What You Need to Make Cornhole Bags
Cornhole bags are straightforward to sew if you have a needle, thread, and fabric. You will need two pieces of fabric cut to roughly 6 inches by 6 inches — cotton duck, canvas, or heavy cotton work well because they hold their shape and last through repeated throws. You also need filler: dried corn, plastic pellets, or sand all work, though corn is traditional and weighs about the right amount for a regulation bag.
A sewing machine makes the work faster and the seams stronger, but hand sewing with a needle and thread is entirely possible. If you hand sew, use a needle thick enough to push through two layers of fabric without bending, and thread rated for heavy fabric. You will also need scissors to cut the fabric, a measuring tape or ruler, and something to mark your cutting lines — a pencil, chalk, or fabric marker.
Most people make bags in pairs, so you will cut four fabric pieces total: two for one bag, two for the other. Cornhole is played with eight bags per side, so a full set means making 16 pieces of fabric, or eight bags. The whole project takes two to four hours depending on whether you use a machine and how many bags you make at once.
Key Takeaways
- Cut two 6-by-6-inch squares of heavy cotton fabric for each bag, then sew three sides closed with a needle and thread or a sewing machine.
- Leave one side open, fill the bag with dried corn or plastic pellets until it weighs about one pound, then sew the opening shut.
- A straight stitch is all you need; backstitch by hand or use a machine's standard setting to keep seams from splitting under use.
- Test the weight and feel of your first bag before filling and closing all eight, because you may want to adjust the amount of filler.
Cutting and Preparing Your Fabric
Measure and mark two 6-by-6-inch squares on your fabric using a ruler and pencil or chalk. A cornhole bag does not have to be exactly 6 inches — anywhere from 5.5 to 6.5 inches works — but consistency matters because uneven bags throw differently. If you are making eight bags, cut all 16 pieces at once so they are the same size.
Cut straight lines with sharp scissors. Dull scissors will fray the edges and make sewing harder. If your fabric is very thick, cut slowly and use scissors meant for heavy material. After cutting, lay two pieces on top of each other with the sides you want to show on the outside facing each other — this is called "right sides together" in sewing. This way, when you turn the bag right-side out later, the seams will be hidden inside.
Sewing Three Sides Closed
Pin the two fabric pieces together along three edges, leaving one edge unpinned. This unpinned edge is where you will pour in the filler. If you are hand sewing, thread your needle and tie a knot at the end. Start at one corner and push the needle through both layers of fabric, about a quarter-inch from the edge.
Use a backstitch — the strongest hand-sewing stitch for this job. Push the needle forward through both layers, then bring it back up a quarter-inch ahead. Push the needle back into the hole where the thread came out, then forward again. Repeat this pattern all the way along the three sides. Your stitches should be small and close together, roughly one-eighth to one-quarter inch apart, so the seam does not split when the bag is thrown.
If you are using a sewing machine, set it to a straight stitch with medium length — about 2.5 to 3 millimeters. Sew along the three pinned sides, keeping the needle about a quarter-inch from the edge. Backstitch at the start and end of each seam by pressing the reverse button for a few stitches. Remove the pins as you go. Machine sewing takes about five minutes per bag; hand sewing takes 15 to 20 minutes.
Turning the Bag Right-Side Out and Filling It
Once three sides are sewn, carefully turn the bag inside out through the open edge. Use your fingers to push the corners out so they are square and sharp, not rounded. This step makes the finished bag look neat and hold its shape better during play.
Fill the bag with dried corn, plastic pellets, or sand through the open edge. A regulation cornhole bag weighs about one pound. If you are unsure how much that is, fill the bag until it feels substantial but not so heavy that it is hard to throw — most people can throw a one-pound bag comfortably from 15 feet away. Start with less filler than you think you need, seal the bag, and test it. You can always open it and add more.
Use a small funnel or roll a piece of paper into a cone to pour filler without spilling. Fill slowly so the material settles and you can see how full the bag is getting. Stop when the bag is firm but still slightly soft — it should compress a little when you squeeze it.
Closing the Final Edge
Once the bag is filled, fold the raw edges of the open side inward about a quarter-inch, so the fold lines up with the seams on the other three sides. Pin this edge closed. Hand sew it shut using the same backstitch you used for the other three sides, or use your sewing machine with the same settings.
Sew slowly along this edge because you are sewing through filler material as well as fabric, and the needle may catch on a kernel of corn or pellet. If this happens, gently work the needle free rather than yanking it, which can break the thread. Once the edge is fully sewn, tie off your thread by making a small knot on the inside of the bag, or backstitch a few times if you are using a machine.
Finishing and Testing Your Bags
Trim any loose threads with scissors. If you see frayed edges, you can seal them with a small amount of fabric glue or fray check, though this is not necessary for bags that will be used in your own yard. Let any glue dry completely before handling the bag.
Test your finished bag by throwing it at a cornhole board or a target from about 15 feet away. It should fly straight and land with a solid thud. If it feels too light, open one seam, add more filler, and sew it shut again. If it feels too heavy or awkward, remove some filler. Once you have the weight and feel right, make the remaining bags using the same method.
A well-made cornhole bag lasts for years of regular play. Store them in a dry place — moisture can cause the filler to mold or the fabric to rot. If a seam splits during play, you can open that side, check the filler, and sew it shut again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fabric other than canvas or cotton duck?
Canvas and cotton duck are best because they are heavy enough to hold their shape and durable enough to survive repeated throws and impacts. Lighter fabrics like cotton broadcloth or linen will work but wear out faster and may not throw as consistently. Avoid stretchy fabrics like knit or jersey because they will distort the bag's shape.
What is the difference between dried corn and plastic pellets as filler?
Dried corn is traditional and weighs about the right amount for a one-pound bag, but it can mold if the bag gets wet and stored damp. Plastic pellets do not mold and last longer, but they are slightly heavier, so you need less of them. Both throw similarly. Choose based on whether you will store bags outdoors or in humid conditions.
Do I need a sewing machine, or can I hand sew the whole bag?
Hand sewing works perfectly well and produces bags just as strong as machine-sewn ones. It takes longer — about 15 to 20 minutes per bag instead of five — but requires no equipment beyond a needle, thread, and scissors. Use a backstitch and keep your stitches close together so the seams do not split.
What happens if a seam splits during play?
Open the split seam, check that the filler has not spilled out, and sew it shut again using the same backstitch. You can sew over the old stitches or sew a new line a quarter-inch away from the split. Once it is sealed, the bag is ready to use again.
How many bags do I need to play cornhole?
A full set is eight bags per player or team, so 16 bags total for two players or teams. You can play with fewer bags, but eight per side is standard. If you are making bags for the first time, make two or four and test them before committing to a full set of 16.