Footbag Template Guide

How to Make a 12 Panel Footbag | Free DIY Footbag Template

Learn how to create a 12 panel footbag template using simple tools. This step-by-step guide includes pentagon for making professional handmade footbags.

How to Make a 12 Panel Footbag: Free DIY Footbag Template Guide

If you want to make your own 12 panel footbag, this beginner-friendly guide will show you how to create an accurate DIY footbag template using only a ruler, a protractor, pencil, and paper.

A footbag is a small handmade kicking bag used for freestyle tricks, kicking games, coordination training, and casual play. Some people also know it as a hacky sack, but in freestyle footbag communities, “footbag” is the more common name.

This 12 panel footbag pattern is designed to help you make a finished footbag with a diameter of about 5.5 cm / 2.2 inches. Whether you are making your first DIY footbag or improving your handmade footbag design, this template is a simple and reliable starting point.

Materials You Need

Before you begin, prepare the following items:

  • Ruler with centimeter markings

  • Protractor

  • Pencil

  • Paper

  • Clear plastic sheet, template plastic, or thick cardstock

A traditional 12 panel handmade footbag is made from:

  • 12 regular pentagon panels

Creating a precise template will make sewing easier and help your finished footbag become rounder, more balanced, and more consistent.

Step 1: Draw the Pentagon Footbag Template

Start by drawing a regular pentagon.

Template Size

For this footbag pattern, you can use the following measurements:

  • Side length: 2.5 cm

  • Interior angle: 108°

12 panel footbag template with pentagon pattern

I usually make each side about 2.8 cm instead of 2.5 cm. This small increase gives me more control over the final size of the finished footbag and makes the panels easier to handle while sewing.

Try to keep all five sides equal and all angles as accurate as possible. A small mistake is fine, but consistency is important when making a round 12 panel footbag.

Step 2: Transfer the Template

Once your pentagon template is complete, transfer it onto a stronger material, such as:

  • Clear plastic sheet

  • Thick cardstock

  • Template plastic

A durable template helps prevent distortion when tracing multiple panels. This is especially important when making a 12 panel footbag, because all 12 pieces should be as consistent as possible.

Step 3: Cut 12 Pentagon Panels

Use your template to trace and cut out 12 identical pentagon panels from your chosen fabric.

For best results, make sure every panel is the same size. Even if your template is simple, consistent cutting will make the sewing process much easier and help the finished footbag keep a round shape.

handmade footbag sewing template

How to Make a Smaller Footbag

If you want to make a smaller handmade footbag, there are several ways to adjust the size.

Method 1: Reduce the Panel Size

Instead of using a 2.5 cm or 2.8 cm side length, you can reduce the pentagon side length to:

  • 2.3 cm

  • 2.0 cm

  • Or any smaller size you prefer

Smaller panels will naturally create a smaller finished footbag.

Method 2: Tighten the Stitches

When sewing, pull the stitches slightly tighter. This reduces the overall volume of the footbag and creates a firmer, more compact feel.

Method 3: Increase the Seam Allowance

You can also place your first stitch slightly farther away from the edge of each panel. This hides more fabric inside the footbag and reduces the final diameter.

This method is useful if you want a tighter, smaller freestyle footbag without changing the template size too much.

Small Errors Are Normal

Do not worry if your hand-cut panels are not perfect.

A small difference of one or two millimeters usually will not ruin the performance of your footbag. What matters most is keeping the panels as consistent as possible.

As your sewing skills improve, your handmade footbags will become more symmetrical, balanced, and professional-looking.

Final Thoughts

Whether you call it a footbag, hacky sack, or kicking bag, a well-made handmade footbag can offer excellent control, durability, and freestyle performance.

Making your own 12 panel footbag template is the first step toward creating a custom footbag that fits your personal playing style. With only a ruler, a protractor, and a little patience, you can create a reliable DIY footbag pattern and start making your own handmade footbags at home.

I plan to upload all the templates for easy download, but I'm still figuring out how.

If you'd rather start playing immediately, check out our handmade 32 panel footbags made from premium microfiber suede.

SIICCAR Footbag Store
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