How To Make A Bean Bag: 13 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Make A Bean Bag » How To Make A Bean Bag: 13 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Make DIY Bean Bags for Party Games and Chairs PDF download Download Article Sew cost-effective bean bags for entertaining friends and family Co-authored by Lois Wade and Mason Martinez, BA

Last Updated: May 2, 2024 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Sewing Throwing Beanbags
    • |
  • Making a Beanbag Chair
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Lois Wade and by wikiHow staff writer, Mason Martinez, BA. Lois Wade has 45 years of experience in crafts including sewing, crochet, needlepoint, cross-stitch, drawing, and paper crafts. She has been contributing to craft articles on wikiHow since 2007. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 635,092 times.

Bean bags come in different shapes, sizes, and uses. You can use it for tossing around with your friends during a game of cornhole or as a super comfy chair for entertaining. However, the amount of fabric and beans you’ll need to make your bag all depends on how big you want it. Fortunately, whether you’re looking to play a game or relax, both projects require the same materials and basic methods. Follow this guide to get started!

How do you make a bean bag?

  1. Cut out two 5x5 inch (13x13 cm) fabric squares and lay them right-sides together.
  2. Align the edges and sew them together, leaving an open 3-inch gap on one side.
  3. Flip the fabric inside out and use a funnel to fill the bean bag with dried beans or rice.
  4. Stitch the gap closed with a straight stitch.
  5. Start tossing!

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Sewing Throwing Beanbags

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Bean Bag 1 Cut two pieces of fabric, each 5 in (13 cm) by 5 in (13 cm). Grab a durable fabric such as cotton twill or canvas for throwing beans. Using a ruler, mark the fabric with a pencil or washable market at the 5 in (13 cm) mark. Cut two square pieces with a pair of scissors or a rotary blade.[1]
    • You can use scrap fabric or old t-shirts to make this DIY. However, cotton twill can cost $4 per yard, while canvas can cost $9 per yard.
    • Cut two squares for each bean bag. For instance, if you want 12 throwing bean bags, cut 24 squares of equal size.
    • When using a rotary blade, place a cutting board beneath the fabric to avoid damaging your tabletop surface or floors.
  2. Step 2 Lay the fabric right-sides together and align the edges. 2 Lay the fabric right-sides together and align the edges. Take one of the pre-cut squares and lay it facing up with the design. Then, take another piece and lay it face down over the top of the other piece. Ensure the edges are perfectly aligned for sewing.[2]
    • To avoid wrinkles, iron the fabric on an ironing-safe surface.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Bean Bag 3 Sew the fabric together using a straight stitch. Before you begin sewing, stick sewing pins or clips along three of the square’s edges to hold them in place. Set your sewing machine to the straight stitch setting and feed the fabric under the foot. Set the foot down and begin stitching with a 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) inseam. Stitch all the way around until you’re about 3 in (7.6 cm) away from where you started to leave a gap for filling and turning the fabric.[3]
    • Always start and finish your stitches with a backstitch for a secure hold.
    • You can also stitch the bean bag by hand using a straight stitch. Weave a threaded needle in and out of both layers of fabric.
    • As you are sewing around the edge, hold the pieces of fabric tightly together with your hands. However, make sure to keep your fingers away from the needle.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Bean Bag 4 Flip the fabric inside out and fill it with dried beans or rice. Using the small gap that’s left, flip the fabric inside out. Go back in with your fingers to poke the corners so they’re sharp. Grab a small funnel and slowly pour in dried beans or rice. Try to leave at least 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) of fabric empty on the side so the beans can move around.[4]
    • Alternatively, you can use dried corn, peas, popcorn kernels, or small bits of gravel to fill the bean bag.
  5. Step 5 Stitch the gap closed with a 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) inseam. 5 Stitch the gap closed with a 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) inseam. Take the loose edges of the fabric and place them back beneath the sewing machine’s foot. If it helps, you can pin the gap closed. Remove the pins as you close the gap. Now, you have a completed beanbag! Repeat the previous steps until all of your bean bags are made.[5]
    • You can also repeat these steps to make an outer liner for throwing bean bags. Then, instead of filling the bag with beans, slip the cover on top and stitch it closed.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Making a Beanbag Chair

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Cut two large... 1 Cut two large pieces of upholstery-weighted fabric. Fortunately, bean bag chairs can be as wide as you want. However, for a kid’s friendly chair, cut two fabric pieces to 45 in (110 cm) by 32 in (81 cm) with a pair of fabric scissors or a rotary blade.[6]
    • Upholstery-weighted fabric can cost $4 per yard.
    • Alternatively, you can use cotton-polyester blended fabrics, which can cost as little as $3 per yard.
    • You can use matching fabric or two coordinating patterns for a two-toned look.
    • A beanbag chair 42 inches wide is large enough for teenagers or adults, while an extra-large one is produced by cutting it 56-70 inches wide.
  2. Step 2 Layer the fabric with the right sides facing and sew the long edges. 2 Layer the fabric with the right sides facing and sew the long edges. Turn the fabric so the right sides face each other and the wrong side faces you. Then, feed the long raw edges under the foot of the sewing machine. Set the machine to the straight stitch setting using the dial to sew tight stitches along both long edges. Leave both of the shorter ends of the fabric open for now.[7]
    • To prevent fraying, use a zigzag stitch on the sewing machine before sewing with a straight stitch. However, this is optional.
  3. Step 3 Fold the fabric in half lengthwise and cut one inside corner. 3 Fold the fabric in half lengthwise and cut one inside corner. Align the long sewn sides of the fabric by folding it in half. Ensure the edges are as even as possible. Then, starting from the folded inside corner, use fabric scissors to round one end or cut a diagonal line to remove approximately 6 in (15 cm) of material. Open the fabric back up to reveal a symmetrical curve or tear-drop shape.[8]
    • Folding the fabric in half ensures the fabric is cut evenly.
  4. Step 4 Use a straight stitch to close the curved or diagonal edge. 4 Use a straight stitch to close the curved or diagonal edge. Feed the fabric back under the foot of the sewing machine. Set the foot down to hold the fabric in place. If you’d like, pin the curved or diagonal edge to keep it secure. Select a straight stitch setting and press your foot on the peddle to begin. Remove the pins as you sew.
    • Switch to a zigzag stitch setting first if you’d like to prevent fraying before laying down a straight stitch using the machine’s dial.
    • Sew a straight stitch by hand by simply weaving a threaded needle in and out of both layers of fabric in a straight line.
  5. Step 5 Sew a 22 in (56 cm) zipper to the opening edge, optional. 5 Sew a 22 in (56 cm) zipper to the opening edge, optional. If you’d like to add more filling as time goes on, add a zipper to the remaining unsewn edge. We’re using a 22 in (56 cm) zipper for this project. However, measure the length of your bean bag for reference. Attach the zipper using a straight stitch on either side of the fabric.[9]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Bean Bag 6 Flip the fabric inside out, fill with bean bag filling, and sew the gap. Turn the fabric inside out through the open end and pour in one bag of 100 liter bean bag filling. Once it’s filled, sew the hole by hand using a threaded needle and a straight stitch.[10]
    • If you added a zipper, simply zip it shut once it’s filled.
    • Bean bag filling can cost $18 per bag. Alternatively, you can use standard stuffing material, dried beans, plastic chips, or polyester pellets.
    • Avoid overstuffing the chair so the beans can move freely around your body.
    • Depending on your bean bag chair size, add an extra 50 liters or another full bag for teenagers and adults.
    7. Advertisement

Video

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How tall will my bean bag be? Community Answer Community Answer It depends on the size of your bean bag and how much you fill it up. Less filling might make shorter, while more filling may make it taller. But keep in mind that when you use the filling, you might need to fill it up again with new beans to fluff it back up. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 18
  • Question What should be used to fill the inside? Community Answer Community Answer You can get bean bag fillings in some stores, and online, which are really good to use. Otherwise, chickpeas, beans, and toy stuffing are all good choices. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 27
  • Question Could I use a very large shirt to make a beanbag? Community Answer Community Answer You could, but you'd likely find that it's too small, even with the largest of shirts. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 8 Helpful 10
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

  • Take your time and be patient. It is best to get a smooth stitch line than to rush and not secure the inner part of your beanbag. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
  • Use mix-matched fabric on your beanbags to create fun color combinations and assign beanbags to different players/students. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Be careful when using the sewing machine. The needles are extremely sharp. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement

Things You Need

Making Throwing Bean Bags

  • Sewing machine or thread and needle
  • Ruler
  • Pencil
  • Scissors or rotary blade
  • Cotton polyester blended-fabric (25 x 25 inches)
  • Dried beans, corn, peas, beads, or pebbles
  • Funnel

Making a Beanbag Chair

  • Upholstery-weighted fabric or cotton-polyester blended fabric
  • Ruler
  • Zipper, optional
  • Sewing machine or thread and needle
  • Scissors or rotary blade
  • Bean bag filling

You Might Also Like

Make a Bean Bag ChairHow toMake a Bean Bag Chair Make a ChairHow toMake a Chair Make a Hacky SackHow toMake a Hacky Sack Build a Cornhole GameHow toBuild a Cornhole Game Make a Tote BagHow to Sew a DIY Tote Bag: 3 Easy Tutorials How toCrochet a Ball Sew Bench CushionsHow toSew Bench Cushions Fill a Bean Bag ChairHow toFill a Bean Bag Chair Make Weighted BlanketHow to Sew a Weighted Blanket Make a PillowHow to Sew a Pillow for Beginners How toMake a Pincushion Make a Balloon Stress BallHow toMake a Balloon Stress Ball Make a Stress BallHow to Make a Stress Ball in 2 Simple Ways Sew a Cloth BaseballHow toSew a Cloth Baseball Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://thestay-at-home-momsurvivalguide.com/make-your-own-bean-bags/
  2. ↑ http://sewlikemymom.com/bean-bag-tutorial/
  3. ↑ http://thestay-at-home-momsurvivalguide.com/2012/06/make-your-own-bean-bags.html
  4. ↑ http://thestay-at-home-momsurvivalguide.com/2012/06/make-your-own-bean-bags.html
  5. ↑ http://sewlikemymom.com/bean-bag-tutorial/
  6. ↑ https://projectnursery.com/2014/05/diy-kids-bean-bag-chair/
  7. ↑ https://projectnursery.com/2014/05/diy-kids-bean-bag-chair/
  8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCjUY-mf2Ko&t=91s
  9. ↑ https://projectnursery.com/2014/05/diy-kids-bean-bag-chair/
More References (2)
  1. ↑ https://youtu.be/CCjUY-mf2Ko?t=208
  2. Videos provided by Kin Community

About This Article

Lois Wade Co-authored by: Lois Wade wikiHow Crafts Expert This article was co-authored by Lois Wade and by wikiHow staff writer, Mason Martinez, BA. Lois Wade has 45 years of experience in crafts including sewing, crochet, needlepoint, cross-stitch, drawing, and paper crafts. She has been contributing to craft articles on wikiHow since 2007. This article has been viewed 635,092 times. 1 votes - 100% Co-authors: 41 Updated: May 2, 2024 Views: 635,092 Categories: Featured Articles | Sewing Article SummaryX

To make a bean bag chair, start by cutting out two large circles of fabric that are about the same diameter as you’d like your finished chair to be. Next, place the circles of fabric on top of each other, with the right sides facing each other. Then, sew around the edges of the fabric twice, so that there is a 1/2 inch seam as well as a 3/4 inch seam, leaving a hole that’s big enough to fit your hand in. Finally, turn the fabric right side out through the hole and fill it with beans or polyester pellets before sewing up the hole by hand. For tips on how to make smaller bean bags to play games with, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Russian Italian French Dutch
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 635,092 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Ellie

    Ellie

    Feb 4, 2021

    "I started of with a very weak piece of fabric when making a bean bag, then I found out it was weak so I redid it..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Lois Wade Co-authored by: Lois Wade wikiHow Crafts Expert Co-authors: 41 Updated: May 2, 2024 Views: 635,092 100% of readers found this article helpful. 1 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote Ellie

Ellie

Feb 4, 2021

"I started of with a very weak piece of fabric when making a bean bag, then I found out it was weak so I redid it..." more Marissa Paynr

Marissa Paynr

Oct 29, 2016

"The one about the bean bag chair really helped to furnish my blanket fort, which I was also taught how to make by..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Jul 26, 2016

"I understood the steps, I would like to know how long it takes to finish?" Anonymous

Anonymous

May 27, 2018

"The videos helped understand." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Pizza CalculatorPizza Calculator Choose Bed Sheets QuizHow to Choose Bed Sheets QuizTake QuizBedroom Aesthetic QuizBedroom Aesthetic QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Cat Am I QuizWhat Kind of Cat Am I QuizTake QuizHalloween Costume Idea Generator: Find the Perfect Trendy or Classic CostumeHalloween Costume Idea Generator: Find the Perfect Trendy or Classic CostumeGenerateDo I Have Common Sense QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Make a Bean Bag ChairHow toMake a Bean Bag ChairMake a ChairHow toMake a ChairMake a Hacky SackHow toMake a Hacky SackBuild a Cornhole GameHow toBuild a Cornhole Game

Trending Articles

Accurate IQ Checker Quiz: How Smart Am I?Accurate IQ Checker Quiz: How Smart Am I?Am I Autistic QuizAm I Autistic QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizDiscover the Secret Meaning of Your First NameDiscover the Secret Meaning of Your First NameWhat's My Personality Based on My Song Choices QuizWhat's My Personality Based on My Song Choices QuizPractice KissingHow toPractice Kissing

Watch Articles

Amazing Super Bowl Party Ideas Guests Will Cheer ForAmazing Super Bowl Party Ideas Guests Will Cheer ForDevelop Listening SkillsHow toDevelop Listening SkillsNot Lose Your GirlfriendHow toNot Lose Your Girlfriend Draw an OwlHow to Draw an OwlTreat AllergiesHow toTreat AllergiesIntroduce Friends to Other FriendsHow toIntroduce Friends to Other Friends

Trending Articles

5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your Shape5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your ShapeWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Be PrettyHow toBe PrettyKissing Tips: The wikiHow Guide to the Perfect KissKissing Tips: The wikiHow Guide to the Perfect Kiss

Quizzes & Games

What Squishmallow Am I QuizWhat Squishmallow Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Instrument Should I Play QuizWhat Instrument Should I Play QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Minecraft Player Am I QuizWhat Kind of Minecraft Player Am I QuizTake QuizWhat's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizWhat's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizTake QuizDo You Have What It Takes To Become A Millionaire?Do You Have What It Takes To Become A Millionaire?Take QuizHow Rich Will I Be QuizHow Rich Will I Be QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Hobbies and Crafts
  • Crafts
  • Sewing
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Develop the tech skills you need for work and life

Let's do this! X --476

Tag » How To Make A Bean Bag