Bean bags! Bags of beans! Bean bag chairs are as cool and comfy now as they were back in the 70s. This article shows you how to make a beanbag in true seventies style!

Steps

  1. Mark out your first panel on the back of the fabric. Measure:
    • 63cm (24.8") at the bottom
    • two 113cm (44.5") edges
    • a 29cm (11.4") top end
  2. Cut out all of the panels, cutting a comfortable 1cm (2/5") outside of all the lines and leaving space for the seams. Use the first panel as a template for the remaining three pieces (four in total).
  3. Draw a small circle with a 29cm (11.4") diameter for the top, and a big circle with a 63cm (24.8") diameter for the bottom. You can draw an accurate circle by tying a piece of string that is half the circle's diameter to a pencil. Again, cut 1cm (2/5") outside of the lines to leave space for seams.
  4. Take the big circle and draw a line the length of your zipper. Draw this line right down in the middle. A 50cm (20") zipper is perfect.
  5. Pin the zipper to the back of the fabric. Do this so that the Sew in a Zipper is under the cut. Stitch the zipper fabric in place, and then go back and double stitch it.
  6. Sew the long sides of your side panels together. Make sure the stitching is on the inside.
  7. Double stitch all the pieces for extra strength. This will help so that you bean bag chair will last longer. You will end up with an inside-out tube.
  8. Take your inside-out tube and pin the top panel in place again. Do this so that the fabric back faces outwards. Stitch in place, and do exactly the same with the bottom panel.
  9. Turn the bag right-side out by pushing it through the zipper.
  10. Fill. To avoid making a mess, use an inner bag, so do everything again but with a cheap thin material. Insert the lining into the bag and leave the end hanging out.
  11. Funnel in the beans until it looks comfy.
  12. Zip up the bag. Your beanbag chair is complete.

Tips

  • You can make the inner lining by sewing it yourself or purchase one pre-made.
  • Take your time and be patient

Things You'll Need

  • A sewing machine
  • 3.5m (3.8 yards) minimum of fabric
  • 3.5m (3.8 yards) of cheap fabric
  • A 50cm (20") zip
  • Bean bag filling
  • Scissors
  • Thread
  • Pencil