Patchwork Puzzle Balls

Steps:

Note: This Patchwork Puzzle ball is made up of eight hexagons and six squares. The design stands out best when there is a sharp contrast between the squares and hexagons. Jinny Beyer recommends that the squares be either very dark or very light.

1. Cut six squares from the darkest (or lightest) fabric with the square template.

2. Cut eight hexagons (two from each fabric) from the remaining fabric with the hexagon template.

3. Make a fabric chart to avoid confusion.

4. Lay out the pieces into two halves according to diagram #1 (map). Follow the diagram so that identical hexagons don't touch each other and to ensure that opposite colors line up.

5. Sew the pieces in each section together. Place a pin in fabric #5 in section #1 and fabric #2 in section #2. This is where the two half balls will later be joined. Tip: Hand-sew with thread the same color of the darker fabrics.

6. Join the seams together as indicated on diagram #2 to complete the two halves of the balls.

7. Join the two halves, right sides together, at the pins and stitch the halves together leaving a small opening.

8. Turn the ball right side out and stuff with 100 percent cotton stuffing. Wisp the stuffing and put it into the ball in small portions. Pack the stuffing in tightly with the aid of a chopstick. Stuff and stuff and then stuff some more. The ball should be firm to hold its shape. Tip: Adding stuffing in small portions prevents the stuffing from becoming lumpy.

9. Once it is fully stuffed, if desired, insert a noisemaker and then whipstitch the opening closed.

10. When finished, place the ball in the clothes dryer along with a damp towel and tumble for five minutes. Repeat as necessary if the ball becomes out of shape.