Crocheting a ball is a fun and easy project that can be used for multiple purposes, like toys or decorations. In just 15 simple steps, you can create your very own crochet ball. Grab your crochet hook and some yarn, and let’s get started!

1. Choose your yarn and a matching crochet hook: Select a yarn in your desired color and thickness. For beginners, lightweight or medium-weight yarn is recommended. Pick a crochet hook that corresponds with the yarn size.

2. Make a slipknot: Create a loop in your yarn, insert the crochet hook through the loop, and pull the tail end to tighten.

3. Chain 2: Yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook twice, creating two chain stitches.

4. Single crochet 6 times in second chain from hook: Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook, then single crochet six times into that stitch. You now have six stitches in total.

5. Join with a slip stitch: Insert your hook into the first single crochet stitch you made (6th), yarn over, and pull through both loops to complete the circle.

6. Chain 1: Yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook to create one chain stitch.

7. Single crochet twice in each stitch around: Place two single crochet stitches in each of your six stitches from Step 4. You will have a total of 12 stitches.

8. Join with a slip stitch: Slip stitch into the first single crochet of this round to close the circle.

9. Chain 1: As before, create one chain stitch by yarning over and pulling through the loop on your hook.

10. *Single crochet 1, increase* repeat around: Single crochet once in the next stitch, then place two single crochets in the following stitch (increase). Repeat this pattern around the circle, ending with an increase. You will now have a total of 18 stitches.

11. Join with a slip stitch: Close the circle by slip stitching into the first single crochet of this round.

12. Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch around: Create one chain stitch and then single crochet once in each of the 18 stitches. Do not increase this time.

13. Begin decreasing: *Single crochet 1, decrease* repeat around; to decrease, insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (two loops on hook), insert your hook into the following stitch, yarn over again and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over one more time and pull through all three loops on the hook. Continue with the pattern around, resulting in a total of 12 stitches.

14. Fill your crochet ball: Before decreasing further, gently stuff your ball with toy stuffing or scrap yarn until it reaches your desired firmness. Make sure it retains its round shape.

15. Finish decreasing and close the ball: *Decrease* repeat around until you have six stitches remaining. Cut your yarn with scissors, leaving a long tail to weave in later. Remove your hook from the loop, then thread the tail through a yarn needle and weave it through each of the remaining six stitches, pulling tight to close up any remaining gaps. Bury the end of your yarn by weaving it through several stitches before cutting off any excess.

Congratulations! You’ve completed crocheting a ball in just 15 steps! Experiment with different colors and sizes for various projects – from playtime to home décor!