Water balloon fights! THE BEST PART: Watching your kids running and laughing and playing – releasing that giddy scream the moment the balloon bursts on them or their victim. THE WORST PART: Walking around after the fun has stopped and tediously picking up tiny pieces of latex and lamenting about the final bits that will ultimately litter your lawn…forever. ENTER: this reusable water balloons free crochet pattern.
Now you can just focus on the BEST part – having fun!
Jump into the pattern now, or PIN it for later here!
I love wet backyard summer fun. Especially water balloon fights. But unfortunately they are often accompanied by an inner groan when thinking about the balloons and the time it takes to fill them up and ultimately, clean them up. And worst of all, the latex rubber the balloons are made of is terrible for the environment. Balloon pollution has become a notable problem.
Here’s the solution! Try making an earth friendly alternative with this reusable water balloons free crochet pattern. They are a great alternative for keeping the fun of water balloon fights without all the negative side effects.
This free pattern is supported by ads on my blog. You can find the 5-page PDF printable, ad-free pattern for these reusable water balloons on my Etsy shop here.
Reusable Water Balloons Free Crochet Pattern Notes & Tips:
This crochet pattern is written in US terms. If needed, you can find a handy term conversion chart right here in my Resource Library. I recommend giving the pattern a read-through before you begin so you can visualize the big picture and consider any specific notes for help along the way!
I’ve also created a video tutorial if you’d rather crochet along with me. You can find the video tutorial further down in this post or on YouTube here.
Size & Gauge:
Size: The balloons will end up being about 4.5″
Gauge: Does not apply with these balloons. They are simply too small (and round!) to provide a dependable gauge. Ultimately with toys, gauge doesn’t matter. It won’t have to fit someone’s body or a specific space. My patterns will include the size of the finished toy based on the yarn and hook I use. But if you want it smaller or bigger, just use a bigger yarn and hook!
The Legal Stuff:
This pattern is for PERSONAL USE ONLY. This pattern or parts of it may not be reproduced, resold, distributed, published, altered, translated, posted or shared without authorization. You can sell your finished items provided that you credit Off the Beaten Hook as the designer using this verbiage, “This pattern was designed by Lindsey Roe and Off the Beaten Hook.” Thank you for your respectfulness!
This post contains affiliate links for materials I use and love. If you purchase something using one of these links I may earn a small commission which in no way affects the cost to you. These partnerships help me support my small business which allows me to provide you with free crochet patterns. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support!
What makes this pattern eco -friendly and sustainable?
THE YARN: I use only sustainable and eco-friendly yarn that has been ethically grown/raised and processed, putting the people and the planet first. This is why I chose non-superwash 100% wool yarn for these water balloons.
THE SLOW YARN MOVEMENT: I’m participating in the Slow Yarn Movement. There’s far too much to talk about here, but please take a few minutes to learn about what this means by reading the article I wrote about the Slow Yarn Movement as part of my 6-part Sustainable Crochet Series.
IT’S A REUSABLE VERSION OF AN EVERYDAY DISPOSABLE: These reusable water balloons replace the little disposable water balloons that litter your yard and parks all summer. Plus it’s way more fun to use something you’ve handmade, right!?
I’M MAKING SUSTAINABLE TOYS FOR MY KIDS: This is the reason I learned how to crochet to begin with! I wanted my kids to have mostly sustainable toys to play with as I eliminated a huge amount of non-renewable plastics from our home.
If you’re interested in learning more about sustainable crochet you can read all about it in the 6-part series I did covering everything about Sustainable Crochet and how to implement it into your own crafting starting today!
Materials you will need:
YARN:
- 100% Wool Roving Yarn | Weight: 5/Bulky | NON-SUPERWASH
- Non-superwash is recommended because the superwash process removes most of the natural benefits of wool including it’s water absorbency
- Yarn suggestions:
- K+C Craft Roving Yarn
- Patons Classic Wool Roving
OTHER TOOLS & MATERIALS::
Abbreviations used in the reusable water balloons free crochet pattern:
st – stitch
hk – hook
hdc – half double crochet
hdc inc – half double crochet increase
hdc dec – half double crochet decrease
(…) x – repeat instructions indicated number of times
[…] – number of stitches in row/round
The Pattern
NOTES:
- The balloons are worked in continuous rounds – do not join after each round
- Take about 3 yards of yarn from your ball to stuff the balloon
Rnd 1: st 6 sc in a magic circle [6]
Rnd 2: hdc inc in each st around [12]
Rnd 3: (hdc, inc) x6 [18]
Rnd 4: (hdc 2, inc) x6 [24]
Rnd 5: hdc around [24]
Rnd 6: (hdc 2, dec) x6 [18]
Rnd 7: (hdc, dec) x6 [12]
Rnd 8: dec around [6]
Stuff balloon with about 3 yards wool yarn
Rnd 9: dec around [3]
Rnd 10: make 3 hdc in each st around [9]
FINISH UP:
Snip leaving a 6″ tail. Using a tapestry needle, weave the yarn tail back and for three times through round 9 to close the tiny remaining hole of the water balloon. Weave in end.
DRYING/CLEANING & CARE:
These eco-friendly water balloons are made of non-superwash wool which is not machine friendly. If you wash these in the machine they will ultimately felt. Simply hang them up to dry on the line, lay them out in the sun or on a towel inside.
Reusable Water Balloons Free Crochet Pattern Video Tutorial:
You did it! Well done!
I would love to see your completed water balloons. Please post pictures on instagram and tag me @offthebeatenhook and use #offthebeatenhook. Cheers!
PIN FOR LATER!
Did you love this free crochet pattern? Want more? Check these out!
- Esteban the Raccoon Free Crochet Pattern
- Leaf Lettuce Free Crochet Pattern
- The Berry Patch Berry Bundle Free Crochet Pattern
- Lemon Free Crochet Pattern
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