Baby Blue Hot Air Balloon Crochet Free Pattern
Introduction
This palm-sized hot air balloon is a sweet little amigurumi project that looks far more intricate than it actually is. It's written for crocheters who are comfortable with single crochet, increasing, and decreasing, and who want a small, satisfying make that comes together in an evening or two. The striped sphere envelope in baby blue and cotton candy pink gives it a romantic, Victorian feel, while the tiny flat basket and four delicate pink ropes make it look like a miniature heirloom. At about 3.5 inches wide and 4.5 inches tall, it's soft, light, and perfect for a nursery shelf, a mobile, or a small gift.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Fine (2) weight cotton in baby blue (A) and cotton candy pink (B), approximately 20 yards of each color.
- Hooks: 2.75 mm (C-2) and 3.25 mm (D-3).
- Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, polyester fiberfill for stuffing.
- Finished size: Approximately 3.5 inches wide and 4.5 inches tall including the basket.
Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- inc – increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec – decrease (work 2 stitches together into 1)
- MR – magic ring
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- FO – fasten off
Gauge
Gauge is not critical for this pattern; the finished balloon is approximately 3.5 inches wide. To check your tension, work a few rounds of single crochet in the round with your chosen hook and confirm the fabric is dense enough that the stuffing does not show through.
Tips Before You Start
- Use a stitch marker at the beginning of each round so you don't lose your place in the long straight section.
- Change colors on the last stitch of the previous round for a cleaner stripe line.
- Stuff the envelope firmly but gradually as you decrease, so the sphere keeps a smooth, round shape.
- Keep your tension even on the ropes so all four hang the same length.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Envelope (A and B)
Work in continuous rounds with A unless otherwise stated.
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6 sts).
Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts).
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x6 (24 sts).
Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] x6 (30 sts).
Rnd 6: [4 sc, inc] x6 (36 sts).
Rnd 7: [5 sc, inc] x6 (42 sts).
Rnds 8-10: sc in each st around (42 sts). Change to B.
Rnds 11-13: sc in each st around (42 sts). Change to A.
Rnds 14-16: sc in each st around (42 sts). Change to B.
Rnds 17-19: sc in each st around (42 sts). Change to A.
Rnds 20-22: sc in each st around (42 sts). Change to B.
Rnds 23-25: sc in each st around (42 sts). Change to A.
Rnd 26: [5 sc, dec] x6 (36 sts).
Rnd 27: [4 sc, dec] x6 (30 sts).
Rnd 28: [3 sc, dec] x6 (24 sts).
Rnd 29: [2 sc, dec] x6 (18 sts).
Rnd 30: [sc, dec] x6 (12 sts). Stuff firmly.
Rnd 31: dec x6 (6 sts). FO, close the remaining opening.
Basket (A)
Work with A in rows.
Row 1: Ch 7, sc in 2nd ch from hook, 4 sc, 3 sc in last ch, turn, 4 sc, 2 sc in last ch (14 sts).
Row 2: sc in each st around (14 sts).
Row 3: sc in each st around (14 sts). FO.
Ropes (B)
Make 4.
Rope: Ch 10, sl st in each ch across. FO.
Assembly and Finishing
Attach one end of each rope to a corner of the basket, then attach the other end to the bottom of the envelope, spacing the four attachment points evenly around the base. Adjust the ropes so the basket hangs level, then secure with a few small stitches using your tapestry needle. Weave in all ends on the wrong side. Lightly shape the envelope with your fingers and steam or mist block the balloon and basket, allowing it to dry fully before hanging or displaying.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the stripe colors for a sunset palette of peach, cream, and gold for a different mood.
- Use a 3.25 mm hook for a slightly larger, softer balloon, or the 2.75 mm hook for a firmer, more defined shape.
- Add a short length of embroidery floss as a hanging loop at the top of the envelope to turn it into an ornament.
