You can diy bean bag chairs for adults you wish, starting with the measurements of your choice. If you want to diy a large rectangular bag this is the tutorial you want to read first. I will try to make my explanations as clear and simple as possible.
Bean bag chairs for adults are extremely comfortable, but depending on the filling they can be pricey in some stores or online. The most comfortable type of bean bags contain shredded memory foam pieces. If you decide to go with this option you will be able to customize the pillow into any shape or form you desire. The amount of filling in each pillow is all you need to change.
If you decide to go with another type than shredded memory foam, that’s okay too, just make sure it’s soft. You don’t want anything that feels like rocks. The cheapest but still comfortable filling types are polystyrene beads and cotton. Although if it’s your first time making a bean bag chair, I would recommend the shredded memory foam because it is the easiest to work with.
How to Make A Big Bean Bag Chair
Measurements
The measurements you will need are for the outer pillow case. This also depends on how big around you want your finished product to be. The Bean bag should be approximately 3.5 feet wide and 2 feet tall. You can adjust these measurements to make a larger or smaller bag, just be sure to keep the proportions the same.
Fabric
The fabric you choose is up to you, but I would recommend using a durable cotton fabric. If you are using a solid color, make sure it’s not too busy because the pattern may show through on your finished product. If you want to be able to wash your bag, make sure you purchase a cotton fabric that is machine washable and has a soft finish (preferably organic or all natural).
If you would like to keep the cost down, purchase a drop cloth from a store or used bed sheet from a thrift shop. When working with drop cloths it is best to choose one that has a pattern because most of them have a thick weave and will not appear through your finished product.
Sewing Machine
If you don’t have a sewing machine you can always take it to a seamstress or tailor.
Iron
Good steam iron is a must for this project.
Thread
Make sure you match the color of your fabric when purchasing thread.
Pins
You will also need pins to help hold your fabric together while you sew.
Scissors
Sharp fabric scissors are a must for this project.
Sewing Supplies
You will also need a seam ripper, measuring tape, and a pen or pencil.
To start, take your fabric and fold it in half so the two right sides are facing each other. Pin the two halves together around all four sides and leave about a 2-inch opening on the bottom for stuffing.
Sew around all four sides with a 1/2 – inch seam allowance, making sure to leave that 2-inch opening for stuffing. When you are done, turn the fabric inside out so the seams are showing, but do not remove the pins yet. Make sure that your seams are pressed downwards and the fabric looks nice and smooth.
Now it’s time to measure. Make sure to use a measuring tape and write down these measurements:
- Width of shoulders (measure from shoulder to shoulder)
- Length from waist/hips down to where they would like their seat filled to.
- Length from knees down to where they would like their seat filled to.
Finalize Measurements
Make sure all your measurements are in inches and write them on a piece of paper or use a straight edge. These dimensions should be typical throughout the industry. When you have measured, add two inches to the shoulder width, two inches to the waist/hip length, and four inches to the knee length. This is your fabric cutting measurements.
Now cut out your fabric using these measurements. If you are using a drop cloth or bed sheet, you will need to cut out two pieces that are the same size.
Stitching Time
It’s time to stitch the top and bottom of your garment together after you’ve cut out the fabric. Fold the two pieces of fabric together around all four sides, making sure that the right sides are facing each other. Sew all four sides with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. When you are done, turn the fabric inside out so the seams are on the outside, but do not remove the pins yet. Press your seams in one at a time, making sure that they are nice and flat. This will be important when you are attaching the two pieces together later on.
Now it’s time to measure where you are going to sew your zippers. Take out your extra fabric if it is still pinned to the sewn piece. Measure from the top of one shoulder to the top of the other shoulder, and then down from the waist/hip to where you would like your seat filled to. Make a small mark with a pen or pencil at each spot. Do the same thing on the other side.
Sewing zippers
When you have made your marks, it’s time to sew on the zippers. Open up your fabric so that the right sides are facing out. The raw edges of the fabric should be lined up with each other. Sew each zipper in place, making sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of each one.
It’s now time to stitch the two pieces of cloth together. Pin the two pieces of fabric together on all four sides, ensuring that the right sides are facing each other. Using a 1/2-inch seam allowance, sew along all four sides. When you are done, turn the fabric inside out so the seams are on the outside, but do not remove the pins yet. Press your seams in one at a time, making sure that they are nice and flat.
This is a good time to test out your bean bag chairs for adults to make sure everything fits nicely. Put the fabric inside out and fill it with beans, rice, or popcorn until it is firm but not too tight. Once you have filled it, close the zipper and adjust the stuffing as needed. If you need to, you can hand sew the opening shut by sewing across it twice.
After completion of stitching
Once you are done with your bean bag chair, it’s time to turn your fabric right side out and remove all those pins. Once you have removed the pins, make sure that the seams look nice and flat on both sides of the fabric.
Then simply put your fabric inside out and start filling up the bag. Once you have it filled, sew across the bottom of the opening with a sewing machine. Make sure that your stitches are close together so that there is no chance of your beanbag leaking.
And now you’re done. You’ve just made your very own bean bag chair for yourself or for a child.
