A DIY Guest Post! Number Bean Bags Tutorial and Giveaway from Craft Buds

Hey peeps! It was whirlwind weekend...and I can hardly believe it is over...but to start the week off on the with foot, we I have Craft Buds here today. I first discovered Craft Buds when they linked up to Tickled Pink...and was blown away by their site. So with no further adieu....

Hello readers, this is Mary from Craft Buds, a site I co-host with my friend Lindsay. We're so excited to be on 504 Main and meet all of you! At Craft Buds we feature tutorials, fresh ideas for promoting and running your handmade business, and a weekly list of craft giveaways around the web. (More on that in a minute!)

Below you'll find my tutorial for a set of numbered bean bags. It's a great gift idea for kids. You can further personalize it with different colors and putting the letters of the child's name on the backs.

To make these, you'll want to download my pattern (free!) that includes the numbers and square for the beanbags. I didn't use a number zero but my husband was concerned that someone might want it, so it's included in the pattern.

First, print out the pattern and cut out all the paper numbers and 9 fabric squares for the beanbag fronts and 9 fabric squares for the backs. I did brown for the front and different colors and patterns for the numbers and backs.

Next, cut out nine fabric rectangles a little larger than your numbers. Iron those to a strip of fusible web. On the back, trace each number backwards, then cut out each number.

Peel the backing off the fusible web and iron the numbers to the centers of your beanbag fronts. If you want more details on making the number appliques you can see my post on appliques here.

Next I did a loose zig zag stitch with my sewing machine around each number. The curves got tricky so I had to turn the hand wheel for some parts and stitch very slowly.

Then put right sides together of your beanbag fronts and backs and stitch them up leaving a 2" opening at the bottom. When you are done stitching, turn them right side out.

I tried to fill these with a funnel but my funnel opening was too small so I used a rolled up paper plate to fill each bag with dried black beans. I filled each bag until it was 3/4 full and used a pound and a half total for all nine bags.

Next I sewed the openings up using a slipstitch. A slipstitch is a (mostly) hidden seam. To do this you'll first fold the raw edges inside. Then knot your thread and starting at one end of the opening, you'll alternate between the inside folds of the fabric stitching about 1/16" inch of fabric on each side and then pull tightly.

Beanbags are now finished and ready to be played with!

And if you need a place to store these, you can find a tutorial on Craft Buds for a matching drawstring tote!

Hope you enjoyed the tutorial and make sure to visit us! 
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Thanks Craft Buds...now go say hi!
(reminder...the giveaway is over at craftbuds!)

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