Bean bags are a form of nostalgia. Chairs have been around since the 1960s. And who could forget the Beanie Baby crazy of the 1990s? From therapy, toys to chairs, bean bags can be found everywhere. And they are not going anywhere. And once you know how to make a bean bag, you will be adding them to all your projects.
Below we will give you the basics on how to make a bean bag along with 26 bean bag patterns.
How to Make a Bean Bag
When people think of the bean bag, they often think of the generic square filled with beans. These are super easy to make and are often used for games:
Supplies Needed on How to Make a Bean Bag
- Fabric
- Matching Thread
- Fabric Scissors or Rotary Cutter
- Sewing Machine
- Fabric Marking Pencil
- Ruler
- Straight Pins
- Cutting Mat
- Dried beans
Steps on How to make a bean bag:
- Wash and iron your fabric.
- Cut 2 – 5” x 5” squares.
- Lay one piece of fabric face up. Place the other one on top of it, face down.
- Pin the squares together so all the edges line up.
- Sew the squares together using a ½” seam allowance. Do not start on a corner. And do not sew it completely closed. Instead, leave a 2” to 3” opening.
- Flip the fabric right side out through the opening.
- Poke out the corners so they come to a point.
- Fill the fabric pocket with the dried beans. Do not pack them in tightly. When the bag is sewn shut, the beans should have some play.
- Hand sew the opening closed using an invisible stitch or use your sewing machine.
26 Bean Bag Patterns
Below are 26 fun projects that use bean bags.
1. Sensory Bean Bag Pattern by FeltKids
Sensory toys are important for child development. They help with fine motor skills, dexterity, coordination, reaction speed, balance, hand strength and accuracy of movements.
These sensory bean bags are easy to make. Simply print out the full size pattern pieces, cut the fabric and sew. The bean bag sewing pattern includes a step-by-step photo tutorial to make it even easier.
Find the Pattern by FeltKids HERE
2. Owl Set Bean Bag Chair Pattern by YarnovationsShop
This owl bean bag chair is absolutely adorable. It would look great in a nursery or a child’s bedroom. And to make it even better, the download even includes instructions for the Afghan, hat, pants and stuffed owl.
An advanced beginner to intermediate level crocheter can make these patterns. You will need to know the Crocodile Stitch and the Spike Cluster Stitch. These stitches create the feathery texture.
Find the Pattern by YarnovationsShop HERE
3. Crochet Bobbles Pouf Bean Bag Pattern by isWoolish
This bean bag pouf is fun to make. It can be used as a chair or a footrest. It works up very quickly.
The download includes crochet instructions, a video tutorial and stuffing instructions.
Find the Pattern by isWoolish HERE
4. Sewing a Doll Bean Bag Chair Pattern from Real Organized
Dolls need a comfortable place to sit too. And how cute would they be sitting in these bean bag chairs?
This how to make a bean bag doll chair pattern is free and easy. The pattern does not require much fabric. So, you can get rid of some of your scraps.
Find the Pattern from Real Organized HERE
5. IPad Pyramid Bean Bag Pattern by CutoutsbyChris
Here is a great use of a bean bag. Use this pattern to make a handy bean bag that will prop up your iPad.
Find the Pattern by CutoutsbyChris HERE
6. Knitted Bean bag Pattern by NoandEl
If you hate counting your stitches, this knitted bean bag chair pattern is for you. Instead of counting, you go by the final measurement.
This pattern is ideal for beginners. You can impress your friends and family by making this chair in just a single weekend. The instructions are easy to follow. You only need to know cast on, cast off, knit, purl, and basic sewing.
Find the Pattern by NoandEl HERE
7. Lobster Bean Bag Sewing Pattern by Andrea Vida
Bean bag toys are always a hit with kids. This lobster is cute and soft. Use the classic red or change it up and use blue to make the extremely rare blue lobster.
This sewing pattern is extremely simple and can be completed by a beginner.
Find the Pattern by andreavida HERE
8. Crochet Peppermint Kiss Bean bag Pattern by CraftingFriendsDesign
Crochet this whimsical bean bag chair for the holidays or just lounging around. You can use the classic red and white or get creative and use your own colour combination.
This is a beginner level crochet pattern that uses stitch, slip stitch, chain, yarn over, single crochet, half double crochet, right side, and wrong side. This finished chair measures 88” in diameter at the widest section and 24” high when filled full.
Find the Pattern by CraftingFriendsDesign HERE
9. Baby and toddler bean bag Sewing Pattern from Straight Grain
Here is a free pattern for a baby and toddler bean bag chair. For the baby chair, there are instructions for making and adding the straps. You do not have to add these to the child chair.
The tutorial has step-by-step instructions and along with pictures. The bean bag cover is removable for easy washing. The cover has a Velcro closure.
Find the Pattern from Straight Grain HERE
10. ITH Dachshund Bean bag embroidery by Snugglepuppydesign
Dachshunds are so cute. Anyone that has ever owned a wiener dog would love this bean bag dog.
This pattern was designed to be used with an embroidery machine. The design comes in four different hoop sizes: 5” x 7”, 8” x 8”, 6” x 10”, and 8” x 12”.
Find the Pattern by Snugglepuppydesign HERE
11. DIY Football Bean Bag Chair Pattern from Hallmark Channel
This bean bag chair is perfect for sports fans. It would look great sitting in a man cave or family room.
To make this chair you will need 3 yards of brown fabric, white fabric, white ribbon, fabric glue, bean bag fill, and 1 large piece of heavy paper or cardboard.
Find the Pattern from Hallmark Channel HERE
12. Knitted Pouf Pattern by isWoolish
Here is a classic looking ottoman that would add a bit of opulence to any decor.
The pattern has row-by-row instructions that include knitting schemes and pictures. It is an easy pattern that can be completed quickly as long as you pay attention to the instructions.
Find the Pattern by isWoolish HERE
13. Bean Bag Toss Cornhole Bags In The Hoop Machine Embroidery Design
If you love playing cornhole or make handmade boards, you understand the importance of having a good bean bag. With this how to make a bean bag pattern, you can make your own bags.
You MUST have an embroidery machine to use this file. For a regulation size bag, you will need to have a hoop that is 6” x 6” or larger. The download includes 3” x3”, 4” x 4”, 5” x 5”, and 6” x 6” bag designs.
Find the Pattern by SevensEmporium HERE
14. How to Make A Bean Bag Garden Gnomes by Mieljolie
Make your own garden gnome with this how to make a bean bag tutorial. This garden gnome was inspired by the Harry Potter books and movies. It would make a great gift for a Potterhead.
The finished gnome will measure approximately 8-9” tall. There is an optional pattern and instructions for making it without the beans or acrylic eyes.
Find the Pattern by mieljolie HERE
15. Crochet Strawberry Bean Bag Toy Pattern by RainbowHappiness
Make a bunch of these strawberries and put them in a decorative bowl as a centrepiece. Or make a few and place them on the windowsill.
As long as you know basic crochet, you can make these strawberries. The PDF download includes step-by-step instructions and photos.
Find the Pattern by RainbowHappiness HERE
16. T-Shirt Bean Bag Chair Pattern by Gonzalezchica
Here is a great way to use those loved and treasured t-shirts you do not want to get rid of.
You will need 12 large t-shirts to make this large bean bag chair. The pattern is super easy. However, there is a lot of cutting and sewing involved.
Find the Pattern by gonzalezchica HERE
17. Solar System Bean Bag Pattern by FrodoBobbins
Make your own solar system with these bean bag patterns. These are great for children that are interested in learning about outer space.
This SVG download works with any die-cut machine. You can also use the patterns to make a space inspired quilt.
Find the Pattern by FrodoBobbins HERE
18. Crochet Hacky Sack Pattern by TwigCastleCreations
You used to be able to find hacky sacks in any store. Now, they are few and far between. Instead of searching high and low for a sack, crochet your own.
This pattern is intended for an intermediate level crocheters. Gauge is not important, but tight tension and stitching are. The finished hacky sack will measure approximately 7 to 7 ½” in circumference.
Find the Pattern by TwigCastleCreations HERE
19. ‘Meringue’ Pyramid Bean Bag Pattern by Dahliainbloom
This bean bag chair is perfect for sitting back and reading a book or relaxing. This pyramid bean bag pattern was named after those yummy meringue cookies.
The top of the chair is filled with beans and the bottom is a storage area for blankets or stuffed animals.
The instructions are for a chair that measures approximately 41″ wide x 47” long. But it is easy to change the pattern to make it any size you want. The chair pattern includes instructions for the zipper closure.
Find the Pattern by Dahliainbloom HERE
20. Beanbag Frog Sewing Pattern by Player2patterns
Here is a fun little frog project. You can make a lot of these in a wide variety of colours and prints. You can change their looks by using buttons, safety eyes and google eyes.
The finished frog measures approximately 9” wide x 10” long. The illustrated instructions are easy to understand and follow.
Find the Pattern by player2patterns HERE
21. Bean Bag Chair Pattern from All Free Sewing
Teens will love using this chair for watching TV, playing video games and reading. It is durable and has a muslin inner lining to hold the pellets.
Zippers are used on this piece to make the cover washable.
Find the Pattern from All Free Sewing HERE
22. In The Hoop Flamingo Rice Pack Pattern by Littlegramsshop
Rice packs can be used for hot and cold therapy. These flamingos take the boring old packs and make them cute and fun.
This is a pattern for an embroidery machine. It works with a size 5” x 7” hoop.
Find the Pattern by Littlegramsshop HERE
23. FREE Bean Bag Sewing Pattern from Gluesticks
This free how to make a bean bag tutorial has instructions for both a child’s chair and an adult chair. You can fill the chair with a liner filled with bean bag pellets or stuffed animals.
There is a lot of cutting and sewing involved with this bean bag chair. We would recommend it for an intermediate to advanced sewer.
Find the Pattern from Gluesticks HERE
24. Crochet Bunny Bean Bag Pattern by Snowsnuggle
Crochet bunnies make the perfect Easter Basket toys. Make several of these in different colours so each child has their own unique bunny.
The finished Bunny measures approximately 6” tall and 8” long. You will need to know how to sew to make the bean bag insert.
Find the Pattern by snowsnuggle HERE
25. In The Hoop Ghost With Pumpkin Bean Bag Sewing Pattern by NewfoundApplique
Kids love these plush bean bag ghosts. Make one for yourself, or create a bunch of these and pass them out on Halloween.
You will need to have an embroidery machine to make these bean bags. The pattern was designed to fit in 5″x7″ and 6×10″ hoops. There are easy-to-follow instructions and pictures.
Find the Pattern by NewfoundApplique HERE
26. Panda Ottoman Pouf Bean Bag Chair Pattern by YarnovationsShop
This panda is cute and cosy. It was designed to fit around a 96″ bean bag chair. If you do not have a bean bag chair, you will need to learn how to make a bean bag insert.
Spike stitches are used at colour changes to give the illusion of fur. The pattern also includes instructions for crocheting a furry version using Fun Fur. Easy to intermediate skill level is required to make this panda.
Find the Pattern by YarnovationsShop HERE
ONCE YOU LEARN HOW TO MAKE A BEAN BAG, YOU CAN LET YOUR CREATIVITY TAKE OVER. THERE ARE COUNTLESS PROJECTS THAT USE BEAN BAGS.
If you are looking for more crochet bean bag patterns, head over to the crochet-news post HERE. Enjoy your bean bag more with a pillow by making your own. Intrigued? then turn your favorite old shirt into a pillow.
Bean bags are here to stay. They can be fun as well as useful. Whether you are looking for a bean bag sewing pattern to make plush animals, or need to make therapy packs, we have a how to make a bean bag pattern listed for you.
