DIY Hacky Sack: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Own
Learning to make your own hacky sack, also known as a footbag, is a fun, easy, and rewarding project. Not only do you get to enjoy the satisfaction of crafting something with your own hands, but you also end up with a cool toy to practice your footbag skills. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from gathering your materials to mastering basic footbag tricks. Let’s get started!
What is a Hacky Sack?
Before we dive into the tutorial, let’s briefly discuss what a hacky sack actually is. A hacky sack is a small bag, traditionally filled with beans or pellets, used in a game where players kick it back and forth to each other without using their hands. It’s a popular pastime for people of all ages, promoting coordination, balance, and social interaction. The term “Hacky Sack” is actually a trademarked name, but it’s commonly used to refer to any similar footbag. It is used as a training tool by athletes, as well as a recreational sport, which is also used as a form of meditation.
Materials You’ll Need
To make your own hacky sack, you’ll need to gather the following materials:
* **Fabric:** Scraps of durable fabric are ideal. Suede, leather, denim, canvas, corduroy, or even tough cotton are excellent choices. Avoid stretchy or delicate fabrics, as they won’t hold up well to repeated kicking. You will need approximately 6″ x 6″ of fabric to create your hacky sack.
* **Thread:** Choose a strong thread that complements your fabric. Polyester or nylon thread is recommended for its durability.
* **Filling:** The filling is what gives the hacky sack its weight and shape. Common options include:
* **Dried Beans:** Pinto beans, kidney beans, or black beans are affordable and readily available.
* **Plastic Pellets:** These provide a more consistent weight and won’t decompose if they get wet. They are usually found in craft stores.
* **Sand:** Although cheap, sand can leak and is not recommended. If using sand, ensure the hacky sack is exceptionally tightly sewed.
* **Rice:** Similar to beans, rice is readily available and cheap. However, like sand and beans, rice is prone to damage when wet.
* **Steel Shot:** Steel shot is a great option for an incredibly heavy hacky sack. However, it is dangerous to work with, and should not be used if you have pets, small children, or other concerns with having steel readily available.
* **Buckwheat Hulls:** These create a moldable filling with a unique feel.
* **Glass Beads:** This provides an even distribution of weight and a heavier hacky sack.
* **Scissors:** For cutting the fabric.
* **Needle:** A sturdy needle that can handle the thickness of your chosen fabric.
* **Pins:** To hold the fabric pieces together while sewing.
* **Measuring Tape or Ruler:** To ensure accurate measurements.
* **Pencil or Fabric Marker:** To trace the pattern onto the fabric.
* **Sewing Machine (Optional):** While you can sew the hacky sack by hand, a sewing machine will make the process faster and easier. Using a sewing machine will also result in a stronger seam.
* **Funnel (Optional):** To help pour the filling into the hacky sack.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all your materials, let’s get started on making your hacky sack!
Step 1: Create the Pattern
The most common shape for a hacky sack is a simple circle made from several panels. A six-panel design is a good starting point. Here’s how to create the pattern:
1. **Draw a Circle:** On a piece of paper or cardboard, use a compass or a circular object (like a small plate) to draw a circle with a diameter of about 4 inches (10 cm). You can adjust the size depending on how big you want your hacky sack to be.
2. **Divide the Circle:** Divide the circle into six equal sections, like slicing a pie. To do this accurately, use a protractor to mark angles of 60 degrees from the center of the circle.
3. **Cut Out the Pattern Piece:** Cut out one of the six sections. This will be your pattern piece.
4. **Add Seam Allowance:** Add a seam allowance of about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) around the curved edges of the pattern piece. This extra fabric will be used for sewing the panels together. It will look like a curved triangle when completed.
Step 2: Cut the Fabric
1. **Pin the Pattern:** Place the pattern piece on your chosen fabric. Use pins to secure it in place. Make sure the pattern is positioned so that you can cut out six identical pieces without wasting too much fabric. If your fabric has a pattern, consider its orientation. If you are using leather, place the pattern with consideration for how the leather stretches.
2. **Trace the Pattern:** Use a pencil or fabric marker to trace around the pattern piece onto the fabric.
3. **Cut the Fabric:** Carefully cut out the six fabric pieces along the traced lines. Try to be as precise as possible to ensure that the panels fit together properly. If you are using leather, use a sharp knife to cut instead of scissors.
Step 3: Sew the Panels Together
This is where your hacky sack starts to take shape. You’ll be sewing the fabric panels together, one at a time, to form a sphere.
1. **Pin Two Panels:** Take two fabric pieces and pin them together along one of the curved edges, with the right sides (the sides you want to be visible on the outside of the hacky sack) facing each other. Make sure the edges are aligned and the pins are evenly spaced.
2. **Sew the First Seam:** Using a sewing machine or a needle and thread, sew along the pinned edge with a 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) seam allowance. Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam to secure the stitches. If sewing by hand, use a sturdy stitch like a backstitch or a running stitch. Do not remove the pins until the seam is complete.
3. **Repeat:** Repeat steps 1 and 2 to sew the remaining four panels together, one at a time. You will gradually see the hacky sack forming a spherical shape. Be sure to maintain the same seam allowance for each seam.
Step 4: Leave an Opening
Before you sew the last seam completely shut, leave a small opening of about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm). This opening will be used to fill the hacky sack with your chosen filling. This opening should be sewed well, as this is the place that is most prone to rips.
Step 5: Turn the Hacky Sack Right Side Out
Carefully turn the hacky sack right side out through the opening. Use a blunt object, like a pencil or a chopstick, to gently push out the seams and corners. Be careful not to tear the fabric or the seams. This step will help create a smooth and round shape.
Step 6: Fill the Hacky Sack
Now it’s time to fill your hacky sack with your chosen filling. The amount of filling you use will determine the weight and feel of the hacky sack. Experiment to find the perfect amount for your preference.
1. **Pour in the Filling:** Use a funnel (if you have one) or carefully pour the filling into the opening of the hacky sack. Avoid overfilling, as this can make the hacky sack too stiff and difficult to kick. A good starting point is to fill it about two-thirds full.
2. **Test the Weight:** Gently squeeze the hacky sack to distribute the filling evenly. Test the weight and feel. If it’s too light, add more filling. If it’s too heavy, remove some filling.
3. **Adjust as Needed:** Continue adding or removing filling until you reach your desired weight and feel. Remember that the filling will settle over time, so it’s better to start with less filling and add more later if needed. For beginners, start off with a lighter hacky sack to get used to the motions.
Step 7: Close the Opening
Once you’re satisfied with the filling, it’s time to close the opening. This is a crucial step, as a poorly closed opening can lead to the filling spilling out.
1. **Fold the Edges:** Fold the raw edges of the opening inwards, creating a clean edge. Pin the folded edges together to hold them in place.
2. **Sew the Opening Closed:** Using a needle and thread, sew the opening closed with a strong and invisible stitch. A ladder stitch (also known as an invisible stitch) is a good choice for this. Make sure the stitches are tight and secure to prevent the filling from escaping. If using a sewing machine, carefully stitch close to the edge, backstitching at the beginning and end. You can also do this by hand.
3. **Reinforce the Seam:** For extra security, you can sew around the entire hacky sack a few times, focusing on the seam where the opening was closed. This will reinforce the seam and prevent it from unraveling. This is a good way to hide the ladder stitch you used to close it. Make sure to use a strong thread.
Step 8: Finishing Touches
Congratulations! You’ve made your own hacky sack. Now it’s time to add some finishing touches to make it even better.
* **Trim Any Loose Threads:** Use scissors to trim any loose threads from the seams. This will give your hacky sack a clean and professional look.
* **Add Embellishments (Optional):** Get creative and add some embellishments to your hacky sack. You can use embroidery floss to stitch designs onto the fabric, or add beads, sequins, or patches. Be sure to use durable materials that can withstand repeated kicking.
* **Condition Leather (If Applicable):** If you used leather, apply a leather conditioner to keep it supple and prevent it from drying out and cracking. Regularly conditioning the leather will extend the life of your hacky sack.
Tips and Tricks for Making a Great Hacky Sack
Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you create the perfect hacky sack:
* **Choose the Right Fabric:** The fabric you choose will greatly affect the durability and feel of your hacky sack. Experiment with different fabrics to find one that you like. Suede and leather are popular choices for their durability and grip, while canvas and denim are more affordable options.
* **Use a Strong Thread:** A strong thread is essential for preventing the seams from unraveling. Polyester or nylon thread is recommended.
* **Reinforce the Seams:** Reinforce the seams by sewing over them multiple times. This will make your hacky sack more durable and able to withstand repeated kicking.
* **Experiment with Filling:** The filling is what gives the hacky sack its weight and feel. Experiment with different fillings to find one that you like. Dried beans, plastic pellets, and sand are all popular choices.
* **Adjust the Weight:** Adjust the weight of the hacky sack by adding or removing filling. A heavier hacky sack will be easier to control, while a lighter hacky sack will be more forgiving.
* **Practice Your Sewing Skills:** The more you practice sewing, the better your hacky sack will turn out. Start with simple projects and gradually work your way up to more complex ones.
* **Watch Tutorials:** Watching videos online can help you understand the steps of the process better.
* **Don’t be Afraid to Experiment:** There’s no right or wrong way to make a hacky sack. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different materials, techniques, and designs to create something unique.
* **Start with a Kit:** If you’re new to sewing, consider starting with a hacky sack kit. These kits typically include all the materials you need to make a hacky sack, as well as instructions. This is a great way to learn the basics of hacky sack making without having to gather all the materials yourself.
Basic Footbag Tricks
Now that you have your own DIY hacky sack, it’s time to learn some basic footbag tricks. Here are a few to get you started:
* **The Stall:** The stall is the foundation of many footbag tricks. It involves stopping the hacky sack on your foot or leg and holding it there momentarily.
* **Inside Kick:** Kicking the hacky sack with the inside of your foot.
* **Outside Kick:** Kicking the hacky sack with the outside of your foot.
* **Toe Kick:** Kicking the hacky sack with your toe.
* **Knee Kick:** Kicking the hacky sack with your knee.
* **Head Stall:** Stopping the hacky sack on your forehead.
* **Neck Stall:** Stopping the hacky sack on the back of your neck.
Practice these basic tricks until you feel comfortable, then move on to more advanced maneuvers.
Conclusion
Making your own hacky sack is a fun and rewarding project that anyone can do. With a few simple materials and some basic sewing skills, you can create a custom footbag that’s perfect for practicing your footbag skills, playing with friends, or simply enjoying the satisfaction of crafting something with your own hands. So gather your materials, follow these steps, and get ready to kick some sack!
This detailed guide provides everything you need to know to create your own hacky sack. Have fun with the process, experiment with different materials and designs, and enjoy the satisfaction of playing with something you made yourself!