Using color white

R1: 6 sc into a magic circle {6 sts}

Alternate way to begin: chain 2, sc 6 times in 2nd chain from hook {6 sts}

R2: (inc) 6 times {12 sts}

R3: (inc, sc in next st) 6 times {18 sts}

R4: (inc, sc in next 2 sts) 6 times {24 sts}

R5-6: sc in next 24 sts {24 sts}

R7: (dec, sc in next 2 sts) 6 times {18 sts}

R8: sc in next 18 sts {18 sts}

R9: (dec, sc in next st) 6 times {12 sts}

R10: sc in next 12 sts {12 sts}

R11: (dec, sc in next 2 sts) 3 times {9 sts}

R12-13: sc in next 9 sts {9 sts}

R14 will be written out into steps with the whole round written below.

We're going to be connecting ear #2 to ear #1. Grab ear #1 and get ready to crochet into it.

R14: chain 5

R14: starting in the stitch next to the fasten off on ear #1, sc in next 9 sts

R14: with the back bars of the chain stitches facing you, sc in next 5 chain sts

R14: sc in next 9 sts {28 sts} (the bottom 5 chain stitches are included in the stitch count)

R14: chain 5, starting in the stitch next to the fasten off on ear #1 sc in next 9 sts, with the back bars of the chain stitches facing you, sc in next 5 chain sts, sc in next 9 sts {28 sts} (the bottom 5 chain stitches are included in the stitch count)

Tuck in the fastened off piece of ear #1 inside of the ear.

R15: sc in next 5 chains, sc in next 3 sts, inc in next 3 sts, sc in next 11 sts, inc in next 3 sts, sc in next 3 sts {34 sts}

R16: sc in next 10 sts, inc in next 4 sts, sc in next 12 sts, inc in next 4 sts, sc in next 4 sts {42 sts}

R17: (inc, sc in next 6 sts) 6 times {48 sts}

Place a stitch marker when you start R21 to mark that round. R21 is where you will place the eyes.

R18-23: sc in next 48 sts {48 sts}

R24: (dec, sc in next 6 sts) 6 times {42 sts}

R25: (dec, sc in next 5 sts) 6 times {36 sts}

Place 9mm safety eyes between R21 and 22, leaving 9 sts between the eyes.

Stitch on pink nose, over one stitch, between R21 and 22.

R26: (dec, sc in next 4 sts) 6 times {30 sts}

R27: (dec, sc in next 3 sts) 6 times {24 sts}

Place your crochet to the side and fill your stress ball.

Using a funnel, fill a standard sized balloon with poly-pellets or rice. Fill the balloon to about 1.5 inches wide as pictured. Place some poly-fil stuffing behind the eyes to cushion the safety eyes, tuck your balloon into the head and stuff with more poly-fil, as needed, as you crochet. Do not stuff the ears, flatten and indent them.

R28: (dec, sc in next 2 sts) 6 times {18 sts}

R29: (dec, sc in next st) 6 times {12 sts}

R30: (dec) 6 times {6 sts}

Fasten off and leave a long piece of yarn to sew the head shut.

If you need help in closing an amigurumi piece, refer to my tutorial link in the "Pattern Example".

NEXT: Flower

If you like Bunny Stress Ball, make sure to check out my Bea The Bunny Keychain Free Crochet Pattern.