Make Your Own Sleeping Bag! A Fun Activity for Children

If your kids are outdoorsy, enjoy camping, or like to sleep over at a friend’s house, they probably love sleeping bags. If none of the retail options are personalized or interesting enough, maybe they need a homemade sleeping bag. They can even make one themselves — with a little sewing help from mom or dad!

Gather Your Materials

Your sleeping bag will need the following supplies (use smaller amounts for a preschool-aged child):

• 3-4 yards of inner fabric

• 3-4 yards of outer fabric

• 3-4 yards of high loft batting

• 36- to 48-inch zipper

You can get elastic if you want, but it’s not necessary.

Get Assembling!

Cut your inner and outer fabrics in half to make two rectangles. Lay the zipper face down on the outer fabric, about 2 inches from the top edge. Now the inner fabric goes face down on top. Pin the right sides of your fabric together. Sew down the edge to join the fabrics and the zipper in between.

Turn everything right-side-out and give the zipper a top-stitch. Repeat on the other side of the zipper. Then sew down the fabric on the side with the zipper. Sew across the bottom, up the other side, and turn the bag right-side-out.

Cut the batting to the shape of the bag. Leave an inch margin around the edges. Depending on the thickness of your batting, you may need to double up on both sides of the bag.

Insert the batting in each half and smooth them out. To keep the batting from moving, use a walking foot on your sewing machine and sew two lines parallel to the sides.

Here’s where you sew these lines: If your bag is 6 feet tall, fold it in thirds so it’s 2 feet tall. Stitch along the creases of your folds. Take the top ends and fold them in. Pin, then stitch. You’re done!

Bonus Step

If you want to make the bag easier to put away, get a couple of elastic bands to make a couple of loops. That way, when you roll up the bag, you can ensure it will stay rolled up with these elastic loops.

Sleep Easier with GoldStar Tools

If you’re worried about where you’re going to get all of the materials for your sewing projects, don’t be! GoldStar Tools has everything you need for your next sewing masterpiece.