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Beanbag Numbers Tutorial

Craft Tutorials
I’ve never been too keen on math. Words I love, but numbers I loathe. (Although for some strange reason I’m drawn to Sudoku puzzles… try to figure that one out!) Anyway, I’m hoping my little Owen will have more of a love of numbers and math than his mommy, so we’re starting early by making numbers into toys!
You can see by the impatient little hands in this picture that these have already been a big hit. He didn’t want to wait for me to photograph his new toys!
I made these numbers using the technique I used to make my tummy time mat.

After washing them they get these really great frayed edges, then I stuffed them with rice. (So I guess technically these are more like ricebags than beanbags… ricebags sounds a little weird though!)

Do you want a tutorial? Well alright!

Here’s what you’ll need:
  • 10 different scrap pieces of fabric
  • Rice
  • Funnel
  • Plastic Straw
  • Graph Paper
  • Sharp Scissors
First you’ll want to draw some numbers on your graph paper. I made sure that the width was at least 2 1/4 inches at all points of the number, the graph paper helped with that a bunch. Below are my numbers “4” and “5”. If you would like to print this picture out on a full 8 1/2 by 11 piece of paper you’ll see the scale I used. If you would like the other numbers, check out this post.
Next, cut out your numbers from the graph paper and pin them to your fabric. Be sure you have the wrong sides of the fabric together when you cut the numbers out. You won’t be flipping these inside out, so you’ll want the pretty side of the fabric to face out.
Stitch around the outside edges of each number, be sure to leave a 1/4 inch seam allowance and at least a 1 inch opening to put the rice in later.
Using some sharp scissors, cut the edges of the number. Be super careful not to cut your sewed edge or you’ll be going back to your sewing machine to fix it. Be patient with this step, it takes some time, but it’s worth it in the end!
When all of the edges have been clipped you’re ready for the fun part! Throw the numbers into your washer and dryer and the edges will fray beautifully! Your final step is to fill each number with rice using the funnel. I’ve found that a plastic straw works well to jam the rice down into the bottom of the numbers. Stitch the opening closed and you’re all done!

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30 thoughts on “Beanbag Numbers Tutorial”

  1. Kerstin

    Oh, these are so cute! As soon as I saw them I thought they would be so cute on a blanket, stuffed with batting to still give them the raised look. I think i'll try it. Thanks for the cute idea!

    Reply
  12. CJ {Pink Tea}

    I just wanted to say thank you for the time and effort you put into your blog. I love your ideas and inspirations.

    I was recently provided a "Sunshine Award" which I wanted to pass along to you as a thank you for all your work. It isn't much, but it is a small symbol of my appreciation. You have so many wonderfully creative ideas. Thank you for sharing and inspiring us all.

    [http://pinktea-cj.blogspot.com/]

    Reply
  14. bkmonet

    I found your bean bag numbers via the Girl Creative and I am swooning over them. Sadly I do not own the capabilities you demonstrate. Do you have an Etsy shop? Because I would buy them from you if you did! I am now following! Can't wait to see more!

    Reply
  15. Sarah

    Browneyes, Thanks so much for your comment! I'm flattered that you would like to buy these. I have an Etsy shop, but it's not really up and running yet. I have plans for that in the future, so stay tuned!
    -Sarah

    Reply
  18. Rebekah Greiman

    Is it weird that I will be making these, even though I am childless? Oh, well. No one has ever called me normal. I'd just better embrace my weirdness.
    I found you through thegirlcreative. Good job, little lady!

    Reply

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