How to Make Beanbags for Kids

Use a sewing maching to make beanbags.

The game of tossing beanbags came from the sport of throwing horseshoes. A popular game is to throw a beanbag at a target marked with different scores depending on where the bag lands. The beanbag game is so popular that there is even a World Bean Bag Association that oversees games and establishes official bag sizes and rules. The beanbags can be used for other games as well, such as teaching small children to play catch. Beanbag games can be played indoors or out and are safe, noncontact activities. In addition, the bags can be easily stored away when not in use.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Wooden spoon
• Dried beans or rice
• Funnel

Instructions

1. Cut fabric into squares with 5-inch sides. The fabric can be scraps left over from previous sewing projects. It does not have to match and can be any color or type.

2. Place two squares with right sides facing each other. Sew around the square 1/2 inch from the edges. Leave 2 inches open on one side. Now you have an inside-out bag.

3. Turn the bag right side out by pushing the fabric through the opening you left on one side. Straighten into a square shape. Push the corners out with the handle of a wooden spoon or other long instrument.

4. Fill the bag with dried beans or rice using the funnel. It does not matter what type of beans you use as long as they are dry. Fill the bag fairly full but not stuffed.

5. Stitch the opening closed. You could hand-stitch it, but using a sewing machine is wiser because the seam would be sturdier. Close the opening completely and stitch over it twice for extra security.

6. Repeat the steps to make as many beanbags as you want.

Tips & Warnings

• Use fabric that does not fray or stretch, such as cotton.

• You can find synthetic beanbag filler in craft supply stores, if you would prefer it to dried beans or rice.

• Use beanbags to hold down tablecloths on a picnic table on a windy day.

• If a beanbag's stitching breaks, clean up the beans that fall out, refill the bag and stitch it closed again.

References

• Make Baby Stuff: How to Make a Bean Bag Toss Game
• Happy News: How to Make a Bean Bag Toss Game

Resources

• The World Bean Bag Association