dog ball pattern

In an attempt to use up leftover yarn, I decided to knit some toys for my dog. Nice and soft for playing indoors and because they are felted a bit more durable.
Here is the pattern, perhaps more suitable for a smallish dog.

DOG BALL

THIS PATTERN IS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED ONLY FOR PERSONAL OF CHARITABLE USE
ITEMS KNITTED FROM THIS PATTERN CANNOT BE SOLD FOR PROFIT
DO NOT REPRODUCE OR USE FOR ANY COMMERCIAL USE 

Approximate dimensions - 18cms diameter, finished size will depend on the 
intensity of felting.

ALL PLAY MUST BE SUPERVISED - BALL DOES CONTAIN TOY STUFFING

MATERIALS 

Wash+ Filz -it! wool (not the fine type)

four 6.5 mm (US 10.5) dpns

small squeak

polyester toy stuffing

stitch marker

tapestry needle

ABBREVIATIONS 
rd – round
rep - repeat
k- knit
st(s) – stitch(es)
kfb –  increase, knit front and back
M1 – increase, make one
k2tog – decrease, knit two together

INSTRUCTIONS 
Cast on 8 sts, leaving a long yarn tail.
Divide between three needles (2, 2, 4), join in the rd and place stitch marker.
Rd 1: (kfb) rep to end of rd  (16 sts).
Rd 2: k.
Rd 3: (k2, M1) rep to end of rd  (24 sts).
Rd 4: k.
Rd 5: (k3, M1) rep to end of rd  (32 sts).
Rds 6 – 8: k three rds, change yarn if knitting two tone ball.
Rds 9 – 11: k three rds.
Rd 12: (k2, k2tog) rep to end of rd  (24 sts).
Rd 13: k.
Rd 14: (k1, k2tog) rep to end of rd  (16 sts).
Rd 15: k.
Stuff inside ball and insert squeak.
Rd 16: (k2tog) rep to end of rd  (8 sts).
Add a little more stuffing. Break yarn and with tapestry needle, thread the yarn 
end through the stitches on the three knitting needles. Pull tight, secure with few stitches and loose yarn inside ball. 

With the yarn tail at the cast on edge to close the opening. Sew small running
stitches round the edge, pull tight, secure and loose yarn inside ball.

TO FELT 
Felting is done in the washing machine.
I used a cotton cycle to felt.

With the balls use washing powder, a squirt of washing up liquid and an old towel or pair of jeans.
If using more than one colour of yarn use a colour catcher sheet, put inside a mesh bag.
After going through the cycle, if the balls aren’t felted enough put them in again for another wash.
When they come out push and massage into shape.

copyright Alison Hogg 2018