Hacky Sack

Hacky sacks are officially making a comeback, and honestly… I’m here for it. There’s something so nostalgic and fun about these little crochet creations that instantly brings back memories of carefree summer days, schoolyards, festivals, and hanging out with friends. But now they’re popping back up with a handmade twist, and people are loving them all over again. Crochet hacky sacks are quick, customizable, beginner-friendly, and surprisingly addictive to make. Whether you’re creating them for markets, gifts, stocking stuffers, or just a fun project to use up yarn scraps, they’re one of those simple little projects that somehow make everyone smile. Plus, in a world full of screens and scrolling, there’s something refreshing about bringing back a classic that gets people moving, laughing, and connecting again.

One of the fun things about making crochet hacky sacks is that there are several different options you can use for filler. Some people use corn, dry rice, or dry lentils, while others prefer polypropylene pellets or beads. The biggest thing to keep in mind with natural fillers is moisture — if they get damp over time, there’s a chance they could develop mold or mildew. For that reason, I decided to work with polypropylene pellets/beads for mine, and I’ve been really happy with how they turned out. They give the hacky sacks a nice weight and feel while also being clean, lightweight, and durable.

To make the filling process even easier, I found the coolest little protein scoop on Amazon that has a trigger-release bottom. Honestly, it was a game changer! Instead of spilling pellets everywhere or trying to awkwardly funnel them into a tiny opening, I could fill each hacky sack quickly and neatly with almost no mess. Sometimes it’s the little tools that make crafting so much more enjoyable!

When it comes to yarn choice, cotton is definitely the best option for crochet hacky sacks. It’s durable, holds its shape well, and gives the finished hacky sack a nice sturdy feel that works perfectly for tossing and kicking around. Acrylic yarn can stretch out over time, but cotton keeps everything nice and firm. For mine, I used Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Cotton, which is a worsted weight cotton yarn. I really loved working with it because it’s soft, easy to crochet with, and comes in so many fun color options. It also gives the finished hacky sacks a clean, polished look while still being practical and durable enough for everyday use.

Supplies

Abbriviations

Regular size

Start with a magic circle, work in a continuous round

RD 1 – SC 8

RD 2 – SC inc (16)

RD 3 – SC, SC inc (24)

RD 4 – SC around (24)

RD 5 – SC 2, SC inc (32)

RD 6 – SC 9, SC inc (35)

RD 7- 12 – SC around

RD 13 – SC 9, SC inv dec

RD 14 – SC 2, SC inv dec

RD 15 – SC around

RD 16 – SC, SC inv dec

RD 17 – SC inv dec

Regular Large

Larger size

Start with a magic circle, work in a continuous round

RD 1 – SC 8 (8)

RD 2 – SC inc (16)

RD 3 – SC, SC inc (24)

RD 4 – SC around

RD 5 – SC 2, SC inc (32)

RD 6 – SC 4, SC inc (38)

RD 7- 13 – SC around

RD 14 – SC 4, SC inv dec

RD 15 – SC 2, SC inv dec

RD 16 – SC around

RD 17 – SC, SC inv dec

RD 18 – SC inv dec