Learn to crochet basketball appliques easily!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Materials Needed
3. Making the Basketball Appliques
   1. Round One: Creating the Magic Ring
   2. Round Two: Half Double Crochet Stitches
   3. Round Three: Increasing Stitch Count
4. Embroidering the Basketball Stitching
5. Finishing Touches
6. Alternative Ideas for Appliques
7. Conclusion

How to Make Easy Crochet Basketball Appliques

Crochet appliques are a fun and versatile way to add a touch of creativity to your sewing projects. In this tutorial, I will guide you step-by-step through the process of making super easy three-round little basketball appliques. These appliques can be sewn onto various items or strung together to create a basketball-themed garland, perfect for March Madness.

Materials Needed

To make these basketball appliques, you will need:

• Orange yarn for the main basketball
• Black yarn for the embroidered stitching
• 5mm crochet hook
• Yarn needle
• Scissors

Making the Basketball Appliques

Round One: Creating the Magic Ring

To start, we will create a magic ring. Begin by making a slip knot and placing it on your crochet hook. Chain one to close the ring, and chain one more. This will form the initial loop for your magic ring. Next, yarn over and work eight half double crochets into the ring. Pull the ring closed and join to the first stitch. Note that the initial chain-two does not count as a half double crochet.

Round Two: Half Double Crochet Stitches

For the second round, chain two and work a half double crochet into the same stitch where you chained from. Then, work two half double crochets into each stitch around. By the end of this round, you should have a total of 16 half double crochet stitches.

Round Three: Increasing Stitch Count

In round three, chain two and work a half double crochet into the same stitch where you chained from. This will count as two half double crochets into that first stitch. In the next stitch, work one half double crochet. Repeat this pattern of two half double crochets and one half double crochet in the following stitches until you have completed the round. By the end, you should have a total of 24 stitches.

Embroidering the Basketball Stitching

To add the signature basketball stitching to your appliques, take a fairly long piece of black yarn and thread it through a yarn needle. Choose a starting point on your orange circle, preferably towards the bottom. Insert the needle from the bottom and pull the yarn all the way up. Leave a tail for weaving in later.

Next, begin stitching from the bottom up, making sure to go through the center at some point. Find a path that allows you to create a straight line as much as possible. Continue stitching up and down the center until you reach the top.

For the side stitching, start by going between two ends of the previous stitching in the middle quadrant. Hold your finger where you want the curve to be and insert the needle nearby. Cross over all the previous stitches to secure and create a curved effect. Repeat this process on the other side as well.

Finishing Touches

Once you have completed the embroidery, cut the yarn, leaving a small tail. Weave in all the loose ends to secure them. If desired, you can make more than one applique and stitch them together, creating a double-sided design. For a more rounded effect, you can add a bit of stuffing before stitching the appliques together.

Alternative Ideas for Appliques

Apart from sewing the basketball appliques onto various items, you can explore alternative uses for them. Consider stringing several appliques together to create a basketball-themed garland for special occasions like March Madness. You can also use these appliques as decorations on bags, hats, or even as cool accessories on clothing items.

Conclusion

Creating crochet appliques is a simple and enjoyable craft activity that allows you to personalize your sewing projects. By following this tutorial, you can easily make super easy three-round little basketball appliques. Add a touch of sports-inspired creativity to your creations. Happy crocheting!