July is the month for picnics, fireworks and lazy days spent at the beach. This beach ball pincushion is a quick and easy knit and felt project. A great gift for any pincushion lover. Or how about including a felted ball in a baby gift for that special newborn in your life.

The felted pincushion measures about 3.5-inch / 8.89 cm wide. Knitting begins at one side to create a stockinette stitch stripe. Short rows help give the striped ball its shape. Once knit, the ‘live’ edge is sewn to the beginning cast-on edge using the half-grafting method. The ball’s ends are then synched shut. The felted ball is stuffed and if desired, a jingle bell may be added. The ball’s end panels are stitched on, and optional ‘stars & stripes’ are embroidered for added texture and detailing. A sampling of red-white-and-blue-themed pins are the finishing touch!