Something You Can Do

A Beanbag Star

Is it hard sometimes to find a good gift to give to your cousin or friend? A beanbag is fun to make and to play with, too. You can make them in many different shapes, but this pattern will be for a star beanbag. If you have learned to sew on the sewing machine, this will be easy for you. If you can’t sew well, ask someone to help you. Sewing takes patience, so be slow and careful. Read the instructions first, please.

You will need:

tracing paper
pencil, pen, and ruler
scissors
2 fabric pieces, 7 inches square
thread and pins
sewing machine or needle
paper strip, 3/8-inch wide
small white or black beans

First print and cut out the star on this page. It is your pattern.
Put the squares of fabric on top of each other. The pretty sides should be together in the inside.
Pin the star pattern on the fabrics in the very middle. Mark around it carefully with a pen. A ruler will help you keep the lines straight.
Unpin the pattern. Pin the fabrics together at the corners.
Start at one star point and sew straight along the lines. To turn a corner on a sewing machine, first poke the needle down to hold your place. Then lift up the presser foot and turn the fabric around. Don’t sew one of the edges, so the beans can be put in.
Line up the paper strip on the outside of all your stitching. Mark along the outside edge of the paper to know where to cut. Carefully cut around your star. Trim around the star points.
Turn the beanbag inside out through the hole. Use a pencil to poke out the star points.
Fill the star with beans. Pin together the hole and sew it shut with a needle and thread.
Beanbags are fun to play with others. Play toss, or “hide the beanbag.” Give them hints where it is by saying “hot” if they are getting close, or “cold” if they are not. When we share and make others happy, Jesus gives us happiness, too!

Palmer/Pletsch Publishing
P.O. Box 12046
Portland, OR 97212-0046
1-800-728-3784