This Victorian ball features short rows and Brioche stitch (referred to as patent stitch in the original pattern). Originally published in Harper’s Bazar in 1878, it was plagiarized by Mrs. Jane Weaver for Peterson’s Magazine the following year. Unfortunately, the plagiarized version was poorly written, missing information, and thoroughly confusing. Peterson’s Magazine also chose the wrong illustration to accompany the pattern. (!)

The ball can be knit in any wool-based Aran, Worsted, or DK weight in three colors. By changing the yarn and needles used for this pattern, you can easily adapt its size. Use as Holiday decorations, stress balls, dryer balls, or toys for kids. It’s easily memorized and knits up in a few hours.

It could also easily be made smaller and used for a hack sack or footbag.