What You'll Make and What You'll Need

A hacky sack is a small, soft ball about the size of a walnut, filled with sand or plastic pellets and sewn closed. You can make one in an afternoon using fabric scraps, basic thread, and a needle. The finished sack weighs just a few ounces and bounces predictably off your foot, making it ideal for the tossing game.

Gather these materials before you start: two pieces of fabric (cotton or fleece work well), each about 4 inches square; thread that matches your fabric or contrasts if you want it visible; a needle; scissors; a ruler or measuring tape; and filler material—either play sand from a hardware store, plastic pellets sold for craft projects, or even dried beans. You'll also want a small funnel or a piece of paper rolled into a cone to pour the filler in without spilling.

Key Takeaways

  • Cut two fabric squares exactly 4 inches on each side, then pin them together with the right sides facing inward so the seams end up hidden.
  • Sew three sides closed with a running stitch, leaving one side open for filling, then turn the fabric right-side out through that opening.
  • Fill the sack with sand or pellets until it weighs between 1 and 2 ounces and feels firm but slightly squishy, then fold the raw edges inward and sew the opening shut.
  • Test the sack by dropping it from waist height—it should bounce once or twice and land flat, not roll away.

Cutting and Pinning Your Fabric Pieces

Start by cutting two squares of fabric, each measuring exactly 4 inches by 4 inches. Use a ruler and a sharp pair of scissors so the edges are straight. If your fabric has a pattern or a right side that looks better than the back, note which side that is—you'll want those sides facing each other when you pin.

Place the two squares together with the right sides (the prettier sides) facing inward and the wrong sides facing outward. This way, when you turn the sack right-side out later, all the seams will be hidden inside. Pin the two layers together around all four edges, placing pins about an inch apart. The pins hold the fabric steady while you sew and prevent it from shifting.

Sewing Three Sides Closed

Thread your needle and tie a knot at the end. Start at one corner and use a running stitch—push the needle through both layers of fabric, pull it out about a quarter-inch away, then push it back in and repeat. Keep your stitches small and even, about a quarter-inch long. Sew along one full side, then turn the corner and sew the second side, then the third side.

Stop before you reach the end of the fourth side. Leave an opening about 2 inches long—this is where you'll pour in the filler and where you'll sew the sack shut later. Tie off your thread with a knot on the inside of the fabric. Remove the pins from the unsewn section.

Turning the Sack Right-Side Out

Reach into the 2-inch opening you left and gently pull the fabric through, turning the whole sack inside out. The right sides of the fabric are now facing outward, and the seams are hidden inside. Use your fingers to poke out the corners so they are sharp and square, not rounded. This step takes a minute or two but makes the finished sack look neater.

Once the sack is turned right-side out, lay it flat on your work surface. The opening should be facing up. If any thread is visible on the outside, you can trim it with scissors, but leave the thread that holds the seams together.

Filling the Sack to the Right Weight

Place your funnel or paper cone into the opening and slowly pour in your filler material. If you are using sand, pour it in a little at a time and shake the sack gently so the sand settles evenly. If you are using plastic pellets or beans, they pour more easily and you can fill faster.

Stop when the sack feels firm but slightly squishy—not rock-hard and not mushy. A good hacky sack weighs between 1 and 2 ounces. If you have a kitchen scale, fill until the sack reads about 1.5 ounces. If you don't have a scale, fill until the sack is about the size of a large grape and feels like it has some heft when you toss it in your palm. You can always add more filler if it feels too light, but it's harder to remove it if you overfill.

Sewing the Opening Closed

Fold the raw edges of the opening inward about a quarter-inch, so the fabric edges are tucked inside the sack. Pinch the opening closed and pin it if you need to hold it steady. Thread your needle again and use a ladder stitch (also called a whip stitch) to close the opening invisibly. Push the needle through the fold of fabric on one side, slide it along inside the fold for about a quarter-inch, then push it back out and across to the opposite side. Repeat this back-and-forth motion along the entire opening.

The ladder stitch is stronger than a running stitch for this final seam because it locks the thread inside the fold. Once you reach the end of the opening, tie off your thread with a knot inside the sack and trim any excess thread.

Testing Your Finished Hacky Sack

Hold the sack at waist height and drop it onto a hard floor. It should bounce once or twice and then settle, not roll away or bounce wildly. If it bounces too much, it may be too light—you can open a small seam, add a bit more filler, and sew it shut again. If it doesn't bounce at all and just thuds, it may be too heavy or the filler is packed too tightly.

Once you are happy with how it bounces, try tossing it gently from hand to hand, then practice kicking it with the inside of your foot. A well-made hacky sack should be straightforward to control and land where you aim it. If you want to make more, you now have the pattern down and can experiment with different fabrics, colors, or filler materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different fabric like denim or canvas?

Yes. Thicker fabrics like denim or canvas are more durable and hold up better to repeated kicking. They are slightly harder to sew by hand because the needle has to push through more layers, but the finished sack will last longer. Cotton and fleece are easier to sew and work fine for casual play.

What happens if I overfill the sack?

An overfilled sack becomes hard and bounces unpredictably. It is also harder to control when you kick it. If you overfill, you can carefully open one seam with a seam ripper or small scissors, pour out some filler, and sew it shut again. It is easier to start with less filler and add more if needed.

How do I keep sand from leaking out of the seams?

Make sure your stitches are small and close together—no more than a quarter-inch apart. Sand can work its way through large gaps over time. If sand does start to leak, you can sew a second line of stitches just inside the first one to seal the gaps. Some people also use a fabric glue along the seams for extra security.

Can I wash a hacky sack?

You can spot-clean it with a damp cloth, but do not soak it or put it in the washing machine—water will damage the filler and may cause mold. If the fabric gets dirty, wipe it gently with a cloth and let it air dry.

How long does a homemade hacky sack last?

A well-sewn sack made from sturdy fabric can last for years of regular play. The seams may eventually wear or fray if you kick it constantly on rough surfaces, but you can reinforce them by sewing over the original seams again. The filler inside stays dry and usable indefinitely if the sack stays sealed.