If you’ve ever wanted to crochet your own pocket-sized version of everyone’s favorite Australian pups, these squishy Blue Heeler Throw Balls are the perfect project to dive into! They’re soft, round, and irresistibly huggable — just the right size for little hands to toss, cuddle, or line up proudly on a shelf.
I actually came up with this idea after watching my niece and nephew playing a very enthusiastic game of “fetch” with their plush toys. One of them (who happens to be Bluey-obsessed) was pretending to teach the toys tricks while the other was tossing them around the lounge room. The poor store-bought plushies didn’t stand a chance! That’s when I thought, why not make something soft, safe, and washable that still looks like their favorite Heelers?
A few yarn scraps later, the first Blue Heeler Throw Ball was born — and I couldn’t stop at just one. The pattern works up so quickly that you’ll want to make an entire litter. Each pup only takes a bit of bulky plush yarn, a handful of stuffing, and some basic crochet stitches. The texture gives them that perfectly plump, squishy look — like a cozy little cloud with ears.
For color choices, try a mix of cool blues for the Blue Heeler and warm orange and cream for the Red Heeler. Both versions come out equally adorable, and kids immediately recognize who’s who. These little throw balls are perfect for playtime, gifts, or even as stress-relief desk buddies for grown-up fans (trust me, they’re dangerously cute sitting beside your coffee cup).
Bluey Heeler Beanie – Free Crochet Pattern
Bluey Blue Heeler Toy- Free Crochet Pattern
Bluey Hexagon Cardigan – Free Crochet Pattern
Orange Dingo Heeler Toy – Free Crochet Pattern
Materials
- Bulky plush yarn in:
light blue, medium blue, dark blue, light tan, medium orange, dark orange - 7.0 mm crochet hook
- 10 mm safety eyes
- Fiberfill stuffing
- Stitch markers
- Darning needle
Abbreviations
- sc – single crochet
- inc – increase
- dec – decrease
- bbl – bobble stitch (4 loops on hook)
- fo – fasten off
Head & Body
Begin with medium blue (or orange for the alternate version):
R1: 8 sc in a magic ring (8)
R2: Inc in each st around (16)
R3: (1 sc, inc) repeat around (24)
R4: sc in each st (24)
R5–6: sc around (24)
R7–8: sc around again (2 rounds total)
R9: 11 sc, bbl, sc, 4 sc, sc, bbl, 5 sc (24)
Insert safety eyes between rounds 5–6, about 6 stitches apart, centered above the lighter belly patch.
R10: 13 sc, bbl, 2 sc, bbl, 7 sc (24)
Begin stuffing.
R11: dec around (12)
R12: dec around again (6)
Fasten off and sew closed.
Ears (Make 2)
R1: 6 sc in a magic ring
R2: 2 sc, (sc, ch 1, sc in same st), 2 sc
Fasten off, leaving remaining stitches unworked.
Attach ears between rounds 3–5 with five stitches between them.
Snout
R1: 6 sc in a magic ring
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Sew onto rounds 5–7.
Use black embroidery thread or yarn to stitch a small nose.
Tip: For an even fluffier texture, gently brush the finished throw ball with a clean wire pet brush.
Finishing
Stuff firmly, adjust the shape with your fingers, and secure all parts. Each little throw ball turns out with its own cheeky expression — the perfect squishy buddy for fans of Blue Heelers.
