Making a Bean Bag Chair

Denim or canvas are good options for bean bag chair fabrics.

Bean bag chairs are decorative chairs that are filled with PVC pellets, dried beans or expanded polystyrene. They became popular during the 1960s and 1970s. They are simple in design and easy to make. You can make your own version of a bean bag chair using colorful, durable fabric. This endeavor can be your weekend craft project. Bean bags can provide extra seating for your kids' bedroom or playroom.

Things You'll Need

• Pattern
• Large paper or old sheets
• Marker
• Scissors
• Fabric for lining
• Durable, heavy fabric
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Cardboard
• Zipper
• Polystyrene or plastic pellets

Instructions

1. Copy or print a pattern of a bean bag chair onto a large paper or old sheets. Trace the pattern on the fabric and the lining.

2. Cut both the lining and the fabric at the same time to assure that you get the correct size for the bean bag. Cut the pattern 1 inch bigger for seam allowance. Use two pieces each of lining and fabric for the bottom part of the bean bag. The bottom part will get the most wear, so doubling the fabric and inserting a piece of heavy cardboard or plywood will enhance its strength.

3. Assemble the bean bag pieces together. Sew the side pieces, working toward the center. Pin the sides in place within the 1-inch seam that you made. The first side you cut should lay facing the second side you cut. Stitch with the sides to be facing out touching each other, leaving a 1-inch seam.

4. Assemble the bottom piece. Sew the pieces of bottom fabric and lining together, leaving one side open for the cardboard. Stitch the bottom piece to the side pieces; one side should be open so you can put the pellets in. Sew the top piece on the upper part of the sides using the pattern as your guide.

5. Sew the zipper into the bottom piece side where you will put the pellets in. Turn the bean bag right side out. Slide the cardboard piece into the bottom piece and sew the bottom piece closed.

6. Pour the pellets into the bean bag. Close the zipper and shake the chair to distribute the filling. If you think there is not enough filling, add more pellets.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use polystyrene peanuts, even the ones that do not dissolve in water. You will have a flat bean bag in less than a month.

References

• Sewing: Bean Bag Chair
• Budget 101: Make Your Own Bean Bag Chair