How to Make an I-Spy Bag

By Amber Ortega on December 10th, 2008

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I Spy books are a favorite by many children….mine included.  I find myself getting caught up looking for the needle, the clip, a question mark…whatever it is that is hiding from me.  What would be better than to be able to take that fun with you…anywhere you go?  An I-Spy bag allows you to do just that.  It is a no mess, no fuss way to bring that fun with you in the car, to the store, where ever you want to go.  Even with minimal sewing skills, anyone can make an I-Spy bag.

Here is what you need to get started:

• Fabric of your choice, I recommend cotton to allow for easier sewing and better wear-and-tear
• Piece of vinyl, easily found at any fabric store, but if you don’t have any or can’t find any, a great work-around is a piece from a large bag, the type a comforter comes in.
• Poly Pellets, some people are against using these and use beans or rice.  I have never tried these as I am worried that they could attract bugs.
• Small Trinkets, these can be anything from buttons, small toys, anything that is not pointy or breakable.  Personally I was unable to find what I wanted for a reasonable price, so I made my own out of Shrinky Dinks.
• Scissors
• Sewing Machine
• Ribbon (optional), I added a ribbon handle to easily hang or carry.
• Tissue Paper (optional), I use this between the vinyl and sewing machine to keep from sticking and breaking my needle.

So let’s get started!

1. Gather your supplies.
2. Cut your fabric to the desired shape and size.  I personally made a large bag, being 7″x7″, but they can be any size.  I would not recommend being smaller than 4″x4″.  You will need 2 pieces this size, then in the middle of one piece cut a small square to be see through.  I cut my window 2″x2″.  Cut small slats in each corner of the window to allow you to fold the fabric for a clean look. 
3. Iron the fabric around your window so it will lay down properly to sew. 
4. Place a piece of vinyl over the window.  This is the point I use a piece of tissue paper over the vinyl that will be touching the machine.  Sew in place.  I always go around twice because I want to be sure it is sturdy enough for little fingers to manipulate.  If using tissue paper, simply tear away when done sewing. 
5. Sew right sides together, leaving a small opening to allow to turn right side out and fill.  If wanted, you may use the ribbon to create a handle.  To do this, fold a piece of ribbon in half, placing it between the right sides.  The ends of the ribbon should be sticking outside of seam you creating. 
6. After turning right side out, fill with poly pellets and small trinkets.  If needed, use a funnel to fill to keep from spilling pellets all over the table, floor and anywhere else.
7. Fold down the material in the opening, sew around the perimeter of the bag.  Be careful the pellets are not in the way of your sewing needle, as this will cause the needle to break. 
8. You are all done!  That wasn’t so hard now was it?

You may also create a list of what was placed inside.  This can be done by using a luggage tag or laminated card stock.  Personally, my kids never use them and I just let them keep searching through the pellets to see what else they can find.

These make wonderful gifts for children and are very inexpensive to make.  I have used these as party favors at my children’s birthday parties in place of traditional toys and candy.  They are always a hit with the kids.