What you need to sew a bean bag

A bean bag is two fabric panels sewn together, filled with dried beans or pellets, and closed with a final seam. You need fabric (cotton, canvas, or denim work well), thread that matches or complements the fabric, a needle or sewing machine, scissors, dried beans or plastic pellets for filling, and a measuring tape or ruler. A sewing machine makes the work faster and the seams stronger, but hand sewing works if you use a backstitch and keep your stitches close together — roughly one-eighth inch apart.

The fabric should be sturdy enough to hold weight without tearing. Lightweight cotton will work for a small bean bag, but canvas or denim lasts longer under use. You can use new fabric or repurpose old clothing, curtains, or upholstery scraps. Dried beans from your kitchen (pinto, black, or navy beans) cost almost nothing and are heavier than plastic pellets, so they pack down more firmly. Plastic pellets are lighter and quieter but more expensive.

Key Takeaways

  • Cut two identical fabric rectangles, sew three sides closed, fill with beans or pellets, then stitch the opening shut.
  • A sewing machine produces stronger seams in less time, but hand sewing with a backstitch works if you keep stitches small and tight.
  • Canvas and denim hold up better than thin cotton, especially if the bean bag will be sat on or moved around frequently.
  • Dried beans from your pantry are cheaper than pellets and create a firmer, heavier bean bag.
  • Leave a two-inch opening on one side before you fill; sewing it shut by hand is easier than trying to thread a needle through a stuffed bag.

Cutting and preparing your fabric panels

Decide how large you want the finished bean bag to be. A small one for tossing games is about 6 inches square. A larger one for sitting is 12 to 18 inches square or rectangular. Write down your chosen width and height, then add one-half inch to both measurements — that extra space is for the seam allowance, the fabric that gets folded under when you sew.

Lay your fabric flat on a clean surface. Use a measuring tape and a pencil or chalk to mark out two identical rectangles at your chosen size (including the seam allowance). Cut both pieces with sharp scissors in a straight line. If your fabric has a pattern or direction you prefer, make sure both pieces face the same way before you cut. Trim any loose threads with scissors.

Sewing three sides closed

Place the two fabric pieces with the sides you want to show facing each other (the "right sides" together). This way, the seams end up hidden inside the finished bean bag. Pin the edges together if you have pins, or just hold them steady as you sew.

Starting at one corner, sew along three of the four sides using a one-half inch seam allowance — that means your needle line should run one-half inch in from the edge of the fabric. If you are using a sewing machine, set it to a straight stitch and sew slowly so the line stays even. If you are hand sewing, use a backstitch: push the needle through both layers from back to front, then bring it back through to the back about one-eighth inch ahead, then push it forward again through the hole you just made. Repeat this motion along the entire three sides.

Leave the fourth side completely open — do not sew it yet. This is where you will pour in the beans. When you reach the end of the third side, tie off your thread by making a small knot on the inside of the fabric, or use a few tiny stitches in place if you are using a machine.

Filling the bean bag

Turn the fabric tube inside out through the open side so the seams are now hidden on the inside and the finished sides face outward. Use a wooden spoon or your fingers to push the corners out so they are square and crisp. Lay the bag flat on a table or hold it open with your hands.

Pour dried beans or pellets into the opening until the bag feels full but not rock-hard — you should still be able to squeeze it slightly. Most small bean bags hold between two and four cups of beans. If you overfill it, the seams will strain and may tear; if you underfill it, it will feel limp. Start with less than you think you need, then add more if it feels too soft.

Fold the raw edges of the opening inward by one-half inch and press them flat with your fingers or an iron set to low heat. This creates a finished edge that looks neat when you close it.

Closing the opening by hand

Once the beans are in and the edges are folded, you will close the opening with a ladder stitch (also called a slip stitch), which is nearly invisible from the outside. Thread a needle and tie a knot at the end. Bring the needle up through the fold of fabric on one side of the opening, so the knot stays hidden inside the fold.

Push the needle straight across into the fold on the opposite side of the opening, then slide it along inside the fold for about one-quarter inch before bringing it back out. Now push the needle into the fold on the first side again, directly across from where you just came out, and slide it forward one-quarter inch before coming back out. Repeat this back-and-forth motion along the entire opening. Every few stitches, gently pull the thread so the opening closes and the stitches disappear into the folds. When you reach the end, tie a knot inside the fold and trim the thread.

Reinforcing seams for durability

If the bean bag will be handled roughly — tossed, sat on, or used by children — sew a second line of stitches one-quarter inch inside the first seam on all four sides. This is called a double seam and makes the bag much less likely to split. You can do this before filling or after, though before is easier because the bag is flat.

If you notice any small holes or thin spots in the fabric after you fill the bag, you can patch them from the inside by sewing a small piece of matching fabric over the hole with a needle and thread. This takes only a few minutes and prevents a small tear from becoming a big one.

Variations and finishing touches

A basic bean bag is a straightforward rectangle, but you can make it more interesting by sewing fabric pieces together before you assemble the bag — for example, sewing four different colored squares into a patchwork panel, then using that as one side of the bean bag. You can also sew a fabric loop or handle to one corner before you close the opening, so the bag is easier to carry or hang.

If you want a softer exterior, you can wrap the finished bean bag in fleece or minky fabric by sewing a larger piece around it, leaving one side open to slide the bean bag inside, then closing that side with a ladder stitch. This creates a removable cover that you can wash separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a sewing machine for the whole thing, including closing the opening?

Yes. After you fill the bean bag, fold the raw edges inward and pin them closed, then sew along the opening with a straight stitch. The seam will be visible, but it will be strong and fast. If you want it to look neater, use a ladder stitch by hand instead.

What happens if the seams start to leak beans?

Stop using the bag and sew a patch over the leak from the inside. Cut a piece of fabric slightly larger than the hole, pin it over the leak, and sew around all four edges with a needle and thread. If the leak is along a seam, you may need to open that seam, patch the hole, and resew it.

How much fabric do I need?

For a 12-inch square bean bag, you need two pieces of fabric that are each 13 inches square (the extra half inch on each side is the seam allowance). A piece of fabric 13 by 26 inches is enough for two panels. Thrift stores and fabric remnant bins often sell pieces this size for a few dollars.

Can I sew a bean bag by hand if I have never sewn before?

Yes. The backstitch is straightforward and strong — push the needle through both layers, come back out ahead of where you went in, then push back through the hole you just made. Keep your stitches small and close together, and the seam will hold. It takes longer than a machine but requires no special skills.

What is the best filling for a bean bag that will be washed?

Plastic pellets are better than dried beans if you plan to wash the bag, because beans can absorb water and mold. If you use beans, make sure the bag dries completely inside and out before storing it. A removable fleece cover that you can wash separately solves this problem — the inner bean bag stays dry.