I’m doing this for myself as much as anybody, since the piece of paper i jotted it down on when i made the pattern looks like this:
size e crochet hook (3.5mm)
100% cotton yarn, such as sugar & cream
approximately 55 grams of plastic barrel beads (also called pony beads)
blunt tapestry needle
round 1: leaving a long tail for sewing later, use magic ring method to sc 6 into ring & tighten.
round 2: 2 sc in each sc, setting a slip ring marker (or a safety pin) on first stitch. (12 st)
from here on out, set marker on the 1st stitch of every round. this is worked in a spiral, so rounds aren’t joined)
round 3: *sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat to end of round (18 st)
round 4: *sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat to end of round (24 st)
round 5: *sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc* repeat to end of round (30st)
rounds 6-11: sc in each sc around
round 12:*dec over next 2 st, sc in next 3 st* repeat to end of round (24 st)
round 13: *dec over next 2 st, sc in next 2 st* repeat to end of round (18 st)
round 14: *dec over next 2 st, sc in next st* repeat to end of round (12 st)
this is when you fill the hackey sack with beads. you want the total weight to be 60 grams, so weigh the empty hackey sack along with the beads.
round 15: (it’s a little squirelly doing this last round with it full of beads) *dec over next 2 st* around (6 st)
finish off, & cut yarn to leave a long tail.
sew both openings closed with long tails of yarn, be sure to knot it up really tight.
pull tails all the way through hackey sack & snip off from the other side (so you have a 1.5″-ish tail stuck inside the middle)
you’re done! the more you use it, the better it gets.
Dorf's Dismal Diary 
I just finished up one of these, and have to say that I absolutely love it. One of my friends asked me to make her son a hacky sack, and with my knowledge of amigurumi, I knew I could do it as long as I knew the measurements. The only problem I had was that the first one I made came out too full because I don’t have a scale that weighs in ounces or grams, so it was pretty much a make it and see if it felt right (I used to play hack with a guy I dated in high school….LOL). Anyway, thanks for making the pattern because it saved me from having to make one myself. Great job!
What a neat idea to use pony beads. I bought some “plastic pellets” to make hacky sacks a few yrs. ago. Never did!!lol Thanx for the pattern!!
Man I’ve tried it twice and each time I end up with a hack the size of a marble. I know I’m he one screwing it up, but I can’t figure out how. But in all fairness I’ve never run a crochet needle before today.
awesome. thanks for this. did one last night and am making several for my nephew for Christmas.
The same thing happens to me everytime. I think because I’ve been using finer yarn. So I’m gonna try and “double the recipe” for mine. Maybe that’s what’s happening to you too? It’s so frustrating!
It definitely needs worsted-weight yarn or doubled-up fingering weight. 🙂
Much easier to finish off the sack if you put your beads inside a nylon stocking, L’eggs, no nonsense, or whatever. You finish your sack up until about 3 rounds from the end, put the beads into the stocking, twist it, double it back on itself, cut the excess off, and then push it into the hackeysack. That way the stocking contains the beads while you are closing up shop. I suppose you would need to weigh the stocking with the rest of the bag contents.
I usually finish my bag and then unravel the last two rows, then put the beads inside, then re-crochet. That works best for me.
Thanks for the tips! 🙂 I’ve made a couple with pantyhose inside of it, but my husband doesn’t like them that way. He likes them to get really stretched out & floppy LOL. Would definitely keep the shape of a ball with the pantyhose, would make great juggling balls or round beanbags that way!
If you leave the pantyhose loose over the beads, it shouldn’t hold the shape of a ball very well anymore, so you can still get the flex you like while keeping the beads contained.
Great pattern. Love the magic stitch. I use worst weight yarn and an f or g hook. I stuff with light weight plastic pellets (like the kind that kids shoot). Thanks again!
Wick’ed pattern. I’m an amateur and I was able to spin this project up in less than two hours with nephew breaks. Personally, to achieve better flying form, I flatten out the beginning and end. It avoids that ‘nipple look’ the ends get.
I like double crochets better for flex and aesthetic appeal.
After first ring set or row *2 dc in each dc* for first 3 rows.
then begin the above pattern at step/round 3 and reverse it once desired size is created.
I use a 2mm hook, very small, and craft string used for friendship bracelets. I’ve even made these things with thread. It just takes a magnifying glass and patience.
For durability sake, use acrylic yarns and HARD plastic fill or denatured corn kernels/beans.
Awesome, so glad you enjoyed it! Also love that you made it your own. 🙂
I’ve tried quite a few hackey sack patterns, and this is by far the best pattern I’ve come across. I’m a mother of 4 little boys about to be on summer vacation, so this is great for the “I’m bored moments.” Plus I played when I was in high school and it gives us great bonding 😉 thanks so much for the pattern!