Beanbags

Video HERE

A basic beanbag is a wonderful thing for lounging around on, however the more basic your bag the more likely a bean explosion, so I do suggest that you always double-bag and reinforce the seams. This is how I make them...

These patterns are for small bags which hold about 3 cubic feet (90cm3) of beans, although it is easy to increase the sizes to suit your needs.

You will need:
Lining Fabric*
Outer Fabric**
Scissors
Pins
Matching thread
Sewing Machine
2x6" (15cm) Zip***
Polystyrene Beans

*The lining can be anything you want, although I prefer a plain cotton, usually old bedsheets. Bottom fabrics can be a little thicker if you want.
**Use an upholstery fabric, ideally something sturdy that won't shed fibres or fray excessively.
***I usually just go for a drawstring-style top to the bags, but on this occasion I was asked to use zips instead, which I think look slightly more professional in the long run, just remember to cover the ends when you sew them in and stitch the zip closed once it's filled.

Method:

1. Draw out your pattern pieces - unless you're going for a particular pattern or using fabric remnants try to avoid separate pieces as much as possible to reduce the risk of seam failure. The lining in particular should be arranged on one piece of fabric as demonstrated above.
2. Fold over the top point of each section, leaving a small opening with a neat edge at the top of each bag before you pin the sections together.
3. Sew the sections together first with a straight stitch, then follow up just beyond the first with a zig-zag stitch.
4. You'll find some difference in size between the sides and base circle, just pleat the extra in as you go around, it won't show once its filled.
5. Leave an opening for the zip if you're using them, be careful to contain the open end in a strip of fabric to keep it neat.
6. Fold over the handle strip and sew along its length then turn through the right-side out and fold over into a loop. Put the loop into the top of the lining bag and sew across the opening.*
7. Turn both bags right-side out and push the lining inside the outer, pull the handle though the top of the bag and align the zips together for filling.**
8. Fill the inner bag with polystyrene beans, pull the zip closed and sew through the loop into the fabric, then close the outer zip and sew it closed.
9. Make sure the inner bag is sitting evenly inside the outer bag then sew a line of stitches along the bottom of the handle to tidy up the top.

*Obviously, if you're not using a zip then you can't sew the handle in until the bag is filled.
**To make filling easier I use safety pins to hold the openings in place.