DIY Hacky Sacks: Sew Your Own Footbag

Why sew your own?

A hacky sack (footbag) is a small filled cloth ball for foot tricks and juggling. Making one lets you dial size, weight, and look — cheaply, with scrap fabric, and with the satisfaction of craft.

You practice hand skills and end up with a bag no store stocks in exactly your colors. Here’s a clear path from cloth to first kick.

Materials

Fabrics

• Old denim or corduroy — tough and long-wearing
• Felt or leather scraps — grip and a pleasant surface
• Stretch knits — more give, need careful stitching

Fill

• Rice or lentils — natural and easy to find
• Sand — soft, even play feel
• Plastic or metal beads — pro-style balance

Tools

• Scissors or cutter
• Needle and strong thread
• Fabric glue (optional)
• Ruler and marker

Prefer a ready-made bag while you practice sewing? Peek at our shop.

Step-by-step sew guide

1. Cut the fabric

Mark four equal circles about 5–6 cm across. A template keeps them even. Cut carefully. Mix colors if you want a patterned bag — avoid flimsy cloth.

2. Join the circles

Sew two circles together along an edge; repeat with the other pair. Join the halves into a sphere, leaving a small gap for filling.

3. Fill

Add fill to roughly 60–80% capacity so the bag stays soft enough to play. A funnel helps with sand or beads.

4. Close the gap

Stitch the opening with small, tight stitches. Extra glue or reinforcement on the seam buys durability.

Longevity tips

Care

• Start with sturdy fabric
• Wipe with a damp cloth as needed
• Leather bags appreciate occasional leather care

Fill

• Test fills until the feel clicks
• Top up or swap when play goes flat
• Sand–rice mixes often balance well

Storage

• Keep dry
• Avoid harsh sun that ages fabric
• A small cloth pouch protects it in a bag

Closing

DIY footbags are fun, personal, and kinder to leftover textiles. With patience and the right scraps, you get a play tool tuned to you — gift, hobby, or training partner.

Experiment with shells and fills until the kick feels right. Materials ready? Thread the needle and enjoy the first session with a bag you made.