Whip up some simple bean bag toys with this tutorial!
Bean bags are a fun toy to have on hand and are a simple, budget-friendly sewing project. These DIY bean bags are the perfect way to use up scrap fabric while creating an item that can be used for great screen-free activities and games for kids. Once you’ve made a few, scroll down to the end of this article for a list of creative ideas your kids will love.
![DIY Bean Bags Tutorial - fb]()
Whether you’re a beginner learning to sew or a seasoned crafter looking for a quick project, this bean bag tutorial is easy to follow and requires only basic sewing skills. You’ll learn a clever wrapped corner construction technique that gives the completed bean bag a neat, finished look.
Best of all, you don’t need to buy special supplies. ![DIY Bean Bags 17 Finished]()
Just grab some fabric scraps, dried beans and your basic sewing tools. These bean bags come together quickly, making them ideal for outdoor activities, party favors, rainy-day play inside and keeping kids busy.
Follow this step-by-step guide along with our YouTube video to learn how to sew bean bags.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. We make a small commission on sales through the affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance for your purchase and your support! Please see our full Affiliate
Statement for more information.
How to make fabric bean bags
![DIY Bean Bags 13 Two Finished]()
WHAT YOU'LL NEED to make bean bags:
- Dry Beans (any type will do)
- Scrap Fabric (whatever you have available)
- 1/2 Cup Measuring Cup
- Fabric Scissors or Rotary Cutter, Ruler and Mat (Purchase from Amazon or Michaels)
- Sewing Machine
- Thread
- Pins and/or Fabric Clips (Amazon or Michaels)
- Iron and Pressing Surface
- Sliding Gauge (helpful but optional) (Amazon or Michaels)
![DIY Bean Bags 1 Supplies]()
INSTRUCTIONS for sewing bean bag :![DIY Bean Bags 14 4 Finished]()
STEP 1: Cut fabric squares
Cut two 5" by 5" fabric squares for each bean bag you'd like to make. ![DIY Bean Bags 2 Cut Fabric]()
STEP 2: Press and fold
Using an iron, press each fabric square flat. On each square, use a 5-in-one sliding gauge to measure and fold under one edge by ½” and press. ![DIY Bean Bags 3 Iron]()
A sliding gauge makes this step easier and more precise.
STEP 3: Stack Squares and Pin
Place the two fabric squares on top of each other, right sides together, aligning all edges.![DIY Bean Bags 4 Pinned]()
Pin or clip in place.
STEP 4: Sewing The First Two Sides
Use a straight stitch and a 1/2” seam allowance, stitch one side starting from the folded edge.![DIY Bean Bags 5 Sew]()
To reinforce the seam, stitch the seam again and each seam hereafter. Don’t forget to backstitch at the beginning and end. ![DIY Bean Bags 6 Sides Sewn]()
Repeat on the opposite side.
STEP 5: Sew Bean Bag Bottom
Remove the piece from the sewing machine. At each bottom corner, fold the fabric along the stitch line toward the center to create a wrapped corner.![DIY Bean Bags 7 Pin Seam]()
Pin the folds in place.![DIY Bean Bags 8 Seams Pinned]()
Stitch the bottom, ![DIY Bean Bags 9 Sewn]()
starting from one folded edge completely to the other. Stitch bottom seam again.
STEP 6: Turn and Fill
Now, turn the bean bag right side out.![DIY Bean Bags 10 Beans]()
Fill with approximately ½ cup of dried bean.
STEP 7: Close the final side
Pin the folded edges together, placing pins parallel to the fold. ![DIY Bean Bags 11 Pinned Closed]()
Place a second row of pins parallelly to keep beans away from where you will be sewing the opening closed. ![DIY Bean Bags 12 Sew Closed]()
Edgestitch along the final side to close the bean bag opening. For durability, sew this seam again.
That’s it!![DIY Bean Bags 15 Closeup]()
The bean bag is ready to use. Bean bags are quick and easy; you’ll want to make a bunch. Scroll down for fun and engaging bean bag games and activities for kids of all ages.
![DIY Bean Bags 16 Piles of Bean Bags]()
Most people are familiar with the bean bag game of cornhole, but there are lots of other games and activities kids can do with bean bags.
BEAN BAG GAMES AND ACTIVITIES
- Toss and Catch - toss the bean bag in the air and catch. Make it more difficult by adding claps before catching.
- Hopscotch - use a bean bag instead of a stone to play hopscotch.
- Bean Bag Toss - set up bowls, pots or buckets as targets so the kids can try to toss the bean bags into them.
- Hot Potato - toss a bean bag back and forth to music. When music stops, the player holding the bean bag is out. This is best with 3 or more players.
- Juggling - using two or more bean bags, kids can practice throwing and catching.
- Bean Bag Bowling - place empty plastic bottles at the end of the hallway. Slide or toss bean bags to knock them down.
- Balance the Bean Bag - balance on foot, then walk with it and try to get it in a bucket or pail.
- Hide and Seek - a player hides a bean bag and other players try to find it.
- Keepy Uppy/Hack Sack - player or players kick a bean bag and try to keep it in the air.
- Balance and Move - kids perform activities like balancing a bean bag on their head while walking forward, walking sideways or over objects. Place the bean bag on their stomach and have them do the crab walk.
- Stepping Stones - toddlers can practice balancing skills by lining bean bags spaced closely together on the floor and having them walk across them.
- Bean Bag Spoon Race - place a bean bag on a spoon and have the kid race to the finish line.
![DIY Bean Bags 18 Bean Bags in Basket]()
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and decide to make some bean bags for your kids to enjoy. ![DIY Bean Bags 19 Finished]()
Happy Sewing!
![Annette's Signature]()
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions about this project, contact us through the YouTube Video
comments or our Contact Us page. We respond to questions in e-mails and YouTube comments regularly.
fun crafts and activities kids will enjoy
Supporting Products and links: Some of the links below may be affiliate links.
We make a small commission on sales through the affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance
for your purchase and your support! Please see our full Affiliate
Statement for more information.