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Crochet Water Balloons: Eco-Friendly, Easy, Stashbusting Summer Fun

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Crochet water balloons are definitely the most fun summer project. If you’ve spent any time on Pinterest lately then chances are that you’ve seen this great trending new craft project. If not, then you definitely need to check it out. Crochet water balloons are an eco-friendly alternative to the traditional summer fun activity. Make them with your kids or for your kids. Use them at camps and summer parties. Delight in the colors while busting your yarn stash. There’s virtually no downside to this fun summer crochet project.

why and how to crochet water balloons

What Are Crochet Water Balloons?

As their name suggests, these are balloon-shaped crochet items that you can safely throw at one another. Although there are a variety of different designs, most of them are a simple crocheted shape. You don’t actually put any kind of balloon inside. Instead, you soak the crochet balloons in buckets of water. They absorb the water. Then the kids (or adults, for that matter) can safely throw them at one another. It’s the perfect way to cool off with a fun outdoors activity.

Benefits of Crochet Over Traditional Water Balloons

The number one reason that people prefer crochet water balloons over the usual latex kind is because they’re kinder to the earth. When you buy regular water balloons, you fill them up, use them, then they’re done. The latex or rubber or whatever synthetic material was used to make them shatters into pieces. Hopefully you pick up all of the pieces because they can be dangerous to birds and other wildlife. Even so, though, they just go to the landfill. Those water balloons are bad for the environment, and you know it. You can use crochet water balloons again and again. And you can make eco-friendly fiber choices a well.

Other benefits of crochet water balloons as compared to “regular” water balloons include:

  • They’re cheaper. After all, you can use them again and again.
  • It’s fun to make them. Crafting them can be a kids’ summer activity all on its own.
  • They’re quick to make. You don’t have to run to the store to buy balloons. After all, you have enough yarn in your stash to make some right now.
  • They make a really cute summer gift. Most people wouldn’t give just a gift of a bag of storebought water balloons. These, however, are perfect. Similarly, you can give them away as summer party favors.

Crochet Water Balloon Patterns

There are a variety of different ways to crochet water balloons. Left in Knots has one of the most popular patterns.

free crochet water balloons pattern

She uses Bernat Blanket yarn, which she suggests because it’s nice and squishy. As a result, it doesn’t hurt when the balloon hits you. It’s tough to come up with super bulky yarn projects for summer but this one is a definite wine! This pattern is a super simple pattern using single crochet and double crochet stitches with just a little bit of shaping. You can make the balloons in a variety of sizes; she offers a mini size pattern as well. And gauge doesn’t really matter with a project like this.

Here are some other variations on this pattern:

Crochet Water Balloons Aren’t a New Trend

Although they’re trending hot again right now, these aren’t a new thing. Left in Knots created their pattern several years ago, updating the post in 2020. Back in 2017, Crafters Anonymous shared this video of kids testing out crochet water balloons:

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30 Free Crochet Dress Projects

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Dress yourself up — my making your own dress! These free crochet dress patterns from Yarnspirations — for adults, children, babies, and even dolls — are the perfect way to personalize your wardrobe.

For knit versions, see this round-up of 32 Free Knit Dress Projects.

30 Free Crochet Dress Projects

Adult

Crochet a lacy dress as a cover-up, or just the best statement piece in your close!

Crochet Junction Triangle Tunic Free Crochet Pattern

Child and Baby

Little ones are even cuter when they’re in handmade dresses! These patterns for babies and children are fun to make and fun to wear.

Crochet Rainbow Jumper Dress Free Crochet Pattern

Toy

Crochet dresses for 18″ dolls as well! Expand your child’s imaginative play with these free patterns you can make easily.

Wedding Dress for Doll Free Crochet Pattern

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17 Free Mermaid Projects | Knit, Crochet, Craft!

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Mermaids are for all ages! It’s true! A friend told me that even in her late twenties she watched the Disney movie about a young mermaid every single weekend for a whole year! You have to admit the music is amazing, right? But, I digress. People have had a fascination with women of the water for generations. That’s why we gathered this collection of free mermaid projects for you. Once you see these cute, mermaidy knit and crochet patterns, you’ll be grabbing your hooks, needles, and more.

You might want to make mermaid dolls or doll outfits, full costumes, mermaid tail snuggle sacks, or mermaid-themed accessories. I’m sure that right here, you’ll find the perfect project just for you, your friends, or your kids. So, download these free mermaid projects and get started today!

17 Free Mermaid Projects | Knit, Crochet, Craft

Free Mermaid Blanket and Snuggle Sack Patterns

Mermaid Amigurumi Patterns

Free Mermaid Costume Patterns

Mermaid Accessory Patterns

Free mermaid project - knit mermaid snuggle sack

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How to Knit Mittens, Part One (BiCrafty Bootcamp Lesson 15)

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We hope you had a nice little break last week from BiCrafty Bootcamp even though it was unplanned. Our apologies for that last-minute change. Marly was off being in charge of more than half a dozen teenagers. And we might have still pulled it together but Kathryn got super sick with a summer cold that totally knocked her out. So, as you likely saw via email or social media, we gave you the week off. Did you use it to catch up on past lessons? Did you practice some new stitches? Maybe you returned to crochet? Or perhaps you just gave your hands a rest? Whatever your process, here we are again, back to BiCrafty Bootcamp. And now we’re going to learn how to knit mittens.

Mittens to Complement Your Hat and Cowl Projects

We thought that learning how to knit mittens would be a great way to wrap up a full set of accessories. Throughout May, you made your first knit cowl in the round. (Remember all lessons are here.) Then you were able to make a matchy-matchy hat for it, if you wanted. Furthermore, you spent June making a complementary knit hat. Therefore, you were able to build upon your new knitting skills to create a matching accessories set. We think adding mittens to that set will really round things out. You’ll add even more new skills. Plus you’ll end up with a set you can truly take pride in.

Crocheter’s Edge

Crocheters Tips to Learn Knitting

The biggest edge that you have at this point, honestly, is that you’re bicrafty now. You’re not just a crocheter; you also know how to knit. You know how to knit dishcloths, mug rugs, coffee cup sleeves, cowls, and hats. And pretty soon, you’re going to know how to knit mittens.

But here’s what we think you should remember as a crocheter as you continue building your knitting skills:

  • There’s always more to learn in either craft.
  • However, you can choose very simple projects with basic stitches any time that you want.
  • Crochet and knitting both have healing properties. Work them into your daily self-care routine.
  • When you lose your crojo, try a knitting project. And vice versa.
  • Crochet and knitting are both tough on the hands and the posture. Therefore, make sure to take breaks and do exercises.

How to Knit Mittens in Three Steps

To give you an overview of what we’re going to do as we wrap up BiCrafty Bootcamp:

  • This week we’re going to start to learn how to knit mittens. We’ll begin with the cuff.
  • Next week we’re going to add a Latvian braid details. After all, so many of you loved learning that knitting technique. We’ll also learn how to pick up stitches and create the thumb gusset.
  • Finally, in week three of this project, we’ll learn shaping to complete the mittens. We’ll learn duplicate stitch. Moreover, we’ll learn kitchener stitch.

This project will really round out your beginner knitting skills. Plus, you’ll have better experience with DPNs once you complete this project. And guess what that means? Even though BiCrafty Bootcamp is almost over, you’ll be in the perfect position to transition to the upcoming sock knitalong!

BiCrafty Community Mittens

MEASUREMENTS

To Fit Size

Adult Medium Women (Adult Large Women, Adult Large Men)

Hand Circumference: 7-8 (8-9, 9-10) inches [18-20.5 (20.5-23, 23-25.4) cm]

Finished Measurements

Finished Hand Circumference approx: 7 (8, 9) inches [18 (20.5, 23) cm]

Hand Length (not including cuff) approx: 6 (7, 8) inches [15 (18, 20.5) cm]

Gauge 

24 stitches and 30 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch in the round

MATERIALS

Yarn

Red Heart, Chic Sheep by Marly Bird™ (100% washable merino wool; 186 yds [170m], 3.5 oz [100 g]): 2 ball MC, 1 ball CC (optional for Latvian braid).

Needle

US 7 (4.5 mm) set of 5 double pointed needles — or size required for gauge

Hook

US H (5mm) for provisional cast on. 

>> Use Code: MARLYKNITS and get 10% off your order of Signature Needle Arts <<

Notions 

Scrap yarn for holding stitches, stitch markers, tapestry needle

ABBREVIATIONS

BO – Bind Off

CO – Cast On

DPN – Double Pointed Needle

K – Knit

LHN – Left Hand Needle

M1 – Make 1 (1 increase) 

P – Purl

RHN – Right Hand Needle

Skp – slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over knit st

Sk2togp – slip 1 knitwise, k2tog, pass slipped st over knit st

Sl – Slip

SSK – slip, slip, knit

St st – Stockinette Stitch (see pattern stitches)

st(s) – stitches

SPECIAL STITCHES

k2tog: Knit 2 stitches together (1 st decreased).

Provisional Cast-on: Using a crochet hook and scrap yarn, chain desired number of stitches. Fasten off. Using knitting needle, pick up and knit 1 st in each chain, using the back-bump, or spine, of the chain. After piece is completed, you can unravel the crochet chain to reveal, and work from, live stitches at CO edge. Here’s a video to show you how you’ll do this part:

NOTES

  • Sizes are written for the smallest size. If changes are necessary for larger sizes the instructions will be written thus ( ).
  • Mittens are worked in the round from cuff to fingers.

VIDEO TUTORIALS

BICRAFTY COMMUNITY MITTENS PATTERN

CUFF

Using Provisional Cast-on and MC, chain 30 stitches. Skip the first 5 chains, and pick up and knit 21 stitches along the back bump of the chain, leave remaining chains unworked. 

Continue to work the Lacy Arrow stitch along the 21 stitches as follows (or see chart below). 

Chart for Lacy Arrow Stitch 

Row 1 (RS): K3, yo, k2tog, p2, yo, skp, k3, k2tog, yo, p2, k1, yo, k2tog, k2.

Rows 2, 4, 6: K3, yo, skp, k2, p7, k3, yo, skp, k2.

Row 3: K3, yo, k2tog, p2, k1, yo, skp, k1, k2tog, yo, k1, p2, k1, yo, k2tog, k2.

Row 5: K3, yo, k2tog, p2, k2, yo, sk2togp, yo, k2, p2, k1, yo, k2tog, k2.

Repeat rows 1-6 until cuff measures comfortably around wrist or until it measures approx. 7 (8, 9)” [18 (20.5, 23) cm] long ending after a row 6.  

Do not bind off. Place live stitches from cuff on scrap yarn. 

Cut tail leaving at least 24” [61 cm] of length for seaming. 

Position the completed cuff with RS facing, starting at the right corner of the cuff and working along the long edge, pick up and knit 42 (46, 54) stitches evenly spaced with 4 double pointed needles. 

Divide the stitches as evenly as possible across the 4 dpn’s.

Needles #1 and #4 hold the palm stitches, and needles #2 and #3 hold the back of the hand stitches.

Join to work in the round.

Latvian Braid

TIP: You might want to add a lifeline after you complete the Latvian Braid.

Note that the Latvian Braid is an optional decorative detail. It ties this together with the BiCrafty Community Cowl and Hat patterns made during BiCrafty Bootcamp.

Round 1: *K1 MC, K1 CC; rep from * around.

This round forms the “base” of your braid. It isn’t visible from the bottom of the braid, but it is the horizontal line of stitches you see in between each round of twists you’re about to create. Traditionally you work the same color on Round 1 as it is worked on Round 2, (MC over MC, CC over CC, etc). Bring both yarns to the front of the work.

Round 2: *P1 MC. Bring CC under MC (twisting yarns), P1 CC. Bring MC under CC (twisting yarns); repeat from * around.

Reminder: Do not take the time here to untwist the yarns. They will become untwisted on Round 3 when you switch the direction of twist.

Round 3: *P1 MC, bring CC over MC (twisting yarns), P1 CC, bring CC over MC (twisting yarns); rep from * around.

If done correctly, once you have worked every stitch in the round, your two yarns will become totally untwisted, ready to work in whatever patterning is called for on subsequent rounds. 

Cut CC. Continue with MC.Next Round: Knit around.

How to Knit Mittens: Video

Additional Patterns and Videos

At this stage of BiCrafty Bootcamp, some of the things that you might to check out include:

Crochet Octopus Pattern? 10 Worthy Reasons!

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The crochet octopus pattern is trending. Honestly, this has been a hot trend for a while now. However, even trends go in ebbs and flows. And this one seems to be taking off again right now. So, we thought we’d share our top ten reasons to make a crochet octopus. Plus, we’ll link you up to all of the best crochet octopus patterns out there.

crochet octopus for preemies

#1 Reason to Make a Crochet Octopus

If you don’t know why the crochet octopus is a hot trend, then you need to learn about crochet octopi for preemie babies. In recent years, many hospitals have begun to accept these unique donations. Preemie babies struggle a lot in the hospital. They’re so young that really they’re biologically supposed to still be in the womb. They’re scared and overwhelmed. Hooked up to many monitors, they often try to pull out their tubes. However, research indicates that cuddling with a colorful crochet octopus can significantly help these tiny babies.

Why Crochet Octopus for Preemies

Here are some of the reasons that researchers and hospital staff believe that the crochet octopus pattern, in particular, helps preemie babies:

  • The soft tentacles remind the babies of the umbilical cord. Their bodies remember the comfort of the womb. Therefore, the toys help reduce their stress, induce calm, and thus aid in healing.
  • Playing with the octopus toy keeps the baby’s hands busy. Therefore, they’re less likely to pull out their tubes.
  • They fit safely inside incubators, keeping babies company when they can’t have a lot of physical human contact.
  • Overall, the babies are calmer. As a result, their heartbeat and breathing are regulated. This is critical for their health improvements since these are two of the biggest issues for preemie babies.

9 Other Reasons to Crochet Octopi

So, the best reason to work from a crochet octopus pattern is because you can donate the finished item to a preemie baby. But here are nine other reasons to crochet octopi:

  1. It’s a unique project. Obviously, it’s always fun to make something you’ve never made before.
  2. Creating the tentacles in different ways can invigorate your creativity.
  3. They’re a terrific gift for children of any age. They’re comforting for more than just babies.
  4. In fact, adults might like a crochet octopus as well. The film, “My Octopus Teacher,” has ignited people’s passion for this fantastic animal. You might even feel inspired by putting a small one on your desk.
  5. If you have a themed party to plan, the octopus fits perfectly for ocean/summer events.
  6. You can make them in any color. And depending on the recipient, you can make them in any yarn. Therefore, the crochet octopus pattern is an ideal stashbuster.
  7. It’ll stop the scroll. If you share your finished crochet octopus on social media, you’ll likely get good engagement on those posts. They’re just too cute to resist.
  8. Many of these projects work up quickly. It’s always satisfying to start and finish a project on the same day.
  9. It’s cute! Really, how could you be sad making a crochet octopus? It’ll brighten your day!

Best Crochet Octopus Patterns

Okay, so you’re sold. Now, where do you get a crochet octopus pattern to work with? First, head over to our roundup of 44 free ocean animal crochet and knit patterns. You’ll find more than half a dozen octopus patterns on the list.

Octopus for a Preemie is a UK organization that accepts donations for hospitals. They have patterns available on their site.

Octo Project on Ravelry is a worldwide project to donate crochet octopi to preemie babies in the NICU. They link to two patterns and a video tutorial.

Knitting for Charity has additional information about crochet octopus patterns for donation.

Or, if you want some good roundups for octopus crochet patterns, then check out DIY Craftsy, Derpy Monster, and The Spruce Crafts.

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Jimmy Beans Wool SmartStix Interchangeables Knitting Needles Review

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We are so lucky to have so many wonderful sponsors for BiCrafty Bootcamp! We reached out and asked for the knitting needles that we really wanted to share with you and some great companies responded. In the past month, the Marly Bird team began working with Jimmy Beans Wool SmartStix Interchangeables. Team Marly member Cryssi especially loved these needles, which we mentioned briefly in yesterday’s Month Three Learning to Knit Thoughts from the team.

Tape Measure On Your Knitting Needle

Cryssi’s favorite thing about the Jimmy Beans Wool SmartStix Interchangeables is one of their most unique features: they’re a knitting needle and tape measure in one. The needles as well as the cords have marking at 1″ intervals. Therefore, you can use the needles / cords to measure your work as you go. You don’t need to carry a separate measuring tape with you. It’s so simple and yet so genius. This is one of those things that knitters create when they want to solve a problem that a non-knitter might not even realize is a problem.

Jimmy Beans Wool Is a Special Company

Jimmy Beans Wool SmartStix Interchangeables

We love working with small businesses and Jimmy Beans Wool really stands out. Laura Zander launched the company with her husband in 2002. They steadily, strategically added to the business and now employee about 75 people.

In addition to their own yarn and products, they’ve acquired Madelinetosh, della Q, and Namaste. As a fun fact, Laura was (and is) friends with all of their original owners. This is truly a family business even as it grows. Meet the team here.

They offer the Beans for Brains scholarship. This is a college scholarship for creative, artistic individuals.

They have a Broken Needle Exchange Program. In other words, in the unlikely even that you break one of their knitting needles – they will replace it for you at no charge.

And they support all kinds of great causes and beliefs.

Jimmy Beans Wool SmartStix Interchangeables + More

SmartStix Interchangeables knitting needles review

So you already know that Jimmy Beans Wool works with cool people to create interesting products. Laura Zander was on a trip to India with general manager Shannon Flores when she realized that she had forgotten her tape measure. They solved the problem by marking the needles every inch. Realizing the genius of this, they partnered together and SmartStix was born.

Jimmy Beans Wool SmartStix Interchangeables

Jimmy Beans Wool SmartStix Interchangeables

SmartStix is a line of products. It’s more than just the Jimmy Beans Wool SmartStix Interchangeables that we used here at the Marly Bird team. But let’s start by talking about those. The full set is color coded with 9 sizes of alluminum needles: 4 – 11 plus one 10.5 size.

Additionally, there are four cable cords: 1 20″, 2 24″ and 1 32″. Therefore, you could mix and match to have 24″ size 5 needles, 20″ size 10 needles, 32″ size 4 needles, etc.

In addition, the full Jimmy Beans Wool SmartStix Interchangeables set comes with cord keys and end stoppers. They’re all corralled neatly into a terrific fabric case that keeps everything really well organized. Kathryn, in particular, appreciated how easily so many materials stayed organized.

Other SmartStix Products

First of all, you don’t have to buy the SmartStix Interchangeables as a set. You can buy the needle sizes that you need and the cords that you want separately. The needles come in sizes 2.5 – 11. The cords come as aforementioned plus they have additional sizes. Finally, in addition to the aluminum needles that we used here at Marly Bird, they have wooden SmartStix Interchangeables.

Jimmy Beans Wool SmartStix Interchangeables wooden

You’ll also discover that there are SmartStix DPNs. They offer 5″ and 8″ DPNs in sets of five each. They range from US O (2 mm) to US 9 (5.5 mm).

Moreover, there are even SmartStix crochet hooks! That’s right, you can measure your crochet work as you go, too. They have 5″ and 6″ crochet hooks. Each come in four sizes ranging from about B-D. See our crochet hooks chart here.

All in all, we think these are a really smart product. They work well. They store easily. And they’re truly made to solve a simple problem for knitters (and crocheters alike).

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