This jacks game post contains affiliate links.
Do your kids play old school, traditional games? Mine rarely do and I kind of hate that they have no idea how to play some of these games that I grew up playing. I love games that take kids back to the basics and I decided to teach my kids how to play jacks … and I even made a cute and colorful DIY drawstring storage bag so the dollar store jacks and balls don’t get lost!
Do you know how to play jacks?
My kids had never even seen jacks, let alone played it. We bought a bright-colored jack set at the dollar store and I taught the kids how to play.
How to Play Jacks
The game of jacks is simple but definitely takes some practice.
Throw the ball up, and with it bouncing only once, pick up one jack in the same hand that you threw the ball with. {We modified that for the little ones and let them use both hands and that was still a bit tricky.} If you’re successful, bounce the ball again and pick up two jacks. Continue on, adding a jack each time. When you miss, the play moves to another player. When you get your turn again, you start where you left off.
My kids had a great time playing this new game!
And when they finished, they packed the jacks up in their cute little drawstring storage bag.
DIY Drawstring Storage Bag for Jacks
To make a DIY drawstring storage bag, you’ll need a piece of fabric for the main part of the bag {6×8 inches, cut on the fold} and a piece of coordinating fabric for the front patch {3×4 inches}. This is a great way to use up old fabric scraps from the stash. You’ll also need heat and bond, a piece of ribbon for the drawstring, and a piece of wide bias tape for the casing.
I also used heat transfer jacks {cut with my cutting machine} but you could use fabric paint to freehand the jacks or use a freezer paper stencil to paint them on.
Apply heat and bond to the back of the patch and fuse it to the outside front of the bag then stitch around the edges. {I left a bit of a border between the bonding agent and the fabric edge because I like a little natural fraying.}
With the fold at the bottom of the bag and right sides together, stitch or serge the sides of the bag.
Finish the top raw edge {I serged mine}, fold it down about half an inch, and stitch in place.
Folding raw edges under and leaving a small gap along the side seam, pin the bias tape into place just below the upper edge. Stitch the top and bottom of the bias tape, leaving the side edges open.
Insert the ribbon through the casing and tie a knot.
Apply the jacks heat transfer design to the front of the bag and you’re done!
You have a cute carrying case that doubles as storage for your jack set.
For another traditional game for kids, be sure to check out this tutorial for kick the can and a DIY can to play with!
Our Pinteresting Family says
This is a cute idea. Thanks so much for sharing this tutorial. 🙂 I remember having a little set when I was younger. I hope to make one for my daughter soon. Megan
Alexis says
I used to love playing Jacks and as I remember, I was pretty good! Great idea to show the kids some “old school” unplugged games and that bag is adorable.
Jenn "Rook No. 17" says
Wonderful! I love Jacks! What a wonderful way to introduce the classic game to a new generation!
Jenn
Carolyn says
I love the new monthly theme idea. Great idea – looking forward to seeing more!
malia says
OMG you literally read my mind. We were just talking about how to play jacks with the kids the other night and the truth is– neither one of us remembered! So thank you! xo
Lexy says
Here is my ditty from childhood while playing Jacks.
Say while picking up one Jack…..”Pick a Cherry”
Throw ball up and while putting the Jack towards your mouth say…”Eat a cherry”.
Throw ball up and toss Jack aside while saying….”Throw the stone away”.
Then repeat. Pick two cherries (while picking up two Jacks), “Eat two cherries” (while bringing toward your mouth), “Throw two stones away” (toss two Jacks down)
etc. etc. etc.
I can still see my mother in my imagination doing this….great memory with lots of laughs.
barb says
Jacks… I skinned my knuckles so many times!
Holly Lefevre says
I am not even sure I know how to play or remember…so thanks for the reminder and such a cute bag!
Karla says
We love playing games! My husband has actually been making game boards and the kids love mancala and Chinese Checkers.