Anyone who crochets or knits probably has a tone of yarn scraps too short for any project. Of course you can do a patchwork style project, but tying of and attaching all the yarn ends is a nightmare. That’s where the magic yarn ball comes in. It’s a seamless way to join yarn ends and it really makes the crocheting that more enjoyable. This fun project only took me a few days and though the end product is not to everyone’s taste, I love it. And it might be the most comfortable hat I ever had.

Supplies

Wool yarn scraps
Chrochet hook (I used 3 mm)
Tape measure
Tapestry needle

Step 1: Join Yarn Scraps

Thread your needle with first yarn. Pass the needle though the center of the yarn weaving the needle between the yarn threads for a few cm. Pull the tail of the yarn thorough to create a loop. Thread the second yarn onto the needle, then pass the needle through the loop of the first yarn. Just like before weave the needle through the centre for a few cm. You end up with 2 interlocking yarn loops. Pull the loose end to tighten and close up loops. Trim off excess yarn tails.

Step 2: Create Magic Yarn Ball

Repeat with all your yarn scraps and wind into a ball. If some of the yarn is thinner use multiple plies of it to match the thickest yarn. I also continued adding yarn to the end of the magic ball as I crocheted.

Step 3: Foundation Double Crochet Stitch

Chain 3. Yarn over, insert hook into third chain from the hook and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through first loop only. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops again. This is the first stich. For the rest of the stiches yarn over, insert hook into the chain created on the bottom and pull up a loop. Yarn over again and pull through the first loop only. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops twice.

Step 4: More Crocheting

Repeat the double foundation stich until you reach a length of around 25 cm (add extra length if you want to fold over the brim of the hat) When you reach the end of the row, chain 3. Then double crochet into each stich only inserting the hook into the back loop of every stich. This will create a ribbed pattern.

Step 5: Even More Crocheting

Repeat double crochet into back loop only until the rectangle fits snuggly around your head when stretched slightly. Tie off the end.

Step 6: Side Seam

Bad side facing out, fold the hat in half and single crochet the side seam together.

Step 7: Top Seam

Using a large needle and yarn sew the top of the hat together as shown in the diagram. Then to close up the gaps baste along the edges and pull tight. Tie off the end.