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'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!
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
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 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
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 ruclips.net/p/PL3iHeD6q6_0J_kBF271lzEHG4FEnL50RJ
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.
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.
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
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…😢
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.
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 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!
@@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 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.
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
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'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.
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!
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!
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
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.
What a wonderful tip! Thank you for sharing!
Excellent suggestion. I will have to try the nail clippers.
Thank you for the tip I will definitely buy the nail clippers to use. 👍
Or cat/dog nail trimmers can get in there deep to trim off the ends of the plastic.
or maybe some wire cutters would work too?
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!
What a great idea for the cats! Best of luck with the animal rescue fundraiser.
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!
Thank you for sharing that fantastic tip! The leather hole punch is a great idea.
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.
Thank you for that tip. Will go and buy a leather hole punch. 👍
I was just gonna ask if I could use an awl. :) Now I know!
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
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.
Toe nail clippers, that is brilliant! Thank you so much for sharing that tip!
Hi, I also used a lighter to melt the edges a bit!
Ist das toll gemacht!! Vielen lieben Dank für die Beschreibung 😊
You two could be a SNL skit! LOVE the end product...thanks!
I love how interested the pup is!! Soo cute!!
Thank you! You are so kind.
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?
Wow this looks WAY easier than I thought it would be 🤯🤯🤯
It really is quick and easy to put together. I hope your pups enjoy it if you give it a try!
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!
That's a great idea! Thank you for sharing!
Great idea! Love it!
Thank you! 😊
What about using heavy twine or something instead of the zip ties for safety. I love this idea..I will be making one. Thank you for sharing
Great idea! Let us know how the twine works for you.
What a lovely and sweet video, I can’t wait to try making this for my sisters rabbit , thanks so much 😊
You’re welcome - Have fun! 😊
This is a great idea I will make one for my two dogs.
Thanks! Your pups are going to love it!
That zipper sound‼️😂😂
I love this so much. I came looking for bunny toy ideas and this is perfect! And the zip tie sounds had me laughing.
We're so glad you enjoyed it! I bet your bunny is gonna love it. We'd love to know how it turns out.
I'm going to make some! Thank you!
Oh wow! This looks great. My dog definitely needs one of these!!!!
Thanks! Please let us know how your pup likes it!
Thanks!
You are very welcome! Thank you!
You could also put their kibble in it.. make them eat slower..
Excellent idea, the snuffle toy would make a great slow feeder!
Thank you for sharing! I just made this and it was easy! Made a fleece tug a few months ago but it took a lot longer.
So glad you gave this one a try and enjoyed making it! Hope your pup loves it!
Is there a way to make this without the zip ties?
You could try to use stings or leather strips. Please let us know if you give it a try and let us know how it turns out.
Going to try this for my cat :)
Great idea! Let us know if your kitty likes it!
I use this for my bunnies
Oh how fun! Thanks for letting us know that bunnies enjoy snuffle balls too!
Great idea. Thank you 🌈😇💕
Does the zip tie go through the fleece or do you need to make holes
.
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
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 ruclips.net/p/PL3iHeD6q6_0J_kBF271lzEHG4FEnL50RJ
I would wash the fleece fabric first because it would get off all the excess lint. Otherwise the dogs will be eating it.
Great tip! Thanks for sharing!
Love this thank you 😍
So glad! Thanks!
Fantastic video - well done! I am making one for my puppy and will likely make many more!
We're so glad you enjoyed it! We'd love to hear how your puppy likes the new snuffle ball!
Thanks for posting this! I’ve made snuffle mats, but never thought of a snuffle ball. I love the video, especially the demo by sweet little Ginger!
Thank you for the kind words! We would love to hear how your pups like the snuffle ball.
Great summer market item-but I wonder how much can you sell it for?
LOVE IT! thanks for sharing! Your pup is your best promoter! :)
Thank you! Ginger really does love these snuffle toys :)
Nice! Our doggie loves the sniffle ball I made with the help of your video. Thanks!
Wonderful! I'm so happy to hear that your pup is enjoying it!
This looks amazing!! Going to give it a try, thank you!
Thanks! We love to hear how it turns out for you!
I see in the instructions it says fleece but it looks like you're using felt. Can you use felt?
Yes you could absolutely use felt as well. Hope it turns out great for you!
@@HoundHuggerDIY thank you so much
Great video thank you
Hello. What type of fleece do you use? What is its grammage? Thanks.
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.
The semester has used 2 pairs of jeans to make this
Thanks for sharing! Jeans would be a great alternative material for this toy!
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.
Love it.
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
Great tip! Thanks for sharing!
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…😢
You could absolutely try alternative fabrics for the toy. Please let us know how it turns out if you give the t-shirt or sweatshirt a try.
Great idea. Thank you 💕😇🌈
Thanks for watching!
I'm having a hard time making the hole in the bottom. Any recommendations?
If you're having trouble making the hole with scissors try using a sharp exacto knife, that should get through all of the layers.
@@HoundHuggerDIY Thank you! I just went out and got one. Made it a lot easier!
Amazing, ty!
Would also the size of the mat and/or ball determine on the size of the dog's muzzle?
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.
Can you use felt instead of fleece?
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.
How much fleece did you start with?
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
How much fabric should I buy ? Thanks.
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!
flush cutters will cut the zipties all the way flat and there's no need for sanding. Much easier to make it smooth.
Fantastic tip - thank you for sharing!
@@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.
Oh that is so cool! I hope the sugar gliders love them. (they are so darn cute!!!🥺🩷)
Would it not shape correctly if you just used one zip tie?
Thanks for the question! You could do it with one zip tie but it would end up a little more like a donut shape rather than a ball.
@@HoundHuggerDIY Okay, makes sense. Thanks.
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.
What a wonderful organization! Thank you for your efforts to support adoption and rescue organizations. Thanks for all you do!
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
Is the material felt or fleece?
Thanks for the question. We used fleece for this toy but you could also use felt as long as it isn't too thick.
Can felt be used instead of fleece?
Yes felt would work just fine as long as it's not too stiff. Best of luck and please let us know how it turns out.
How much fabric will you need for the 8 inch 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
How many circles do we need?
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.
love this it looks so easy! could this be done with cotton and embroidery thread instead of the zip ties?
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!
@@HoundHuggerDIY I tried it! he tore it to pieces in a day 😅 when I'll be able to get the right materials I'll try again, thank u!
Do you sell these? If so, how much for 8"?
We don't sell them, but I did find one on amazon that is similar amzn.to/3rrpuce
How many circles can i get from 1 meter fabric? X
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!
@@HoundHuggerDIY oh ok
I just feel this is not very profitable then for smaller businesses?
As its £10 for 1 meter of fabric haha
@@ethancfc1341 You could try to go with 5 or 6 inch circles and 1 meter might be enough.
Would felt also work?
Yes I think felt would work as long as it's not too stiff.
has anyone tried this with felt?
Around 6:03 I let out a WOW gasp! ZIP TIES!! You're brilliant. Like and subscribe :-)
Thank you! So glad you've joined!
You just saved me $37.00 + s/h!!
So happy to hear that! Congrats 🤑
My dog ate the zipties, lol!
Oh no! Sorry to hear that. You could possibly try a type of rope to attach them together.
Put your dogs food in the folds. Dogs don't need to many treats
Yes dry kibble is a great reward for this toy!
Was really slow to start...
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
Thanks!
Thank you so much! We hope your pet loves their new snuffle toy!
Can felt be used instead of fleece?
Yes felt would work just fine as long as it's not too stiff. Best of luck and please let us know how it turns out.