Making Stuff Sacks

Schedule two meetings for making Stuff Sacks. Have one adult and one sewing machine per 3 boys.
Cut out pattern in sizes needed. Best material is Rip Stop Nylon.
Sew using 5/8 seams. Should be sewn using a small zig zag stitch. Approximately 1/4 inch wide and 8 stitches per inch.
Thread cord through casing and tie the ends securely.

Where to get material:

Minnesota Fabrics
Northwest Fabrics and Crafts
You may order 3 lbs of Rip Stop Nylon remnants for $8.50 plus shipping by calling Fabric Corner in Sioux Falls, SD at 605-334-0339. Bill will be sent with order and will include postage.

Stuff Sack Instructions

Decide on size bag you want. Below are some suggested sizes.

Item	Material Size	Cord Lenth
3 pair socks or undershorts	10"w x 9"h	12
Toiletry Kit Towel, Wash rag, etc	12"w x 16"h	14
1 change clothes pants, shirt, socks, undershorts	15"w x 20"h	17
Mess Kit & Utensils	16"w x 8"h	18

Sew 5/8 inch seam across what will be the top of the bag. This will be the casing for draw cord. Pull cord through casing. Fold bag in half with the inside out. Sew side and bottom. Turn right side out and tie ends of cord together securely. Friction fasteners are available at camping supply stores.

Making Round Stuff Sacks

(Sleeping Bags, Tents, etc.)

The height of the material should be the height of the item plus one and one half diameters of the item. The width of the material should be the circumference of the item plus one and one half inches.

Example: sleeping bag

When sleeping bag is rolled up (you can still stuff it when finished) to smallest possible size it measures 20 inches high and 10 inches across the top (diameter). The measurement around the circumference of the sleeping bag measures 28 inches. The size of the material would be the height plus one and one half diameters or 20 + 10 + 5 = 35 inches high; and, the width would be the circumference plus one and one half inches or 28 + 1.5 = 29.5 inches wide.

Sew 5/8 inch seam across what will be the top of the bag. This will be the casing for draw cord. Pull cord through casing. Fold bag in half with the inside out. Sew side and bottom. To form rounded bottom mark the middle 10 inches (the diameter in the above example) on the bottom seam. Flatten bottom and sew these "ears" as shown below. Turn right side out and tie ends of cord together securely. Friction fasteners are available at camping supply stores.

From an Indianhead Council Show 'n Do handout.

Last edited: February 22, 2004
The NetWoods Virtual Campsite, Steve Tobin, Campmaster