Dried beans can be used to fill bean bag toys.
Bean bags are toys for kids of any age to play tossing games. Younger children such as babies and young toddlers simply like the tactile experience of them. These simple toys can entertain children for a surprisingly long period of time. They're simple to make and usually pretty affordable, too.
Instructions
1. Find fabric to make the bean bags. Dig in the back of your closet for worn-out clothes you don't wear anymore. Use jeans, old skirts or shirts or even T-shirts. Check thrift stores for unused fabric that people have donated. You can buy pillowcases or sheets to use as fabric as well.
2. Buy the cheapest dried beans you can find. Beans are usually inexpensive, though. Dried split peas or rice work as alternatives.
3. Cut two pieces of fabric into two squares. Anywhere between 4 by 4 inches to 6 by 6 inches is a good size.
4. Place the fabric right sides, or exterior, together and pin the edges.
5. Sew along the edges with needle and thread or with a sewing machine, leaving a 2-nch-wide opening on one side.
6. Clip off the corners of the fabric with scissors. Don't cut any of the stitches.
7. Turn the bag right side out.
8. Fill the bag with beans. Don't fill too much, though, as this can make the bag difficult to sew shut.
9. Pin the opening together. Sew it shut.
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