Interesting, I always assumed they were knitted.
But, I am wrong more often these days than I am right.

It may be possible to make them by either process. I refer to my grandmother for these things, because, although I am crochety, I don't crochet. She was crochety and did crochet.

I have 3 or 4 sets of the Josh Monkey Fist balls from The Ambitious Card and I am more than pleased! Feel good, look good and I've never heard em utter a peep! The extra "special" ball has just the right amount of grip with ANY of my chop cups!
As for crocheted balls I prefer my RNT2's to any of the sets that came with my other cups! Marci does a bang up job making then for Jakes cups!

For the last 10 years (?) I have used the Mike Rodgers Baseballs. I just ordered a set of monkey fist balls from Frank. Looking forward to the change!

The correct, as sold, major diameter for the manipulation balls is 1.125 (1-1/8") not 1.25"

Bill

I made my own leather 1-inch baseball from real leather using a wooden core. No idea how much it weights, but I believe it is a tiny bit heavier than the red 1-inch crochet balls that came with my inexpensive chop cups ($40). Also made my own Monkeyfist balls using wooden core.

When I toss the leather balls up into the air I have no problems catching them, the crochet balls tend to bounch out of my hands, therefore it is easier for me to handle the leather balls that I made myself.

Since I am legally deaf I have no idea if these balls talk, but I can feel them roll around in the cups, and they roll differently than the crochet balls.


The balls that I made are not as great as the ones on the market, but I am happy with them. I made them all with my bare hands, no fancy stitching machine. Trying to improve my craftmanship, but it is hard as heck. Wish there was someone out there that could give me some tips on how to improve my craftmanship.

I am new to Cups & Balls, therefore I am no expert. Learning new things everyday such as how pretty and expensive the sherwood cups are.

Have fun folks

That was a Coca-Cola through the nose moment. hilarious.


While I am sure that the quality of the balls offered by RNTII and Sherwood are beyond reproach, I am wondering if there are any less expensive alternatives with multiple color and size selections?

1. Thanks to Mister Sutter for correcting my earlier post. I've got to get my eyes calibrated again.

2. For Mr. Kiddlars. Frank Starsini has a line on monkey fist balls of varying sizes and colors. Try http://www.theambitiouscard.com

Thanks Kent. Do you know of any such sources for regular crocheted balls?

Morrissey has less expensive balls in several colors.

Uday has several different sizes of balls, but they are all the same color.

Hi folks,

Any tried and true methods for cleaning crocheted balls, particularly white ones? I'm thinking vinegar or baby shampoo, but I thought it better to ask first. I don't want to yellow or stain the balls accidentally.

Thanks very much,

Dave

I use The Ambitious Card leather monkey fists. I'm very happy with them.

I like a solid, painted rubber ball. Of course for chop cups, RNT2's are best.

The biggest problem comes with those that have internal devices concealed within them. The internal devices can rust.

However, non-gaffed balls may be washable with Woolite.

No guarantees here, though.

Thanks Bill. I have Tim Star's Star Master Chop-Cup, so all my balls are gaffed but not in the usual way. I know you know what I mean. Anyway, I'm now thinking of using a bleach pen so I can use as little as possible right where it's needed.

All the best,

Dave

Most monkey fist balls come in leather. I have personally found them to be a bit too grabby on the inside of the cups at times - not often, but enough for an uncomfortable blip now and then. I have seen similar style (MF knot) balls made out of vinyl (or vinyl-like material). I would be interested in trying them out, as MF balls are certainly interesting.

It takes a while but making the Tommy Wonder yarn balls are worth it. I like the weight, size, and you can make them any color you want.