Houndstooth Hot Air Balloon Crochet Free Pattern
Introduction
This houndstooth-inspired hot air balloon mobile is a sweet little project for anyone expecting a baby, decorating a nursery, or looking for a quick, satisfying gift. The balloon is worked in star stitch, which gives it a soft, bumpy texture that looks far more complicated than it really is. Emerald and blush bands alternate every two rows, so the color changes stay simple and beginner-friendly. At just a few inches tall, it works up in an evening or two and looks charming hanging above a crib or changing table.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight cotton. Color A (emerald): 50 yds. Color B (blush): 50 yds.
- Hook: 4.0 mm (G-6)
- Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker, scissors, small amount of polyester fiberfill or a scrap of yarn for stuffing the balloon lightly (optional)
- Finished size: Balloon 4 inches diameter x 5 inches tall; basket 1.5 inches wide x 1 inch tall; total hanging length 12 inches
Abbreviations
- ch — chain
- sl st — slip stitch
- sc — single crochet
- dec — decrease (work two stitches together into one)
- inc — increase (work two single crochet into the same stitch)
- MR — magic ring
- st(s) — stitch(es)
- star st — star stitch (a cluster worked across several stitches to create a star-shaped texture)
Gauge
16 stitches and 16 rows = 4 inches in star stitch pattern. Work a small swatch in star stitch and measure it flat before beginning; adjust your hook size if your gauge is off.
Tips Before You Start
- Star stitch pulls the fabric in slightly, so keep your tension relaxed and even — this keeps the balloon round rather than lopsided.
- Change colors on the last pull-through of the final stitch of a row so the new color starts cleanly at the beginning of the next row.
- Count your star stitches at the end of every row; it is easy to lose one at the join.
- Keep your color changes on the same side of the work so the bands line up neatly when the balloon is sewn together.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Balloon (Colors A and B)
Setup: With A, ch 32, join with sl st to form a ring, being careful not to twist the chain.
R1: Star stitch in each ch around (16 star sts).
R2: Star stitch around (16 star sts). Change to B.
R3: Star stitch around (16 star sts).
R4: Star stitch around (16 star sts). Change to A.
R5: Star stitch around (16 star sts).
R6: Star stitch around (16 star sts). Change to B.
R7: Star stitch around (16 star sts).
R8: Star stitch around (16 star sts). Change to A.
R9: Star stitch around (16 star sts).
R10: Star stitch around (16 star sts).
R11: [Star stitch, dec] around (8 star sts).
R12: Dec around (4 star sts). Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the remaining 4 stitches and pull tight to gather closed.
Top Circle (Color A)
R1: MR, 6 sc into the ring (6 sts).
R2: Inc in each st around (12 sts).
R3: [Sc, inc] x6 (18 sts). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Basket (Color A)
R1: MR, 6 sc into the ring (6 sts).
R2: Inc in each st around (12 sts).
R3: Sc around (12 sts).
R4: [Sc, dec] x4 (8 sts). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Assembly and Finishing
Lightly stuff the balloon with fiberfill or a scrap of yarn if you would like it to hold its shape, then pull the gathered bottom closed. Sew the top circle to the top of the balloon, matching the center of the circle to the center of the balloon opening. Sew the basket to the bottom of the balloon, centering it under the gathered end. Attach a hanging loop to the top circle by chaining 12 and joining with a sl st, or by sewing a short folded length of yarn in place. Weave in all ends securely. Block lightly by misting with water and shaping the balloon round; let it dry fully before hanging.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the emerald and blush for any two contrasting colors to match your nursery palette.
- Make a set of three balloons in different color pairs and hang them at staggered heights for a fuller mobile.
- Add a small crocheted loop of chain between the balloon and basket to suggest ropes, keeping the total hanging length at 12 inches.
