How To Make a Bean Bag Chair

Creating your bean bag chairs gives you the option to choose the fabrics you love and create unique looks for your home.

This article is an excellent tutorial and a great resource for anyone interested in making a DIY bean bag chair—the process is incredibly fun!

Bean bag chairs aren’t just for kids. They’re comfortable, lightweight, and versatile furniture options. A cute bean bag can be a charming addition to a child's room or a thoughtful gift that lasts a few years. They can add character and style to any room, and they’re making a big comeback. If you’re the crafty type, you may want to try your hand at making your own beanbag chair. Creating your bean bag chairs gives you the option of choosing the fabrics you love and creating unique looks for your home, and all it requires are some basic sewing skills and a few inexpensive materials. Store-bought bean bag chairs can cost upwards of $300, while making one yourself can save a significant amount. A full-size beanbag chair can even double as a bed for guests or sleepovers. The handy guide below will help show you how to make a bean bagchair. This guide covers a range of styles and designs, and beanbags can be customised for added back support and comfort.

Seeking a simpler alternative to a full chair project? A bean bag heating pad is another creative and practical sewing project. It’s perfect for soothing sore muscles and can be made using many of the same materials listed below. This project is ideal for those who enjoy sewing.

Make a Bean Bag Chair: Getting Started

Before you begin your bean bag project, gather the following items:

• Bean bag pattern

• Tracing paper

• Ruler or measuring tape

• Scissors

• Pencil

• Sewing pins

• Sewing machine

• Thread

• Five yards of upholstery fabric for an outer cover (removable covers make maintenance easier)

• Five yards of muslin for an inner liner (serves as the inner lining for easy cleaning)

• Two 22-inch Zippers

• Glue stick

• Iron

• Six cubic feet of polystyrene filler

To make a bean bag chair, you need to cut two circles for the insert fabric, each with a circumference of 170 inches. When cutting the fabric, measure the diameter of each circle carefully to ensure a proper fit.

Accurately cutting the fabric is essential for a professional result.

Planning and Preparation

Before you dive into your diy bean bag project, a little planning goes a long way toward ensuring a successful and enjoyable experience. Start by deciding on the size and shape of your bean bag chair—whether you want a classic round bean bag, a cube-shaped bag chair, or even a giant bean bag for a cozy place to lounge. Think about who will use the chair: a kid-size chair will require less fabric and filling, while an adult-size or giant bean bag will need more materials and a sturdier construction.

Next, select a bean bag pattern that aligns with your vision. There are plenty of patterns available online, or you can create your own for a truly custom look. Consider the type of fabric you want for both the inner and outer bags. Upholstery fabric is a great choice for durability, while softer materials can add comfort and style. Don’t forget to factor in how much fabric you’ll need—larger bean bags require more yardage, so measure carefully.

When it comes to filling, options like shredded foam or polystyrene beads are popular for their comfort and support. Make sure to plan for how much filler you’ll need based on the finished size of your bean bag chair. Using a sewing machine will make the process much easier, especially for beginners, and following a wonderful tutorial can help you avoid common mistakes. If you’re looking to save money, consider shopping around for fabric sales or using different fabrics for the inner and outer bags. With a bit of preparation, even a complete beginner can create a sturdy, stylish bean bag chair that’s perfect for any room.

Side Pattern Piece Instructions

1. Lay your tracing paper out on a large table or the floor.

2. Mark the top with a pencil. Measure 50 1/2-inches (128 cm) down and make a second mark.

3. Locate the middle of the two marks, and measure ten 1/2-inches (27cm) on either side. Mark both places. If you create a line joining the two marks, the pattern should form the shape of a cross.

4. Create a curved line that starts from the top mark and extends to the bottom one on the left. Repeat this action on the right. The lines should look like parentheses.

5. Three inches from the top mark, draw a small U-shaped line from the left pattern line to the right. Make the dip about one inch deep.

6. Measure six inches up from the bottom point and create another U-shaped line from the left pattern line to the right with a one 1/2-inch (4 cm) dip.

7. You will need to cut six side pattern pieces for the outer cover and six for the inner liner.

Tip: Before cutting the fabric, clearly mark your pattern pieces. This makes the process a bit easier and helps ensure accuracy.

8. Be sure to follow the U shapes when cutting each pattern piece.

Top Pattern Piece Instructions

1. Fold a large sheet of paper in half, marking the fold halfway down.

2. Place the end of your measuring tape or ruler on the mark and measure 5 1/2 inches. Draw an arc from the folded mark to create a circle with the desired diameter for the top of the bean bag chair.

3. When you cut out the pattern, it should form a large circular shape.

4. Cut one top pattern piece for the outer cover and one for the inner muslin liner.

Bottom Pattern Piece Instructions

1. Fold a large sheet of paper in half, and mark halfway down the folded edge.

2. Position the measuring tape or ruler on your first mark, and measure 12 inches from its position.

3. Cut out the circular shape, and fold it in half.

4. Measure one-half inch from the fold on one side.

5. Draw a line parallel to the fold, and cut along it.

6. Discard the smaller half of the circle. You will be using the larger one as your bottom pattern piece.

7. Cut four pieces of the bottom pattern piece; two are for your outer cover, and two are for the inner liner. Cutting two for each will allow you to sew a zipper along the straight edges at the bottom of the chair.

Creating the Inner Liner

The inner liner, or inner bag, is a crucial component of any bean bag chair, as it securely holds the filling material inside and helps maintain the chair's shape. To create a reliable inner liner, start by cutting two circles of sturdy upholstery fabric—one for the top and one for the bottom—ensuring they match the size of your outer bag. You’ll also need to cut side panels if your bean bag pattern calls for them.

Sew the pieces together with a generous seam allowance to ensure the seams are strong enough to handle the weight and movement of the filling. Remember to leave a small opening so you can fill the inner bag with your chosen material, such as shredded foam or polystyrene beads. The inner liner should be the same size as the outer bag to ensure a snug fit and a smooth, finished look. Using a tough, tightly woven fabric for the inner bag will help prevent any filler from escaping and keep your bean bag chair sturdy for years to come. Once the inner liner is sewn, you’re ready to move on to filling and finishing your diy bean bag.

Sewing Instructions

1. Using your sewing pins, attach each pattern to the fabric and cut out the corresponding pattern pieces.

2. Pin the bottom pattern pieces together along the straight edges of the circular shape. Use your sewing machine to place a temporary baste stitch along the straight edges where your bottom pieces are pinned. Press the seams open with a hot iron.

3. Place your 22-inch (56 cm) zipper right side down over the seam. The zipper teeth should be directly on the seam line. Use your glue stick to secure the zipper in place, and then sew it to the fabric using a straight stitch along each side. It’s important to keep the zipper open while sewing to avoid difficulties turning the fabric right side out later.

4. Gather the six side pattern pieces and sew them together. Be sure to sew them inside out so that they will be hidden in the completed project. Place the stitches 1/2-inch away from the edge of the fabric. For best results, make sure the seams are double-stitched or well-sewn to help contain the filling and increase durability.

5. Leave the last two sides open. Use your hot iron to press the seams flat.

Time to Invert the Bag

1. Invert the bag so that it is right-side out, and place a top stitch on each seam. Press the final seams with your iron to ensure a smooth, finished look.

2. Place a stay stitch on the uneven edges of all side pattern pieces. Turn the edges of each piece under and create a seam 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) from the top of the edge. Repeat this process for the bottom and top edges of all six side pieces, and press them into place with your iron.

3. Pin the side pieces to the top piece of the bean bag. Attach the sections with a top stitch approximately 3/8 inch away from the seams you have just created. Repeat the process for the bottom pattern piece.

4. Repeat steps one through eight to create the inner bean bag liner from muslin fabric.

5. Place the inner liner inside the outer cover. Your bean bag chair is now ready to be filled with polystyrene beads. Fill the inner liner to at least 80% capacity. Zip the inner and outer openings closed, and try out your new chair. You may add or subtract filler to make the bean bag firmer or softer if desired.

Simple Cube-Shaped Bean Bag Chairs

If you’re intimidated by the idea of tracing and cutting out patterns, a square or cube-shaped chair is a simple alternative you might enjoy creating. Cube-shaped beanbags are a popular alternative for those seeking a distinct look or a simpler construction. To form your top, bottom and side panels, measure and cut six identical square pieces of fabric slightly larger than the desired size of the chair. Using a sewing machine, sew all sides together to form a cube, leaving the last two sides open. Sew a zipper into place, and repeat the same steps to create an inner muslin liner.

Accent Your Creation with Simple Bean Bag Floor or Throw Pillows

Making floor and throw pillows is a great way to accent your other bean bag furniture. To make coordinating bean bag pillows, cut two identical square or rectangular pieces of your cover fabric, and sew them together on three sides. Invert the pillow to hide seams. For easy cleaning and customisation, consider making removable covers for your pillows—these covers can be taken off and washed or swapped out to match your decor. Fill with polystyrene beans, and sew the final side shut, or add a zipper for removable covers. If you have fabric leftover, use it to make a matching throw or blanket. If you would like to create large pillows for lounging on the floor, add an inner liner and sew a zipper into one of the sides, allowing you to replace the filling when needed. Using old pillows or stuffed animals as filler provides storage and is an inexpensive option for filling a bean bag.

Tips for Choosing Cover Fabrics

• You’ll want your bean bag chairs to be comfortable, so choose fabrics that are both sturdy and soft.

• Avoid using fabrics that unravel easily. They should be designed to withstand a lot of abuse.

• Remember to choose washable fabrics designed for easy cleaning so you can clean and refresh your cover as needed. This makes maintenance of your bean bag much simpler, as the covers can be washed regularly.

• To make a chair that’s easier to keep clean, choose a water-resistant material.

• If you have pets, ensure the fabric you choose is durable enough to withstand scratching and biting.

• Your bean bag chair doesn’t have to be one solid colour. Feel free to use various colours for side panels, or choose interesting prints or alternating textures.

• Although muslin is recommended for your inner liner, you may also use mesh or other inexpensive materials. The inner liner is not visible, so it’s an excellent opportunity to use up scrap material.

• Polystyrene beans can present a safety hazard. If you have small children in the household, remove all zipper tabs to prevent accidental access to the bean bag filler.

• Using a liner for the bean bag allows you to easily wash the outer cover without disturbing or soaking the entire bean bag, making cleaning and maintenance much easier.

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Filling and Finishing the Bean Bag

With your inner liner complete, it’s time for the most satisfying part—filling and finishing your bean bag chair! Carefully fill the inner bag with your chosen filling material, such as Styrofoam pellets or filler beans. The amount of filling you use will determine how firm or soft your bean bag feels, so add or remove material until you reach your desired level of comfort and support. For a cozy, supportive seat, fill the bag to about 80% capacity, allowing enough room for the filling to move and mould to your body.

Once the inner liner is filled, zip or sew it closed securely. Next, prepare your bean bag cover, also known as the outer shell. Select a durable, easy-to-clean fabric, such as cotton or polyester, for the cover, and sew it together according to your pattern. Adding a zipper or velcro closure to the outer shell makes it easy to remove the cover for washing, ensuring your bean bag chair stays fresh and clean. Slip the filled inner liner into the outer bag, close it up, and place your new bean bag chair in your favourite spot. Now you can sit comfortably, knowing your diy bean bag is both stylish and practical—perfect for relaxing, reading, or hanging out with friends. Happy sewing!