be assembled to form the ball.
The chunky design means that it is super easy for little hands to grab hold of. And the million colour possibilities make it a treat for little eyes and inquisitive minds.
Bonus: If you are at all concerned about the apparent amount of sewing involved, let me put your mind at ease. All the segments are crocheted together at the end, and the ends are enclosed INSIDE the ball (if you follow my advice), leaving you with 3 tiny ends to sew away. That’s right! Three itty bitty bouts of sewing. I think that’s pretty awesome!
Thank you, Tannie Esther, for sending me the link to the fabric Amish puzzle ball and starting me on this journey!
Crochet Amish Puzzle Ball Pattern
Dedri Uys ©2011. Updated 2022. Charts by Masako Kawahara. All Rights Reserved.
Resources
- Add This Pattern to your Ravelry Queue
- Hashtag: Please use #amishpuzzleball so that we can see your photos.
- Video Tutorial by Elizzza from www.knitaholics.com:
- Part 1
- Part 2
- Part 3
- Please note that Elizzza turns her wedges inside out before attaching them to the lids. I prefer not to turn them inside out. Keeping the seam on the outside makes it easier to attach the wedges to the lids AND it helps the wedges interlock slightly better when the ball is assembled.
- Translations (Original):
- Danish Translation by Marianne Topping from Tulle Momsemor
- Dutch Translation by the ‘Haak Met Ons Mee’ Facebook Group.
- French Translation by Olivia from Chez Olivia
- German Translation Maja Heidingsfelder
- Italian Translation by Elisa Aliforni
- Japanese Translation by Masako Kawahara from Crochet Hmmm
- Polish Translation by Aga Ta
- Russian Translation by Olga Morkova
- Slovak Translation by Andrea Laca
- Spanish Translation by Ana from Hasta el Monyo
- Swedish Translation by Sofia from Fittforcefive
If you prefer a formatted ad-free US PDF version of this pattern (both Photo Tutorial with Charts and Written-only), you can buy it HERE in my Ravelry Store.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Materials
- 4.5mm hook
- Scissors
- Yarn Needle
- Fiberfill stuffing
- Scheepjes Stonewashed XL (50g/75m, 70% Cotton/30% Acrylic)
- Colour 1: Smokey Quartz (842) x 2 balls
- Colour 2: Turquoise (864) x 1 ball
- Colour 3: Beryl (873) x 1 ball
- Scheepjes Riverwashed XL (50g/75m, 70% Cotton/30% Acrylic)
- Colour 4: Amazon (991) x 1 ball
Useful Information
I used:
- 70.5g of yarn for 12 wedges
- 8g of yarn for each ‘chain of lids’
- 14g for joining
- 50g of stuffing
Size
15 cm (6″) in diameter
Gauge
It is important that you work as tight as you can so that your stuffing doesn’t show through your stitches.
Abbreviations
US Terminology used.
- Ch – Chain
- Sc – Single Crochet
- Sc2tog – Single crochet two together
- Sl st – Slip Stitch
- St/sts – Stitch/stitches
- () – Repeat all instructions between parentheses the number of times specified.
Notes
- The initial ch st in each row does not count as a st.
- Ensure that you stuff the segments very well (more than you think you need to) – see Tips at the end of the pattern.
Instructions
Wedges
(Make 12 in Colour 1)
These wedges are worked in rows and joined with a seam. If you would rather make seamless (spiral) wedges, see the Instructions for the Star Ball.
Row 1: Ch 2, make 3 sc in the second ch from the hook, turn. (3)
Row 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st, turn. (6)
Row 3: Ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next st) 3 times, turn. (9)
Row 4: Ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 sts) 3 times, turn. (12)
Row 5: Ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 3 sts) 3 times, turn. (15)
Row 6: Ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 4 sts) 3 times, turn. (18)
Row 7: Ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 5 sts) 3 times, turn. (21)
Row 8: Ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 6 sts) 3 times, turn. (24)
Row 9: Ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 7 sts) 3 times, turn. (27)
Row 10: Ch 1, (2 sc in next st, sc in next 8 sts) 3 times, ch 1, do not turn {Photo 1}. (30)
Fold the half-circle in half so that the end containing the hook is closest to you {Photo 2}. Insert your hook into the first row down the side of the resulting wedge (through both layers – see Photo 3) and make a sc. Make 8 more sc, working into each row down the side and through both layers. Remember to put your initial yarn end INSIDE the wedge before closing it completely. When you get to the end, ch 1 and fasten off {Photo 4}.
To eliminate the final yarn end, insert your hook into one of the stitches at the pointy end of the wedge (from the inside of the wedge to the outside – see Photo 5) and pull the end through to the inside of the wedge {Photo 6}.
If you want to, you can turn the resulting wedge inside-out so that you don’t end up with a seam. I personally prefer (and recommend) the seam as it helps the Puzzle Ball to interlock better when assembled.
Chain of “lids”
(Make 3 – one in each of Colours 2, 3, and 4)
Row 1: Ch 2, make 2 sc in the second ch from the hook, turn. (2)
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn. (2)
Row 3: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st, turn. (4)
Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn. (4)
Row 5: Ch 1, 2 sc in the first st, sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in the last st, turn. (6)
Row 6: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn. (6)
Rows 7-9: As Row 6.
Row 10: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog, turn. (4)
Row 11: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn. (4)
Row 12: Ch 1, sc2tog twice, turn. (2)
Row 13: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn. (2)
Row 14: Ch 1, sc2tog, don’t fasten off!
Repeat rows 1 – 14 THREE more times. This will give you a chain of 4 “lids”.
On the very last “lid” of the chain, ch 1 and fasten off.
Hint: If you are going to use the “lid” colour (so the same colour) to attach the wedges to the lids, don’t fasten off. Just continue with the assembly instructions below.
Assembling the segments
You will be attaching 4 wedges to each chain of lids, working up the chain of lids on one side and then down the other side, stuffing as you go. You will be working into each st of the wedge opening and each row of the chain of lids.
See Tips below if you are unsure about the placement of the stitches in the rows of the lids.
With a Colour 1 slip knot already on your hook, place your first
wedge behind the first lid on the right (with the sc seam of the wedge to your right – left, if you are left-handed) and insert your crochet hook through the first st of the chain of “lids” and the first st of the opening of one of the wedges {Photo 1}. Make a sc through both layers. Make 14 more sc, working into each row of the lid and each stitch of the wedge {Photo 2}.
Join the next wedge to its lid in the same way {Photo 3} and continue until you have attached one side of each of the 4 wedges and lids. You may wish to mark the last sc with a stitch marker so that you can find it easily when sewing the ends of the segment together.
Now you will be “closing” the wedges. Insert your hook into the same (last) st of the fourth lid and the next st of the fourth wedge and make a sc. Continue working through both layers as before, making 15 sc along the other side of each wedge and lid {Photo 4}, and stuffing as you go {Photo 5}.
When you reach the last st of the first wedge, join to the first st with a sl st and fasten off, leaving a 10cm/4” end. Use the end to sew the tips of the first and last wedges together thoroughly {Photo 6}.
Alternatively, you can sl st them together before fastening off, which is what I prefer. To do that, simply sl st in sts 16 and 15 of the sts around the top of the 4th wedge (in that order), so the stitches at the pointy end, and then sl st in the first and second sts of the first wedge. Fasten off and work away your ends.
You have now completed one segment.
Repeat for the remaining 2 segments.
Tips
Having Trouble Lining up the Lids and Wedges?
Although the lids only have 14 rows, there are 15 “holes” along the side of each lid. This is because the ch st you work the first row into also forms a hole. So, in essence, you are working into that ch st and then into each of the 14 rows. I have included a numbered photo below to help explain this. It is numbered starting from the sc2tog of Row 14, where you will start attaching the lid to its wedge, to the initial ch st of Row 1, and then back again around the bottom of the lid. I hope this eliminates a few questions.
A word about Stuffing
This ball EATS stuffing! I have noticed that people tend to think they have overstuffed the ball because the wedges are quite fat and the segments are super snug. The ball will stretch over time, and to get the best results you want to stuff it nice and full! If you use too little stuffing, the segments won’t interlock well and the ball is more likely to become lifeless after a lot of playing. If your tension is a bit loose and you find your stuffing poking through your stitches, you may find this Stuffing Bomb Tutorial useful.
Building your Amish Puzzle Ball
When your segments are all nicely stuffed and neatly finished off, slip one segment over the other segment so that they form a cross.
Slip the third segment over both of these segments, slotting the wedges into the holes around the side of the cross. If you need more help, you can watch THIS YouTube Clip.
Related Free Crochet Patterns
- Crochet Flower Puzzle Ball
- Olive the Crochet Octopus Puzzle
- Pumpkin Segment Ball
- Mini Amish Puzzle Ball
- Star Ball
- Harlequin Puzzle Ball by Projectarian
Related Book
FAQ’s
Q: Can you work the wedges in a spiral instead of in rows and thus avoid the seam?
A: Yes, you can. But again, the seam helps the wedges interlock slightly better when the ball is assembled. You can find a pattern for seamless wedges HERE.
Q: How much should I stuff the wedges/ball?
A: You need to stuff it enough so that the wedges bulge slightly, but not so much that the stitches stretch and become “holey”. It doesn’t matter if your 3 segments seem quite snug. In fact, you want them to be quite snug. After a while, the segments will relax and if you haven’t stuffed your ball enough, it will become limp and lifeless.
Q: Help! My lids are too small for my wedges!
All yarns are NOT created equal. So if you are going to use scrap yarn for your ball, or even if you use two different types of yarn, there is going to be a variation in your gauge. When using different types of yarn (even if they appear to be the same thickness), make sure that the yarn you use for your lids is as thick as the yarn you use for the wedges. The yarn you use for the lids can even be a little bit thicker than the yarn you use for the wedges – within reason. The wedges are more elastic than the lids.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact me and I will try my best to answer them to your satisfaction.
This blog post contains affiliate links. I only link to products I personally use or would use. All opinions are my own.
stephanie says
Hi there, is there anywhere that there are the full instructions in the UK terminology? I tried to send my mum your pattern for her to make a ball for my unborn son… and for me to learn how to crochet… however it seems the only way would be for me to look up every term to change and write it all out myself?! She said she was very confused attempting it in the UK terminology that she knows… any help with this would be good.. were realy looking foward to make them!
Thanks..
Dedri Uys says
Hi, I write all my patterns in US terminology, I’m afraid. Transcribing it won’t be hard at all as the puzzle ball only uses variations of 1 stitch: Sc, which would be dc in UK terms. So the whole ball is made with UK dc’s, Uk chains, Uk sl st’s, and then increases and decreases as normal.
I hope that helps.
Dedri
jenny says
Found this via Pinterest and have it a try. I’m so pleased with how it turned out since this was my first 3D project. The instructions were great and the tips very helpful. Can’t wait to try another project!
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Jenny :)
TaffyDeb says
I found your wonderful puzzle ball via Pinterest- it sat on my board for a long time, and I made it today! Excellent directions, splendid toy! I can’t wait to do more! I have loads of color ideas to explore! Thank you!
Dedri Uys says
Thank you and you are most welcome :)
Sofia says
Hey!! Amazing project! Just finished my first ball for my godson’s birthday today! It turned out beautiful! This is the best present ever, I know he and his mom will enjoy it so much!! Thank you so much for sharing!! I learnt crochet by watching tutorials online and I am so thankful to people like you who share these amazing patterns and make it so easy for us beginners! Big thanks and all of my love from Uruguay (South America)!
Dedri Uys says
I don’t think I’ve ever had a comment from Uruguay! I am pleased that you like it and thank you so much for letting me know :)
Melissa says
Amazing pattern. So generous of you to share it. Thank you, so much.
Dedri Uys says
You are welcome :)
Polly says
Thank you for your great generosity in making so much available.
Regina says
Hello Dedri. I’ve just printed out the instructions for your Amish puzzle ball (to work on in front of the TV
Dedri Uys says
I hope you have something exciting to watch :)
Diana says
Hi Dedri, it was so much fun to make this Puzzle Ball! I used different size yarn and hook, because I could not wait to get started. It turned out so cute. Thanks again for the pattern! Love it :)
Dedri Uys says
Thank you Diana. I am so pleased that you like it.
Crystal says
I absolutely love this! It was so easy to make. It will make awesome Christmas gifts. BTW….it doesn’t use any more stuffing than the usual amigurumi things that I make.
Dedri Uys says
That’s good to know. It feels like it just keeps eating stuffing!
Carol Derbis says
Dedri,
In one of these Amamani patterns I saw your suggestion for “stuffing bombs” to prevent the stuffing from poking through…INGENIOUS!
Now that I’m looking for it, I cannot find that page – and want to share it on one of my (many) Facebook group pages…but won’t do it til I can direct them to the right place…
Can you help?
I know how to do it, but some of these ladies are beginners, so don’t want to turn them off – esp. since this is such a simple solution!
Bless you for all you do and all you share with so many! You are so very talented and have given away so many beautiful patterns and tutorials…amazing! Wish I could meet you one day to thank you in person…
Instead, I wish you God’s Blessings for you and your family….you share so freely with so many and have helped many of us increase our own crochet ability!
Denni says
Hi, these are amazing!
can I sell them locally? ie to friends or maybe a local craft stall ?
Dedri Uys says
Hi Denni. You can sell as many as you like :)
Denni says
thank you so much :)
there will be some happy babies locally xox
Dedri Uys says
Just a pleasure, Denni :)
Jean says
I just saw this Amish puzzle ball pattern on FB. Im very excited to make these for the baby shoers at our church!!!!! Could I also seel mine on eBay?
Dedri Uys says
You are welcome to sell any finished items, Jean :)
Ana says
You are a genius! My grandchildren love these balls. One of my them, a 3-year old boy, looked at me while I assembled the ball and then he said: well, that’s it, now let’s play, and he began to play football! and my 4-year grand-daughter, used the rings on her wrists, jajaja. Thank you very much for teaching us how to do this, you’re very nice.
Ana
Dedri Uys says
Ana, I am so pleased that you like them. And even more so because your grandchildren like them. Classic about your grand-daughter putting them on as bangles. Happy Thanksgiving!
Dedri
Anna says
Thank you for this beautiful pattern. I’ve just finished my first Amish Puzzle Ball and it looks FANTASTIC. Thank you again!
Dedri Uys says
Thank you for letting me know, Anna. I am always pleased when someone is happy with one of my designs. So glad you like it x
Suzanne says
This ball is a perfect Christmas for my niece! Even my boyfriend (who normally gets a kind of glassy look when I go on about crocheting) thought it was really cool, and wanted to solve it. :)
Dedri Uys says
Hehe. Glad you liked it, Suzanne. I’m very pleased about the lack of glassy-eyedness from your boyfriend :)
marie rose muller aguila says
Desearía obtener los hermosos modelos puzzle en español
me gusta tejer a crochet y los modelos son muy originales desde ya muchas gracias
marie rose muller aguila says
Desearía obtener los hermosos modelos puzzle en español
me gusta tejer a crochet y los modelos son muy originales desde ya muchas gracias
patrícia says
So amazing! Love and I’m going to have a go :-) Thanks for sharing!
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Patricia. If you get stuck, just ask me and I’ll help you as best I can x
lisa says
If i don’t have a 4mm hook but a 3.75mm and a 5mm which one would you suggest i use?
Dedri Uys says
3.75 would work better. It’ll give you a nice tight ball. 5 mm would be ok if you are using bulky/chunky yarn.
the grange range says
I love this puzzle ball, so great for little hands to hold.
Nataliya says
Thank you very much for the pattern! Your ball is perfect!
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Nataliya x
Jan says
Hi Dedri
I just love this puzzle Ball.
I created Sage – The Crochet Pig Puzzle for a gift to a pig lover.
Check it out on my site.
Jan
Dedri Uys says
Sage is gorgeous, Jan. I am working on a pig, but the fish and the lion will need testing next and then the cow and my mystery puzzle…and then, maybe, Pammy Pig.