Learn How to Make Reusable Water Balloons

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Choosing the Right Yarn for Knit Water Balloons
3. Knitting the Tube
4. Creating the Frilly Edges
5. Finishing the Edge
6. Removing the Waste Yarn
7. Cinching the Top Part Closed
8. Adding a Drawstring
9. Creating Packaging for the Water Balloons
10. Conclusion

How to Make Reusable Knit Water Balloons

Water balloon fights are a classic summer activity that brings joy and laughter to both kids and adults. However, the single-use nature of traditional water balloons can be wasteful and harmful to the environment. In this article, I will show you how to make your own reusable knit water balloons using a knitting machine.

1. Introduction

Water balloons are a fun way to cool off during hot summer days. However, the constant need to buy and fill up new balloons can be a hassle and create unnecessary waste. By making knit water balloons, you can reduce waste while still enjoying the thrill of a water balloon fight.

2. Choosing the Right Yarn for Knit Water Balloons

Before you start knitting your water balloons, it's important to choose the right yarn. I recommend using Bernat Bundle Up yarn for its machine wash and dry properties. However, you can also use other yarns like Bernat Baby Rainbow or Yarn Bee's Breathe Deep, as they work well too. The key is to use yarns that slide through the knitting machine easily to ensure smooth knitting.

3. Knitting the Tube

To start creating your knit water balloons, you'll need to knit a tube. Using the Bernat Bundle Up yarn, knit 43 rounds on your knitting machine. Unlike traditional knitting, you don't need to use waste yarn when casting on. Simply cast on normally and leave a long tail to work with.

4. Creating the Frilly Edges

The frilly edges of the water balloons create a unique and playful look. To create these frills, you need to cinch the cast-on edge slightly and bring the tail yarn up to a few stitches from the cast-off edge. Thread the tail yarn onto a darning needle and loop it around, creating a single-layer frill. This frill is followed by a double-layered tube for the main body of the water balloon.

5. Finishing the Edge

Once you have created the frilly edge, it's time to finish it off. Using a crochet hook, close the stitches by doing slip stitches. Insert the crochet hook into one of the bumps along the frill, grab the yarn, and pull it through to complete a slip stitch. Repeat this process all the way around until you reach the beginning. Make sure to secure all the stitches by going back through them before tying off the yarn.

6. Removing the Waste Yarn

To remove the waste yarn, carefully pull it off the knitted tube. This will reveal the completed knit water balloon with its frilly edge and double-layered body. Make sure to take your time and be gentle to avoid damaging the stitches.

7. Cinching the Top Part Closed

To close the top part of the water balloon, you can use the tail yarn that was cut off earlier. Thread it onto a darning needle and create a drawstring by picking up every other stitch along the folded edge of the tube. Once you reach the beginning, tighten the drawstring and secure it with a knot. This will create a rounded top for the water balloon.

8. Adding a Drawstring

To further secure the top part of the water balloon, insert the tail yarn back onto the darning needle and randomly go through a few stitches, making the top smaller and more rounded. Tie off the yarn with a few knots and hide the yarn tails on the inside of the water balloon.

9. Creating Packaging for the Water Balloons

If you plan on selling your knit water balloons or giving them as gifts, it's a good idea to create packaging. Use tags or wraps to label the water balloons and explain their reusable nature. This will help customers or recipients understand what they are and how to use them effectively.

10. Conclusion

Knitting reusable water balloons is a creative and eco-friendly alternative to traditional single-use balloons. By following these steps, you can create your own knit water balloons and enjoy endless fun without unnecessary waste. Get ready for exciting water balloon fights without harming the environment.

Highlights:

• Create reusable knit water balloons using a knitting machine
• Choose the right yarn for smooth knitting
• Knit a tube with frilly edges and a double-layered body
• Finish the edges using slip stitches
• Cinch the top part closed and add a drawstring
• Create packaging to label and explain the water balloons

FAQ:

Q: Can I use any yarn for knitting water balloons? A: It's recommended to use yarns that slide easily through the knitting machine, such as Bernat Bundle Up, Bernat Baby Rainbow, or Yarn Bee's Breathe Deep.

Q: How do I secure the top part of the water balloon? A: You can use the tail yarn to create a drawstring and tighten it to close the top part. For a rounded look, randomly go through a few stitches with the yarn and tie it off.

Q: Can I wash the knit water balloons? A: Yes, you can machine wash and dry the knit water balloons made with Bernat Bundle Up yarn. Other yarns may have different washing instructions, so check the label for guidance.