How to Sew an Amish Puzzle Ball

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Obtain about a quarter yard (22.8cm) of closely woven fabric.

   Cotton and felts work best, but you can make this from nearly any material once you get the hang of it. , from your fabric.
   
   The shapes should be approximately 2 inches (5cm) long and one inch (2.5cm) wide.
   
   Important:
   Make all of the football shapes exactly the same size, and allow an extra 1/4 inch (1/2 cm) for the seams. 12 shapes from each of three different colors works very nicely for this project. , If sewing by hand, take care to make your stitches very small and even to prevent problems later.
   
   Note:
   Begin and end the seam a seam allowance width from the point to prevent bunching when sewing and turning. ,, With right sides facing, sew one long edge together., This will create a three sided wedge which resembles a (somewhat fat) orange section.
   
   If using three fabrics, use one fabric per side of your wedges so that you can "change colors" on the ball later. ,,,,,,,, Almost done... just one set of points left to be sewn. , Add embellishments such as buttons or ribbon ties if you like, but be aware that you should not give a button encrusted ball to a very small child who may choke on the buttons.
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   Step 2: Cut 36 football shapes (American football

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   Step 3: not soccer!)

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   Step 4: With "right sides"

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   Step 5: or patterned side

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   Step 6: of the fabric together

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   Step 7: stitch two pieces together along one edge.

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   Step 8: Fold the current pair open as shown.

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   Step 9: Place the third piece over the opening

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    Step 10: with edges aligned.

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    Step 11: Unfold the remaining edge and sew half a side of it to the third piece (leaving an opening for stuffing).

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    Step 12: Sew all 12 wedges in a similar manner.

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    Step 13: Clip the points of the wedges away before turning to prevent bunching.

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    Step 14: Turn the seams to the middle and the "right" or patterned side out.

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    Step 15: Stuff firmly with batting and stitch closed carefully.

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    Step 16: Attach the wedges to each other by their end points.

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    Step 17: Form a triangle from each group of three wedges by sewing their points together end to end.

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    Step 18: Join each wedge triangle to another group at the points

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    Step 19: forming a cross or "X" shape.

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    Step 20: When all points are sewn together

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    Step 21: the wedges will resemble a ball in shape.

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    Step 22: Note that the ball can "change" colors

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    Step 23: by turning the wedges so that a different cloth faces out.

Detailed Guide

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