How to Sew a Footbag

The following are step by step directions on how to sew a footbag. This is recommended for people who would like to have a sand-filled bag but don't have the ability to buy their own.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Pattern (see Resources below)
• Scissors
• Fabric (cotton/leather, etc.)
• Fill (sand, bead or rice)
• Needle and thread
• Pen or marker
• Funnel or piece of paper

1. Using a pen and pattern, trace out the number of pieces needed for the footbag. The easiest and quickest footbags to sew consist of 4 panels or 8 panels.
2. Thread a needle and begin sewing the pieces together. Check the pattern carefully to see how the pieces fit. Be sure to keep the side that you want on the outside of the finished product on the inside. Leave a little bit of space between where you are sewing and the edge of the fabric. Sew farther away from the edge on fabrics with a tendency to fray.
3. When the sewing is almost complete, leave 3 to 1-inch unstitched to be able to turn the footbag inside out. This hides the seams.
4. Using the funnel (or a piece of paper rolled up as a funnel), fill the footbag with sand, beads or rice. Sand is probably the easiest to work with and makes a fun footbag.
5. When you have the desired amount of fill in the bag, resume sewing. This time, use the pinch technique. Take a little pinch of fabric from one side; your needle will go through the same piece of fabric twice before you go to the other panel. Repeat until the hole is closed. By doing this, your stitches will be invisible.
6. When you get to the end and the seam is closed, do one last stitch and then tie it off with a knot. This step may take practice to master but once you get it, it will be extremely easy.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the side of the fabric you want facing out on the inside when sewing.
• Sew farther away from the edge on fabrics with a tendency to fray.