How to Make a Hacky Sack

Hacky sacks, also known as foot-bags, are small, filled balls used in a game in which the object is to keep the ball off the ground. Only the legs and feet can be used in this game of hands-free coordination. Making a hacky sack can be done with minimal effort and supplies, so use this guide to make your own, then go out and get kicking.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scraps of supple leather or other heavy fabric
• Scissors
• Needle
• Sturdy thread
• Plastic pellets, lentils, popcorn kernels, sand, rice or other filler for the sack
• Funnel (optional)

1. Cut out two circles of the same size from the leather scraps. They should be about 2 1/2 to 3 inches across each.

2. Put one fabric circle on top of the other, placing the wrong sides of the fabric (the sides you don't want exposed once it's finished) facing out.

3. Sew the edges of the circles together, leaving a space of 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the stitching to the outer rim. Make the stitches as close to one another as you can to prevent the filling from escaping when you play with the ball later on.

4. Continue to sew the circles together until there is a space of about one inch left to be sewn. Stop sewing at that point so that there will be an opening through which to fill the hacky sack. Tie off the thread.

5. Turn the hacky sack right-side-out so that the part you had been sewing is now on the inside of the ball.

6. Pour the plastic pellets or other filler into the hacky sack, using a funnel if you wish. How full you make the sack is a matter of personal preference, but try to fill it such that it is full enough to provide tension when kicking it around without being overly stuffed.

7. Fold the edges of the opening inward then carefully stitch it up so that your hacky sack is now completely sewn up. Tie a secure knot in your thread then tuck it in under the stitching.

Tips & Warnings

• In order to ensure consistency in the size of the two circles you use to make the sack, construct a cardboard template first then trace the pattern onto the leather before cutting.
• The fabric on your hacky sack will stretch a little after moderate use, so fill it a bit fuller than you originally might think it needs in order to compensate.
• The two circles must be the same size, or the shape of your hacky sack will be compromised and the contents might be more prone to falling out.