How to Make a Hacky Sack

You can make a playable footbag in about 15 minutes with things already in your house. Below are three methods, from easiest (no-sew balloon) to most durable (stitched fabric).

What you'll need

Filler: ~50 grams of dried rice, lentils, split peas, or plastic airsoft pellets. Pellets last longest and won't rot if the bag gets wet.
Shell: 2–3 balloons, an old sock, or two 4-inch squares of stretchy fabric.
Tools: Scissors, a small funnel (a rolled paper cone works), needle and thread for the sewn versions.

Method 1 — Balloon (no-sew, easiest)

Stretch the mouth of a balloon over a funnel and pour in ~50g of filler.
Pinch the neck, remove the funnel, and tie the balloon off tightly.
Trim the excess neck close to the knot.
Cut the neck off a second balloon and stretch it over the first, covering the knot for a smooth surface.
Add a third balloon in a different color for durability and style.

Method 2 — Sock (easy, forgiving)

Cut the toe end off a clean, stretchy sock (about 4 inches long).
Tie one end shut with a tight double knot.
Pour ~50g of filler into the open end.
Squeeze air out and tie the top with another double knot, or stitch it closed.
Tuck stray fabric under or trim close to the knot.

Method 3 — Stitched fabric (most durable)

Cut two 4-inch circles from stretchy scrap fabric (fleece or felt work well).
Place them together and stitch around the edge with a small running stitch, leaving a 1-inch gap.
Turn the pouch inside-out through the gap so seams face inward.
Funnel in ~50g of filler.
Whip-stitch the gap closed and knot the thread tightly.

Filling tips

Fill your bag about two-thirds full. Too full and it plays like a rock; too empty and it flops. Weigh it on a kitchen scale — 40–60 grams is the sweet spot. Plastic pellets give the best long-term feel; rice and lentils are fine for a first bag but avoid getting them wet.

When to skip DIY and buy one

A basic store-bought bag runs $5–$10 and plays noticeably better than most homemade attempts. If you're serious about learning stalls or freestyle, start with a proper 32-panel suede bag — see our best footbags or the buying guide.

Frequently asked questions

What do you need to make a hacky sack?

At minimum: a small piece of stretchy fabric (an old sock works), a filler like dried rice, lentils, or plastic pellets, a needle and thread, and about 15 minutes.

What is the best filling for a homemade hacky sack?

Plastic airsoft-style pellets give the best play feel — dense, stall-friendly, and waterproof. Dried rice, lentils, or split peas work fine for a first bag but can rot if the bag gets wet.

How much filling goes in a hacky sack?

About 40–60 grams — roughly 2–3 tablespoons. Fill the bag two-thirds full so it holds its shape but stays soft enough to compress on impact.

Can you make a hacky sack out of a sock?

Yes — the sock method is the easiest DIY. Cut the toe section off an old sock, fill it, and tie or stitch it shut. It won't look pretty, but it plays fine for learning.

How do you make a hacky sack without sewing?

Use two balloons: fill one balloon with rice or pellets using a funnel, tie it off, then cut the neck off a second balloon and stretch it over the first for a double layer. Add a third for extra durability.

Is it cheaper to make or buy a hacky sack?

Buying is usually cheaper — a basic bag costs $5–$10 and plays better than most homemade ones. Making one is worth it as a craft project or when you want a custom color/size.