This is a modest addition to the geometrifantastic “Stockinette Short-Row Sphere†by Brent Annable, found for free on his web site.  I’ve simply made an intarsia chart to help you turn one of his spheres into a model of Planet Earth. I mean, every kid needs a stuffy planet, right? Begin at the International Date Line and work westward (as the sun does).  You’ll find good success with slightly sticky yarns; smooth yarn such as bamboo would be very tricky.  100 yards each of green and blue will be more than sufficient; duplicate stitching Antarctica in white is a nice touch.
Earth Chart for Brent Annable’s Sphere