The Empowered Educator

Inspiring ideas, training and resources for early learning.

Beanbags and Breadbags…..

by 16 Comments

Finally got around to some quick sewing projects during naptime yesterday…i have been wanting to get these done for a month or so now!! Isn't it funny how something you know won't actually take long gets pushed aside for other ‘more important' chores?

I have always been a big fan of beanbags for kids…..there are just so many open ended play opportunities with them for all ages. The can be thrown into boxes or hoops, through smaller openings if older, used as pillows or beds for toys, carted around as a special item because it feels nice, counted, stacked, knocked over…the options are endless with a good imagination!

They are so easy to make, no need to buy or for perfection. A really easy sewing project that makes such a thrifty toy for years to come. You can make different sizes and shapes to suit little or larger hands and purposes and fill with whatever you have on hand such as rice, beans, lentils etc!

A great ‘naptime' project (i really love being able to complete something during naptime because otherwise it has to be put aside to finish another day which often never arrives!) I used scrap fabric from winter pants i made the toddler twosome last season…..

I cut out some squares or rectangles of fabric…you don't need to be a perfectionist here, if you do want to make sure everything is square you will obviously need to measure beforehand…but in my opinion children never notice when playing with them!
Sew around your fabric but leave an opening for turning and filling
Once you have sewn the edges…(i like to put the pins in either end while sewing to remind me to leave the hole….unfortunately i have a bad habit of sewing closed my openings and then unpicking!)
Turn the material so right side is now out and poke out corners with a finger or scissors
I filled mine with rice from our sensory box and added a few large pasta shells as they make a good noise when being squished…use whatever you have on hand!
Then you just need to fold the opening under and sew straight across …..if you want a neater finish you can of course hand stitch the openings but i think machine sewing gives a stronger finish and again…children don't worry about those details!
Now we have a stack of lovely beanbags to have fun with…..another great inside activity! You can really use any material except for very lightweight….i have used corduroy and flannelet here.

While i had the scrap material out i also made a drawstring bag to keep bread and bread rolls in for the breadbox. I currently use a ziplock bag which has to be thrown after a week really so wanted something i could reuse. I don't think it will keep the bread as fresh but as we go through a loaf a day that isn't really a concern. Just need to make sure the bread is cool before putting into the bag or it will go soggy.

All i did was again cut 2 rectangles of fabric (i wanted mine quite large so i could keep rolls in there too) sew the edges, and then turn over the top making a casing for the drawstring…so easy…why has it taken me so long to get to??
Thread through the drawstring…..
 pull tight and tie a knot in the drawstring and viola….
 One bread bag ready to go! I think it looks so much nicer than the plastic bag i was using!

Have you completed any little projects during naptime recently? I'd love to hear about them!
Thanks for stopping by…have a great weekend all!

Jode x

Comments

  1. Ngo Family Farm says

    Oooh, I love your bread bag! I’ve been thinking the same thing for a long time, too, as I’d rather not keep food in plastic if there’s an alternative. Maybe I’ll make this my first ever sewing project! If I could get baby to nap for more than 15 minutes at a time, that is. Hrmn…;)
    -Jaime

    Reply

    • Jode says

      Hi Jaime…it’s so easy and working really well..you can do it! (although i hear you on the 15 minute nap times…taken me awhile to get to the 2 hr naps trust me!!!)

      Reply

  2. Tammi says

    The bread bag is a fab idea Jode and something I think I could rustle up in no time if I had the mojo to sew 🙂 I also really like the beanbags, what a great idea for creative play.
    Xx

    Reply

  3. Catherine says

    You have been very busy Jode. What a great feeling getting those little done you having been putting off. I love your beanbags for the girls, they are so much fun and you’re tutorial is really easy to follow too:) I haven’t made any projects recently but I’ve got a bag to make before next Monday for a soon to be 8 year old girl. Have a great weekend Jode. xx

    Reply

    • Jode says

      Hi Catherine…it does feel good to have them done! Good luck with your bag project…you’ll have to share it when finished!Have a good weekend!

      Reply

  4. Ali says

    I love your beanbags, the materials you have chosen are lovely. I can see the endless fun that could be had with those. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  5. Mooberry Farmwife says

    Great ideas! I have several extra receiving blankets that I can use for material now that my little guy is outgrowing them…. the flannel would make a lovely print for some bean bags. What a surprise for my toddler girls–“mama-made” toys!

    Thank you.

    Reply

    • Jode says

      Using the blankets as the material is a great idea Julie….i may have to make more now!!bet they will love their mamma made toys!

      Reply

  10. Little Home In The Country says

    Well done! You have given me the inspiration to make my own bread bag… I’ve been procrastinating for long enough! I bet my kids would love bean bags, too… they look like they would provide HOURS of open ended play – perfect for our chilly winters.

    Reply

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