I Spy Bag {a tutorial}

This was such a fun and easy little project!  It has been on my to do list for literally years! 

I finally got around to making them, and wanted to share with you how you can make one too!

Supplies needed

1/4 yard fabric

1/8 yard clear vinyl (found at all fabric stores, and even wal-mart!)

Plastic Pellets (found on doll aisle at Hobby Lobby)

Miniatures

Sewing machine

Scissors

Start by cutting out all your fabric

You will need:

Two strips measuring 4.75"x2"

two strips measuring in 7.75"x2"

A square piece of fabric for the back measuring 7.75"x7.75"

Clear vinyl measuring 4.75"x4.75"

Sew the two 4.75"x2" strips to opposite sides of your vinyl, like this-

Take one of your 7.75"x2" strips and pin it, right sides together, to your square.  

Sew it.  Should now look like this:

Take your other 7.75" x 2" strip and pin it to your square.  

Right sides together!!

Sew it, and it should look like this:

Now, take your back piece (7.75" x 7.75") and pin it to your completed square, right sides together.

Sew all four sides, leaving a small gap on one side to pour in your plastic pellets and miniatures.  Like so:

Turn your bag right side out, and iron if you think it needs it.

(do NOT iron the vinyl....just the fabric)

Now for the fun part!

Choose your miniatures.  I found all mine in the scrapbooking aisle at Hobby Lobby and on the dollhouse aisle. 

I love miniature stuff!  Some of my favorites:

 Click to enlarge and see the cuteness!

I  let my kiddos choose which ones they wanted in their bags.

Next up, add the plastic pellets.  I used 2.5 cups for each bag.

Sew your hole closed, and now you have an I Spy bag!!

Close ups:

Mr. A's bag

Miss J's bag

I added a tag to each bag with a picture list of everything inside.  It helps me turn it into a game for them.  I just say "can you find the ____ ?"

I found clip art images of the items, and used Word to make the tags.  Each tag is 4"x4", and is laminated for durability.

To attach the tags to the bags, I used large eyelets (also called grommets).

All Done!