Numbered Bean Bags

Our little guy thoroughly enjoys throwing ... everything.  He's getting pretty good at understanding when it's okay to throw toys and which toys are acceptable.  I wanted to make him something he could toss around inside that wouldn't cause a racket.  Enter bean bags.  They're soft, easy to grab and wonderfully quiet.  I added some numbers on the bags to throw in an educational twist.  Maybe it will come in handy when he's learning to count.  Right now we are focused on PLAY.

This was my first attempt at applique.  I have always been intimidated by the very word.  Doesn't it just sound difficult and time consuming?  WRONG.  It was actually pretty straightforward and eventually I hit a quick stride so it didn't take long to whip these up.  Give it a try if you haven't before. 

Used: 10 different fabric pieces, 10"x5" of each pattern for the bags
           1 white piece for the numbers, approx 10"x10"

This project was a stash-buster.  I found my smallest pieces of leftover fabric and cut out two 5" squares from each pattern.  No reason for 5", that just worked with the fabric I had.  I think it's a good size though.

 

Next I printed off numbers in a font and size I liked (Tahoma, 240).  The numbers were about 2.5" tall.  You could just draw them yourself, but this seemed faster for me. Trim around the numbers.

 

 

Use double-stick fusible web to attach the numbers to the squares. To do this, put the web over the numbers, the black ink was very easy to see.  Trace. 

 

Flip the web over and trace the numbers from the other side. You want to end up with numbers that are backward.

 

 

Trim around each digit (no perfection needed!)  Peel off the side where the number is 'correct' and press it against the fabric you plan to use for the numbers.  You want to leave the side showing the backward number.

 

 

Flip the fabric over and briefly run an iron over it to adhere the web.  Cut out each number from the fabric.

 

Lay out your squares.  Peel off the paper backing and center one number over one of each pattern.  I used a ruler because I was being a first-born perfectionist, but eyeballing it would probably have worked just fine. LOL.

 

 

When you are satisfied with the placement, iron it in place for about 15 seconds.  Don't they already look fun?!

 

 

To the sewing machine!  I used a zigzag stitch on its smallest setting.  Slowly stitch around the edge of each number. Be sure your stitches connect the pattern and the number.  You don't want to be fully inside or outside the number. Keep the needle down and pivot around corners. 

 

 

Bravo!  Now the number will stay firmly in place and be able to withstand toddler-induced trauma.

 

 

Pin the front of this square to the front of its mate.  Mark a 2 inch gap to leave open for turning.

 

 

Sew a half inch seam.  Be sure to leave a gap for turning.  Sew a second time just outside of the first line.  You want these to be firmly sealed.

 

 

Turn the bag right side out using a skewer, knitting needle or even a pencil to push out the corners.  Iron if needed/desired.

 

 

I filled mine with about 3/4 cup or so of lentils.  I liked the feel and size of them.  Any bean or rice will work.  Make them as full as you like.  I wanted some heft to mine, but I wanted them to be squishy too.  Use a funnel (or make one by rolling up a piece of paper) to fill the bags.

 

 

Pin the open edge closed, flush with the sewn edge.  Use a needle and thread to sew it closed. 2 strands of thread worked great. Slip stitch the sides together for a nice invisible look. I went over it twice to give a solid seal.

 



 

Time for a game!  We toss them into buckets, pool noodle rings, etc.  My little man has fun with them, inventing his own little games that I don't even understand.  What a cutie.

You'll want to check the seams periodically, but after several weeks and even traveling, they are holding up well.

Craft time: few hours
Cost: fabric scraps and $4 for lentils
Age: 18 months +