Knit Lemon Stress Ball

Materials:

• Red Heart Super Saver by Coats & Clark, 7oz/198g skein, each approximately 364 yards/333 meters (acrylic)
  • 1 skein in #E300_324 Bright Yellow (MC)
  • 1 skein in #E300_672 Spring Green (CC)
    • Note: Approximately 18 yards (16.5 meters) of MC and 1 yard (91.4 cm) of CC used to make 1 lemon
• One set (4) size 7 (4.5mm) double-pointed needles (dpn) OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE
• Stitch marker

Measurements: Approximately 4.5 in. (11.4 cm) long and 2.5 in. (6.4 cm) wide.

Abbreviations:

CC = Contrasting color

dec = decrease

dpn = double pointed needles

in(s) = inch(es)

inc = increase

k = knit

k2tog = knit 2 together

kfb = Knit into front and back of stitch

LH = left hand

M1 = Insert LH needle from back to front under the strand between last stitch worked and next stitch on LH needle. Knit into the front loop to twist the stitch.

MC = Main color

RH = right hand

rnd(s) = round(s)

st(s) = stitch(es)

Gauge: 28 sts = 5 in. (12.7 cm) and 7 rnds = 4 in, (10 cm). Take the time to check your gauge.

Single Cast On

1. Place a slip knot on the RH needle, leaving a short tail. Wrap the yarn from the ball around your left thumb from front to back and secure it in your palm with your other fingers.
2. Insert the needle upwards through the strand on your thumb.
3. Slip this loop from your thumb onto the needle, pulling the yarn from the ball to tighten it.
4. Continue in this way until all the stitches are cast on.

Instructions

Lemon

With CC and single cast on method, cast on 5 sts.

Stem

I-cord row 1: Slide sts to RH end of dpn, slip the slip knot onto RH needle.

Pull the end tightly from the end of the row, k to end. Slide stitches to RH end of dpn.

I-cord row 2: Drop the slip knot, (kfb, k1) twice—6 sts. Pull on tail to release slip knot and tighten i-cord. Distribute evenly over 3 dpns. Place marker for beginning of rnd and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Next rnd: Knit.

Cut CC and attach MC.

Body

Rnd 1: Knit.

Rnd (inc) 2: (K1, M1, k1) 3 times around—9 sts.

Rnd 3: Knit.

Rnd (inc) 4: (K1, M1) 9 times around–18 sts.

Rnds 5–7: Knit.

Rnd (inc) 8: (K2, M1, k1) 6 times around—24 sts.

Rnds 9: Knit.

Rnd (inc) 10: (K5, M1, k7) twice around—26 sts.

Rnd (inc) 11: (K7, M1, k6) twice around—28 sts.

Work even until lemon measures 4 in. (10 cm) from beginning.

Dec rnd 1: (K2tog, k5) 4 times around—24 sts.

Next rnd: Knit.

Stuff lemon firmly. Additional stuffing may be added as necessary while decreasing as follows:

Dec rnd 2: (K2, k2tog) 6 times around—18 sts.

Dec rnd 3: (K2tog) 9 times around—9 sts.

Next 2 rnds: Knit.

Dec rnd 4: (K2tog, k1) around—6 sts. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread yarn through remaining stitches and pull tight to close. Weave in ends.

Knitting Video

Don't forget to show off your lovely lemon when you’re done! Post a pic of it along with the hashtag #StitchAwayStress and #lemonstressball on social media!