How to Make a Felt Ball Mobile

Add colorful charm to a kid's room or nursery with this simple, colorful mobile.

Make a Colorful Felt Ball Mobile

Felt Ball Mobile

Create a colorful felt ball mobile

Photo by: Sam Henderson

Sam Henderson

Materials Needed:

  • 14"-16" embroidery ring
  • measuring tape
  • pencil
  • 10 yards rattail nylon cord
  • scissors
  • yarn needle
  • 50-60 multi-colored felt balls in various sizes
  • transparent tape

Preparing the frame

Make a Colorful Felt Ball Mobile

Felt Ball Mobile

Create a colorful felt ball mobile

Photo by: Sam Henderson

Sam Henderson

Remove the outer ring from the embroidery ring set. Measure the distance around the circumference of the inner ring. Divide the total distance by nine. Use that number to mark nine evenly spaced spots on the top rim of the inner ring.

Stringing the felt balls

Cut six pieces of cord at varying lengths between 18 and 24 inches. (Image 1) Cut the remaining cord into three 36” pieces. Divide the felt balls into nine random groups of color and size. Lay the balls in nine parallel lines and arrange them in the desired pattern. Thread the yarn needle with cord and thread the balls in order on each string. (Image 2) Group some together and leave space between some for a random pattern overall.

Adding the balls to the frame

Tie a knot at the bottom of each string with a very small amount of tail. (Image 1) Wrap the top of the string over the outside of the ring and then around the right and left side of the first pass, finishing with the tail facing upwards and on the outside of the ring. (Image 2) Use a small piece of tape to hold the tail in place. Attach the next of the six shorter strings in the same manner. For the third string, attach one of the long 36 inch strings 16"-18" below the ring and a long tail above the ring. Repeat the process two more times using two small stings and then a long string. Place the outer ring over the inner ring and tighten it securely. (Image 3) Remove the small pieces of tape and snip the tails of the short strings as close to the rings as possible, leaving the three long tails intact.

Creating the hanger

Gather the three long strings together and hold the mobile up. Use one of the strings to tie a knot around the other two long strings about 16 inches from the top of the ring. (Image 1) Pull the other strings as necessary to make the top of the ring balanced and level and then tighten the knot.
Lay the mobile on a flat surface and braid the three long pieces of cord together to make the hanger. (Image 2) Tie a knot at the end of the braid. Tie a loop with the braid to place over a hook in the ceiling.

Finishing the project

Make adjustments in the pattern by sliding the balls up and down on the strings to achieve the desired design. 

Make a Colorful Felt Ball Mobile

Felt Ball Mobile

Create a colorful felt ball mobile

Photo by: Sam Henderson

Sam Henderson

Next Up

How to Make a Tent Bed

Inspire a spirit of adventure or just create a cozy hideaway for your kid with this adorable tent bed.

How to Make a Video Game Station

Build a video gaming station for a child or teen's bedroom with all of necessary conveniences for hours of play.

How to Make a Hanging Desk

Whether used for saving space or just a great way to disguise clutter, this hanging, folding desk is a clever work space solution for the bedroom.

How I Fit a Baby Into My Tiny NYC Apartment

When you live in a 750-square-foot space, every inch counts.

The Best Changing Table Dressers for Your Nursery

Make the most of your nursery's square footage with a multipurpose dresser that also doubles as your changing table.

HGTV's Kim Wolfe Called on Her 'Survivor' Bestie to Help With a Special Nursery Design

If you can survive on an island together, you can put a crib together, right?

The Best Stylish and Safe Bassinets for Baby in 2023

Bring your newborn home to a sweet cradle that's pretty, practical and most importantly, safe.

Inside Christina Hall's Most Personal Makeover from 'Christina on the Coast' Season 4

Christina's longtime BFF Cassie Schienle is ready to be a mom of two — thanks to this adorable nursery design by Christina. Take a tour and shop the look.

How to Make a Scrunchie

Scrunchies are a classic beginner sewing project. Fun and easy to make, practice your sewing skills and impress your friends at the same time with this unique hair scrunchie.

How to Make a Paper Airplane

Learn the simple steps for high-flying fun with this tutorial on five basic paper airplane patterns.

More from:

Design & Decorate

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.