My children are on their two week half term and it's been pretty miserable outside, we've even had snow on occassions!
So, what better way to encourage indoor play ( and develop hand/eye co-ordination and fine motor skills ) than to get sewing some simple bean bags....easy peasy.
This is a very simple, and fast, tutorial that anyone can do, even with limited sewing skills. The best part is that if you don't have a sewing machine you can still do it with a needle and thread which may take a little longer but will be worth the wait.
Enjoy!
Step one : Cut out square or rectangular shapes with fabric ( I used a mix of vintage and modern fabrics for mine ). Measurements don't really matter as long as your edges are even and I measured mine at 10cm x 15cm for the rectangular ones and 10cm x 10cm for the square ones.
Step two : Fold each cut shape in half and simply sew around the edges, making sure to leave a gap large enough to put your rice in ( this will be sewn up last ).
You will be left with something resembling this.
Trim the edges and cut away the corners but be careful not to cut into the stitching. Then turn the right way around ready to stuff.
Step three : Half fill each sewn shape with rice, or any dried food ( half because there needs to be room for manoeuvre when thrown around ).
Step four : Tuck the open edges ( the gap you left ) inside and then sew right along that edge, making sure you secure the ends properly.
* The gap could be hand sewn closed for a neater finish.
You should end up with some bean bags resembling these, yay!
Why not try adding faces, whiskers, buttons, in fact, any kind of embellishments to make the bean bags fun?!
Here's a couple of cat additions I've added to the collection and my 3 year old twins have played with these rather a lot in the last few days since I made them. They've been used in catching games, play kitchen games and even put into the back of dumper trucks.
Have fun with your children and I hope you enjoyed the tutorial.
Lucy x
