This works really well - a lovely video. I have a tip to share - I found it quite tough getting a scissors down in there to snip off the ends of the zip ties, without also accidentally snipping the fabric - it's a tight working space. I found that large nail clippers (toenail clippers?) will get right in there and are strong enough to snip those ends almost flush so that there's no hard, pokey bit to worry about on the finished ball.
I have made hundreds of these, I love making them! My husband came up with the idea to use a leather hole puncher to make the hole, instead of an xacto knife. Very inexpensive at a hardware store, about $7.00 and much easier. I have made a 7 inch but found the 4 inch was better for my size dogs. I have donated many to different dog auctions and people love them!
What a great idea, to use a leather hole puncher. I will have to try this. I just hope I have the strength in my hands to make the punch as I have CTS. I usually hold the material point together with my thumb and cut on the left and right sides of the material.
Since I don't have a leather hole puncher, I "think" up my own way. Since about 1/4in down from the tip of the twice-folded circle has layers, I position my scissors against where the second fold/flaps come together (I so wish I could attach a pic here for visual!). With one move, I cut a hole in both flaps, just enough to break through the fleece. I then thread my zip tie through both holes, creating a bit of a stronger hold. So, when I make that cut
I've now made snuffle balls in 3 different sizes - I'm doing them as a fundraiser for our animal rescue. I hit on the idea of small, 4" balls which can be marinated in catnip. Equal opportunities for cats!
Hi Ladies, So I made a few shuffle balls and they turned out great. I found that if I use a side wire cutters to cut the zip ties as close to the tab as possible then I use toe nail clippers to cut the rest and found it cut very close to the tab and left no sharp edges.
Love it! But i wouldn’t use fleece, it’s plastic and can loose particals when the dog is sniffing. I will do this with an old towel or cotton fabric, do you think it works? Perhaps jeans fabric? I will also use a strong sting or cord and tie it hard with a special knot. 😊 What are you’re thoughts about all this? Great idea, I’m babysitting a puppy real soon and I want it to be very safe! 😻 What are you’re oppinions about this, please?
A tip: instead of using new material, use old fleece clothing (large men's if you are buying them as you get more material for the money)! One extra use of the fleece before it ends up in the landfill! Also usually cheaper!
Thanks so much for this video and many others of yours I have watched. I am now making snuffle balls for Blessed Blankets Made With Love who donate these to balls, pull toys with loops and blankets to animal adoption and rescue organizations in Palm Beach County Fl.
I know a lot of comments ask Amit using fleece but can you use flannel? I have a lot of flannel in my reserves and would love to use it for these. I know it’s not as thick as the fleece so may not be as stiff when folded. Thoughts?
Thanks for the question. Yes I think you could certainly give it a try, perhaps add a few more circles in order to fill it out. Let us know how it turns out.
Thank you so much for the tutorial. I'm trying this today but I think it'll bother me if the form isn't as round like the one Hilary made... Is there a tip to make the ball rounder like the one Patty made?
Thanks for the question. The thing that will make the biggest difference in the form is the size of the circles that you use. Here are the step-by-step instructions for the size that Patti created: wehearthounds.com/snuffle-ball
Does it have to be fleece ? Can I use cotton or pls t-shirts/ sweatshirts? I have a 14 week TEACUP CHIHUAHUA and will make smaller ones… I am afraid he might swallow fuzz from the fleece…😢
Thanks for your question. We make small holes for the zip ties to go through. Here is a link to the step-by-step instructions with close up pictures that may be helpful houndhuggerdiy.com/snuffle-ball
Hello! Thank you for asking your question. It is best to use a nice medium weight fleece (sometimes called polar fleece). We are not sure of the exact grammage, but we recommend to avoid fleece that is too thin or fleece that is too thick and fluffy.
TIP, cut one circle at first, then fold it in half....fold your fabric the width of the 1/2 circle, cut out the folded 1/2 circle, and continue for the amount you need. Saves time. Another tip....if you're worried about the sharp zip tie....re-tie with wool or natural rope and cut and remove the zip tie you originally used. Now it's only tied with wool or natural rope - no sharp zip tie. HTH
You could certainly give that a try. I think it would really depend on how much of a chewer you pup is, if you think they would be easy on the toy it might work just great. Let us know how it turns out if you give it a try!
Yes felt would work for this design as well. It might be a little bit more stiff than using fleece but it should work just fine. If you end up making one with felt please let us know how it turns out.
Thanks for the question! You'll need 32 circles total, here is a link to the step-by-step instructions wehearthounds.com/snuffle-ball Hope your pups enjoy this toy.
@@HoundHuggerDIY I make toys for sugar gliders and other small exotics. I think these snuffle balls will be a big hit! Thank you for sharing this tutorial.
Thanks for the question. You will need roughly 1½ yard of fleece. Here are the step-by-step instructions with a list of materials if that's helpful: wehearthounds.com/snuffle-ball
Thanks for the question. You will need roughly 1½ yard of fleece. Here are the step-by-step instructions with a list of materials if that's helpful: wehearthounds.com/snuffle-ball
Hi, Terry! Thanks for reaching out with your question. You'll need 1.5 yards of fleece to make this toy. If it helps, here's a link to the full list of supplies and our written instructions: houndhuggerdiy.com/snuffle-ball We'd love to know how it turns out when it's done!
Thanks for the feedback! Here is a link to the step-by-step instructions, they make it a little easier to work at your own pace rather than waiting through the video houndhuggerdiy.com/snuffle-ball
Wow, I will be running to Walmart in the morning and get some fleece and some extra treats! I was looking for a diy snuffle mat and other diy dog enrichment toys. I'm going to go search out what other fun things you have.
Oh I'm so glad you found us! We would love to hear how your snuffle ball turns out. And here is a playlist with lots of other fun diys ru-vid.com/group/PL3iHeD6q6_0J_kBF271lzEHG4FEnL50RJ
Yes you could certainly adjust the size of the ball for the size of your pups muzzle. One thing to note as you make the circles for the ball larger the easier it will be for your pup because the folds will be loose. The smaller the ball the more challenging the snuffling will be.
You could probably get about 22 8 inch circles out of a meter, you need 32. Ideally you would have a meter and a half to get all 32 circles. If you went down to smaller circles and then you would probably have enough fabric for 32 circles. Here is a link to the step-by-step tutorial wehearthounds.com/snuffle-ball Please let us know how it turns out!
