Knit a Hacky Sack

Ever wondered how to make something super easy that had the appearance of difficulty? A hacky sack is just the answer! In less than 30 minutes, with supplies from your own home, you can make something that will be enjoyable putting together and tons of of fun after!

Supplies

yarn

4 double pointed needles (DPN)

filling - beans, rice, beads...

tapestry needle

place marker (a safety pin or paper clip works well for this)

Step 1: Step1 : Gather Supplies

For this hacky sack, regular household supplies were used. Some old yarn in the closet, some dry mixed beans in the pantry, a tapestry needle, and four size 6 double pointed needles (DPN) were used. The yarn calls for size 8 needles, but in order to keep the beans inside the stitches of the hacky sack, smaller needles must be used.

Step 2: Step 2: Cast on the Yarn

Cast 6 stitches onto the first DPN. Divide the stitches among three needles and slip two stitches con each.

Step 3: Step 3: Knit, Add1, Knit... Repeat

Without twisting the yarn, begin the second row by using the needle in the right hand to knit the first stitch. Do not slide the first stitch off the left hand needle yet. Instead, add a second stitch to the back. There should now be four stitches on the right hand needle and one left on the other needle. Introduce the fourth needle by knitting this last stitch onto it. Now, slide the first two stitches from the right needle onto this needle. There should now be three stitches on this needle and two on the other two needles. (2nd Picture above)

On the next needle, knit the first stitch, add one (like before), and then knit the last stitch. Do this same thing on the last needle. Each needle on this first row should now have three stitches.

Step 4: Step 4: Continue Knitting and Adding One

Repeat the pattern from step 2: knit the first stitch, add 1, knit remaining stitches. There should be four stitches. Continue knitting in this pattern until each needle has ten stitches. This should be row 9. Add a marker to this first stitch on the first needle so it is clear where the rows begin. (see picture above)

Step 5: Step 5: Just Knit

Rows 11-14 are straight knitting. Do not increase and make sure not to drop any stitches. Make sure each rowhas10 stitches.

Step 6: Step 6: Knit Two Together, Knit... Repeat

Rows 15-21. Slip the needle through the back of the first two stitches on row 15. Knit these two stitches together and slip onto the needle. Knit the remaining 8 stitches. There should now be 9 stitches on this needle. Continue knitting in this fashion until there are 2 stitches on each needle (row 22) (see Pic)

Step 7: Step 7: Fill the Hack Sack

Fill the hacksy sack with whatever filling chosen. A funnel can be helpful with this step.

Step 8: Step 8: Continue Knitting

Once the hacky sack is full of filling,continue knitting the stitches together two at a time until one stitch remains.

Step 9: Step 9: Sew in Ends

Using a tapestry needle, close this last stitch in by going through the stitch. Once through the last stitch, follow the knitting pattern on the sack to hide the yarn among the stitches. Make sure to leave enough yarn to be able to close in any gaps or loose stitching that might allow the filling to pop out. Use the stitching as a guide so this reinforcement will be hidden. Once all stitching is together, stick the tapestry needle through the hack sacks so the needle comes out on the other side. Pull tightly and cut the string. This will allow the yarn to be loose somewhere inside the hacky sack and not free to unravel. Do this same thing for the yarn on the other side of the bag. (see pic)

Step 10: Step 10: Knit More Hacky Sacks!

Use the remaining yarn and filling to make more!