Baby Football

Materials:

3 ply fingering yarn - ½ oz. White(W), 6 yds blue(B)

Knitting needles size 3

Steel crochet hook size 2

Fiberfill for stuffing

Tapestry needle

Gauge: 8 sts = 1"; 9 rows = 1"

Football: Note: Football is worked in garter st(k each row).

First section: With W, cast on 3 sts. Working in garter st, inc 1 st of each side every row 4 times(11 sts). Inc 1 st each side every 5^th row 5 times(21 sts). Work even until 40 rows (20 rides) from start. Dec 1 st each side every 5^th row 5 times, then dec 1 st each side every other row 4 times(3 sts). Bind off. Make 3 more sections same way.

Finishing: Sew sections tog, leaving a 2" opening in center of one seam. Turn seams to inside; stuff with fiberfill. Weave opening closed.

With B and crochet hook, make chain 11" long. Fasten off leaving end for threading; thread needle and, beg at 12^th ridge from end, lace chain over seam about ½" each side of seam. Make 6 lacings 3 ridges apart. With B and tapestry needle, embroider in chain st ( college or monogram above lacing, college year or birth date below lacing. With B, embroider a chain st strip around each end along 6^th ridge.