Bean Bags with Scrap Fabric - Easy DIY Tutorial

Whip up some simple bean bags with this tutorial!

Bean bags are a fun item 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 activity and games for kids.  Once you’ve made a few, scroll down to the end of the article for a list of creative ideas your kids will love.

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.  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 the our YouTube video to learn how to sew bean bags.

WHAT YOU'll NEED:

• 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
• Sewing Machine
• Thread
• Pins and/or Fabric Clips
• Iron and Pressing Surface
• Sliding Gauge (helpful but optional)

INSTRUCTIONS :

STEP 1: cut fabric squares

Cut two 5" by 5" fabric squares for each bean bag you'd like to make.

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. 

A sliding gauge make this stip easier and more precise.

STEP 3: Stack Squares and Pin

Place the two fabric square on top of each other, right sides together, aligning all edges.  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. To reinforce the seam, stitch the seam again and each seam hereafter. Don’t forget to backstitch at the beginning and end.

Repeat on the opposite side. 

STEP 5: Sew Bean Bag Bottom

Remove the piece from the sewing machine.  At each corner,  fold the fabric along the stitch line toward the center to create a wrapped corner.  Pin the folds in place.

Stitch the bottom, 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.  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.  Place a second row of pins parallelly to keep beans away from where you will be sewing the opening closed. 

Edgestitch along the final side to close the bean bag opening. For durability, sew this seam again.

That’s it!  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.

games and activities using 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.

• Toss and Catch - toss the bean bag in the air and catch.  Make it more difficult by adding claps before catching.
• Hopscotch - use 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 have them walk across them.
• Bean Bag Spoon Race - 

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