Washable Water Balloons

Materials:

Bernat Blanket yarn 
Size N/P hook (10.00mm)
Tapestry needle (for weaving ends)
Scissors


Terms to Know:

ch - chain
st - stitch
slst - slip stitch
sc - single crochet
dc - double crochet
dc2tog - double crochet 2 together

Pattern (written in US terms):

Chain 3

Round 1: 8 DC in the third loop from the hook (Note: this is my "Magic Circle" shortcut); slst to join to the first st

Round 2: Ch 2; 2 DC in each st all the way around; slst to join (16 total stitches in this round)

Round 3: Ch 2; DC in each st all the way around; slst to join (16 sts total)

Round 4: Ch 2; DC in each st all the way around; slst to join (16 sts total)

Round 5: Ch 2; DC2TOG all the way around; slst to join (8 sts total)

Round 6: Ch 2; DC2TOG around; slst to join (4 sts total)

Round 7: Ch 1; 2 SC in each st around; slst to join (8 sts total)

Leave a long tail. Break the yarn and wrap the yarn several times around the "neck" of the balloon before tying off and weaving in the ends. (This really accentuates the balloon look, in my opinion.)


The Wordy Bit

Aren't these adorable? And I know there are loads of patterns out there...many of them are the same, too. But this one really looks like a balloon. The best part is that Bernat Blanket comes in such a huge selection. I was able to make these pseudo-rainbow balloons--each color section gives 2 solid colored balloons and then there are a couple transition balloons in multiple colors. 


I also picked up a couple cakes of this purple/pink/white/orange yarn, since it looks very "unicorn" according to my daughter. She wanted both, and I figured it'd be nice to have a lot on hand. That way, we can cycle them in and out. These are easily machine washable (and dryable), and can be sanitized with color-safe bleach, if need be. 


I like these way better than normal water balloons. I've never liked balloons, personally, and when you look at how water balloons can damage the local water treatment plants, wildlife, plants...the reasons to find an alternative really add up quick. This is a fantastic substitute. All you need is a bucket of water to dip them in, and then throw to your hearts' content!

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