Tools and Materials

Tools

Scissors
Measuring Tape
Fabric Pins
Needle & Thread
Fabric Chalk
Sewing Pattern (Optional)
Sewing Machine (Optional)

Materials

Fabric (Flat Sheets, Blankets, etc.)
Zipper
Shredded-Foam Filler

Note

Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.

How to Make a Bean Bag Chair

You can buy a bean bag chair, but you can also make one as a fun do-it-yourself (DIY) project. This gives you the opportunity to customize your chair’s shape, firmness and appearance. For instance, you can make it standard, oversized or any size in between. If you want the seat to be firm but comfy, you can alter the amount and type of filling. And, given that there are many fabrics to choose from, you can make a bean bag chair to match any style. You might opt for a silky fabric or something a bit more textured, such as corduroy or velvet.

This fun DIY project requires basic sewing skills. Even if you don’t have a sewing machine, you can still get great results with just a needle and thread. Additionally, making your own bean bag chair can be an amazing way to repurpose old clothes and fabrics. Instead of buying several yards of new fabric, you can use an old bed sheet. You can even get creative and patch together various fabrics to make a colorful and one-of-a-kind bean bag chair.

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Pick the Best Filler

Bean bag chairs are all about comfort, and the filler helps determine how comfortable the chair will be and how long you’ll be able to sit in it. Therefore, it’s important to be familiar with the various types of filler.

The primary characteristic of the best fillers is that they’re highly adaptable. This means that they conform to your body, providing comfort and longevity.

Types of Filler

Shredded foam is a very comfortable bean bag filling. The foam is composed of large foam sheets that have been shredded via a machine. The foam is flexible and conforms to the body. It tends to have a three- or four-year lifespan, but it can lose memory and support over time. Shredded foam is also very popular for stuffed animals and pillows. The foam material is resistant to dust mites and other allergens and is very breathable due to its shredded consistency.

You can also make bean bag filling from the following items:

Rice
Popcorn kernels
Packing peanuts
Used clothes

How to Make a DIY Bean Bag Chair

First, measure the fabric for the inner bag with your tape measure and mark it with fabric chalk. You’ll be cutting two rectangles from each piece of fabric. Depending on how big you want your bean bag chair to be, determine the size of the rectangles. Add 1 to 2 inches onto the measurements to account for any errors.

Once you’ve cut the fabric, pin the two pieces together inside out. Use your sewing machine or needle to sew together three of the sides. Then, flip the inner bag right side out.

After your inner bag is complete, measure and cut out four triangles and one square for your cover. You’ll be making a pyramid. Pin the triangles together on the right sides. Make sure your fabric is inside out with the inner sides facing up when sewing.

Once the triangles are together, pin and sew the edges to three sides of the square. While your cover is still inside out, pin the zipper facing down on the remaining edge. Sew the zipper on with the zipper open. This is so that you’re able to flip the cover right side out.

Having a zipper makes it easy to take off your cover and throw it in the washer.

Now, it’s time to add creative features, such as adornments or pockets. You can create pockets by cutting out a square of fabric and hemming the sides for a professional look. Once you’ve hemmed all sides, sew the left and right sides and bottom edge to the cover. You can add other adornments, including buttons and ribbons, to give your bean bag cover style and personality. If you have any leftover fabric, you can make a throw pillow to go with your bean bag chair or cover a foot stool.

To make a throw pillow, simply take two pieces of leftover fabric and pin them together inside out. Sew three sides of the fabric together. You can add a zipper or leave a small open section on the fourth side. Follow the instructions for adding a zipper to the bean bag chair cover and then add the filling. If you’re not using a zipper, flip the fabric right side out and then insert the filler through the small opening. Now you can finish sewing it up.

How to Make a Bean Bag Chair

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

How to Make a Bean Bag Chair

Pick the Best Filler

Types of Filler

How to Make a DIY Bean Bag Chair

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