Did you know that learning how to make a bean bag pillow can allow you to enjoy the benefits of a sofa for a much lesser price? Creating your very own bean bag pillow from scratch can give you a more profound sense of personal satisfaction, as well as an appreciation for this beautiful addition to your home.
What are the benefits of Creating Your Own Bean Bag?
For others, however, it is not all about the cost. Couches take up a lot of space, are sometimes hard to match with the interior, and rearranging or moving them can be challenging. If there is something that can solve those problems, it is a bean bag.
The next obstacle would then be to know what kind to buy. Finding one on the market with good quality and a low price to boot would be pretty tricky. The best way to get what you want without spending much is to make one yourself.
Benefit #1: It’s portable
What makes this piece of accessory a great addition to your daily living spaces is that they’re very portable. You won’t have to tire yourself out while you’re dragging it from one corner of the room to another. Also, unlike other pieces of furniture that can potentially scratch your excellent wood tiling when you’re transporting them, a bean bag won’t cause damage to your floors.
Benefit #2: You can easily match it to your color scheme
Aside from adding a bit of fun to your indoor or outdoor living spaces, a bean bag can also add a pop of color to your overall design. If you want to change its design, you can change its cover. Additionally, you won’t have difficulty finding a perfect spot for it in any of your rooms because it can easily take on any shape or form so long as it’s within its limits.
Benefit #3: It’s easy to maintain
One of the best things about a bean bag is that it’s straightforward to clean and maintain. You can unzip its cover and wash it. Next, wipe the bean bag clean, and you’re all set. The process of changing and refilling its “beans” is far from being complicated as well.
A Guide to Crafting a DIY Bean Bag Pillow
Before you proceed, you should know that there are different bean bags, although that commonly pertains to cylindrical chairs. Conversely, bean bag pillows are rectangular cushions, only more extensive and more comfortable to use.
What are the materials used for bean bag pillows?
Before making the bean bag pillow, you should, of course, get everything that you would need beforehand. Of course, when it comes to the specifications, such as the color and texture, that depends on your taste. But the following are what you would require.
You will need two rectangular fabrics of the same size for the cover or the body, depending on how big you intend to create the bean bag pillow. If you are undecided about the size you want, try a 50 by 70 inches fabric.
When it comes to the type of cloth, it also depends on your choice. However, you are recommended to use medium-weight cotton as it is soft yet not lightweight. If you want to use something else, choose a durable fabric that is not too stiff and rough.
For the exact measurement as the other two fabrics mentioned, prepare another pair of cloth equal in size for the inner bag. This time, choose a light material that would not stretch easily, like muslin.
Get yourself a hook-and-loop fastener, commonly called Velcro after the popular brand name for its kind, with the exact measurement as your chosen width. In the case of the recommended size, it is 50 inches for both sides or opposing surfaces.
Get your embroidery or stitching kit ready as well, precisely your sewing machine, needle and thread, and hemming or basting pin. Another essential material for this crafting session would be the pellets or alternative fillers for your bean bag pillow.
Notes on How to Make A Bean Bag Pillow
Step #1: Layer the fabrics and sew the three sides
For the first bag, layer the fabrics with the outer side facing each other. Please make sure that the edges are aligned before pinning them together. Half an inch away from the boundary of the fabric, sew the three sides, or the 70 x 50 x 70 for the recommended size.
Step #2: Make the inner bag and sew all sides
For the remaining side, stitch the touch fasteners, then proceed to make the inner bag. Align and pin the other pair of fabric before temporarily fastening them as well. Unlike the first ones, sew all sides and leave about five inches open for the fillers.
Step #3: Add the padding and fill it with “beans”
Turn the outer side of the fabric out and add the padding. To avoid spilling the pellets, you can use a funnel or some other alternative for it. Fill it with as much stuffing as you think you would be most comfortable with, then sew the pillow close.
Step #4: Close it up with a needle and a thread
Instead of the sewing machine, the needle and thread would be perfect for closing it up, especially if the hole is too small. Your bean bag pillow is done at this point. All that is left is to insert the inner bag in the outer fabric and seal it with Velcro.
The Takeaway
After reading about making a bean bag pillow, you can now try doing and using it for yourself. Unlike other variations of its kind, its vast surface area and rectangular shape allow more space, and you can lay on it as it is or sit astride by turning it sideways.