How to sew a bean bag chair: patterns, fabric calculations, sewing tips.
Bean bag chairs in pictures and TV screens look bright and stylish, and therefore the idea of sewing a bean bag chair with your own hands is tempting. The technology for making such furniture itself is not very complicated, and below we will give several diagrams and step-by-step instructions that will help you sew a bean bag chair with your own hands. Now let's look at the possible nuances, features and subtleties associated with this piece of furniture.
Bean bag chair: who is it suitable for and how practical is it?
In designer interiors, bean bags are often found in recreation areas on balconies and terraces, in children's rooms and living rooms. In a word, in those places that suggest rest and relaxation. This is dictated by the features of this piece of furniture.
- The bean bag chairs are low and very soft, they take the shape of the body. In this chair you will be comfortable watching TV, sitting with a tablet in your hands, or chatting with friends on the balcony. But this chair will not be comfortable near a computer desk or in the dining area. Even near the dressing table it will not be very practical and low. That is, rest is his main purpose.
- Bean bags do not have sharp corners, are lightweight and therefore are well suited for children's rooms. They are often loved by cats and children. It is convenient for children to use them for purposes other than their intended purpose. For example, as a trampoline or as a mat on which it is convenient to jump from a sofa or wall bars.
- Bean bag chairs often become an “object of attraction” for house guests. They are unusual and can be very bright. Therefore, this is good furniture for the guest area.
Bean bag chair (pear)
To be fair, we need to list the difficulties that may arise during the operation of a bean bag chair.
- Bean bag chairs take up a lot of space and therefore are unlikely to be suitable for owners of one-room apartments.
- The filling of a bean bag chair inevitably gets compacted after just a couple of months. You need to be prepared for the fact that you will have to buy new foam granules, which are used to fill bean bags. It is also necessary to provide zippers on the outer and inner covers so that you can add filler.
- Some people don’t like the shapelessness and “buoyancy” of a bean bag chair, but this is a matter of taste.
Bean bags are not always stable
Pattern of a bean bag chair, pear chair
To sew a bean bag chair with your own hands, you need to make an outer and inner cover.
The inner cover is very desirable, because we will fill the bean bag chair with polystyrene foam (balls from which foam is made), and this material very easily scatters around the room and is difficult to collect.
The outer and inner covers for the bean bag chair are sewn using the same pattern. Below we have created a pattern for a bean bag chair with a height of 130 cm, that is, one that would be comfortable for an adult to sit on.
Pattern of a bean bag chair, how to lay it out on fabric
Such a large bean bag chair will require quite a lot of fabric - a little less than 4 meters with a width of 140 cm. The same amount of fabric will be required for the inner cover. When choosing material for a beanbag chair, you can go in two ways:
- The first inexpensive option is Oxford fabric, which, however, has many variations. The material is similar to a thin, non-stretchy and waterproof raincoat fabric. The advantages of such fabric are that it is budget-friendly and that the material does not allow moisture to pass through well. Disadvantages - this fabric rustles and is not very pleasant to the touch.
- The second option is furniture fabrics. There are a huge number of them: flock, jacquard, matting, furniture artificial leather and others.
As for the inner cover, we categorically do not recommend using non-woven material for it, either non-woven or denser. Some manufacturers try to save money this way, but this fabric tears very easily and cannot withstand stress. What can I use for the inner cover? Cotton fabric, possibly mixed with synthetics, is suitable. How to cut the fabric to make a bean bag chair with your own hands can be seen in more detail in the diagram below. Each cell in the diagram is equal to 10 real centimeters.
Manufacturers of bean bags often equip them with eyelets. They are needed to relieve pressure on the seams when a person suddenly sits down on a chair. We believe that installing eyelets on a bean bag chair made by yourself is problematic, and there is a risk of severe damage to the fabric. Alternatively, you can simply leave holes in the seam between the top cover and the sides, about a centimeter in diameter.
DIY beanbag pattern.
The diagram is shown without seam allowances. We recommend adding another 2 cm to each piece. The threads should be strong and the seam should be double or linen.
Pattern and step-by-step sewing instructions with photos
On the given pattern there are two options for cutting the lower circle of the chair. The first option involves sewing the bottom from two semicircular parts, and the second - from four. You will need to cut out 6 side wedges, 1 top piece (hexagon), 1 handle piece, 2 or 4 bottom pieces from fabric. We will sew the inner and outer covers at the same time.
Pattern for a bean bag chair in the shape of a pear with a handle on top, dimensions are given in millimeters
Sewing order
1. Transfer the pattern details onto paper and cut out. 2. Spread the fabric for sewing the inner cover on the floor (wrong side up). Attach the pattern pieces to the fabric, trace and cut out, leaving a seam allowance of about 1.5 cm.
Try to place the parts as compactly as possible so that there is enough fabric. To do this, first think over the optimal layout option.
3. Cut the fabric for the outer cover in the same way, leaving an allowance of 3.5 cm.
Place the pattern pieces for the product on the fabric and cut it out sparingly so that you have enough cut
4. Then you need to pin or baste the side seams on the gussets of the inner and outer products, all except the last one. You will end up with two flat pieces. 5. Sew the side seams of both covers using a machine and iron them using a steam iron. 6. Turn the outer cover over and topstitch all side seams to the right side.
You can use contrasting threads and decorative stitches for this.
Sew the side seams from the wrong side, and then on the outer cover, additionally stitch them from the front side
7. Now fold the outer wedges on both pieces and baste. On the outer cover, sew the last side seam 40 cm from the top and 40 cm from the bottom (there will be a little more than 40 cm left for sewing in the zipper). Repeat the operation for the inner cover, leaving approximately 35 cm on the zipper. Press the seams. 8. Baste or pin zippers to the remaining unstitched sections on the blanks. The center of the zipper should coincide with the center of the pressed seam; the excess length of the zippers can be freely located at the bottom of the future chair. Sew in zippers. Now, outwardly, both of our products resemble an irregularly shaped pipe, tapering upward.
Scheme for sewing a zipper to an ironed seam
9. Sew the arm of the chair. Fold the piece in half lengthwise, wrong side out, stitch along the long edge and then turn right side out. Iron. 10. Turn the cover blanks inside out and sew on the tops (hexagons). When basting the top to the outer “pipe”, do not forget to insert the handle. 11. Sew the bottom parts of both covers. Sew the resulting circles. Keep the zippers open to make it comfortable to work with. Turn the finished covers right side out.
The outer cover for a bean bag chair will differ from the inner one in that it has a longer zipper and the presence of a handle.
Filling the filler
- Place one product inside another, trying to match all the parts.
- Cut off the top and bottom of any plastic bottle to create a wide funnel.
- Cut off the corner of the bag with the filling and tape the top edge of the funnel to the resulting hole with tape.
- Place the lower part of the funnel in the slightly open inner case and pour polystyrene foam granules into it. Close both zippers.
The funnel method will allow you to quickly and accurately fill the chair with filler.
Important! The filler should occupy approximately 2/3 of the volume of the inner case.
Pattern of a children's bean bag chair
A children's bean bag chair is sewn according to the same pattern as an adult's, only the sizes will be different. The chair taken as an example will be 105 cm high, it will be suitable for a child aged 5-8 years.
Children's beanbag pattern
And more details about how to sew such a bean bag chair for a child are described in the video below. The author created a chair in the shape of a cute little penguin.
Pattern for a drop bean bag chair
A drop bean bag chair is similar to a pear chair, but unlike the latter, it does not need to be positioned before sitting down; it is more stable. The finished drop chair will look something like the photo below.
Drop bean bag chair, how to sew it?
In order not to be mistaken with the sizes, use the pattern for a bean bag chair.
Drop beanbag pattern
If you add pockets to such a chair, quilt the top cover with decorative stitches and choose a bright fabric, you can get a very cute bean bag chair created by yourself.
Beanbag in the interior
Selecting material for covers
The bean bag structure consists of two covers, internal and external, as well as loose filler. In order for the pouf to serve as long as possible and not become a source of granules of internal contents lying around the house, it is important to carefully select materials for the covers, although there is nothing complicated here.
As materials for the covers, you can use any materials that your sewing machine can easily “take.” The cover on the outside should be quite dense and durable, but at the same time relatively pleasant to the body so that it is comfortable to sit on. It should also be stain/abrasion resistant and easy to clean. And, of course, beautiful. But for the inner cover you need to take a material so that it does not allow small units of filler to pass through.
The chair must be durable and dense
Advice! You may not even need to buy some materials that are quite suitable for creating such a chair - you probably have something at home that is suitable for such a pouf. This could be old jeans or an unnecessary blanket as an option. Excellent materials for an outer case! And for the inner one, which will contain filling, you can use lining fabric or an old sheet.
Beanbag “Bunny”
Such fabrics are well suited for an outer cover.
- Oxford - thick, used for sewing raincoats and tents. Durable and easy to care for, but does not breathe well, but is resistant to moisture.
- Flock is a dense fleecy textile that looks beautiful and is pleasant to the body. But he collects all the garbage.
- Jeans is a practical, easy-to-care material. One of the most optimal solutions. But it looks monotonous.
- Microvelvet is a microfiber-based fabric that is washable, soft and beautiful. Something similar in texture to velor also collects dust.
- Eco-leather - looks stylish, soft, but is easily damaged by sharp objects. Not suitable for those who have pets at home.
Beanbag in the interior
Advice! The main part of the bag can be made of soft and delicate fabric, and its lower part, the bottom, can be sewn from one that is easy to clean.
Different types of fabrics are suitable for a bean bag chair
For the inner cover, we recommend using spunbond, lining fabric, etc. The material should be breathable but dense. The breathability of the fabric is very important: if the material does not breathe, the filler will quickly stick together and become unusable over time .
Beanbag cushion
You can create comfort in your home without resorting to complex calculations and sewing. The simplest pillows in the interior can give a head start to chairs with polystyrene balls. They are easier to sew. Everyone can sew two squares of fabric, and sit and lie comfortably on the pillows.
How to decorate a room with very beautiful pillows, read this article.
DIY bean bag chair in the shape of an ordinary pillow
Advantages and features of this piece of furniture
An upholstered beanbag chair, being an excellent alternative to bulky armchairs and sofas, can decorate any room, organically fitting into its interior. This embodiment of convenience, originality and coziness can rightfully be called a breakthrough in modern furniture design. A practical and functional ottoman bag will not only become a bright accent in the room, but will also help you relax and relieve tension after a long day of work.
A bean bag chair is a suitable option for almost any interior.
Red bean bag chair in an eclectic living room
One of the main advantages of this amazing piece of furniture is the ability to sew a beanbag chair with your own hands. And almost anyone who has even the slightest knowledge in the field of cutting and sewing can do this. Today you have the opportunity to verify this by reading in our article about how to make a bean bag chair with your own hands.
The modern market offers many models of frameless chairs, presented in a wide range of colors, different shapes and sizes. But with such a huge selection, it’s not always possible to choose exactly what you need. After all, everyone wants to arrange their home in such a way that it is unlike anyone else’s - through non-standard furniture, unusual decorative elements, and so on. In addition, when making something with his own hands, the master puts his soul and positive emotions into it. Such a thing will not only add originality and comfort to your home, but will also bring favorable energy into its atmosphere. Our master class will show you a fairly simple way of how you can sew an ottoman yourself without much effort and difficulty.
Armchair with fabric cover
Before you start making a pear, you need to solve a number of questions for yourself:
- Having decided for which room we are sewing a pouf, choose the most optimal sizes for it.
- Depending on the design style of the room, decide on the texture and color scheme for the upholstery fabric.
- Choose a filler.
- Prepare all the tools and auxiliary materials necessary for the work.
DIY beanbag
If you want the bean bag chair to be miniature and more reminiscent of an ottoman, use our next pattern.
Pattern of a bean bag chair in the form of an ottoman
If you are thinking about how to sew a bean bag chair yourself, and even so that it fits into an interior that has delicate floral notes, try choosing furniture fabric in the same style for the ottoman.
Ottoman-bag with flowers
Filler for bean bag chair
Buyers often complain about a persistent chemical odor emanating from bean bag chairs. This smell is emitted by polystyrene foam granules. Purchased chairs are almost always filled with them.
Partially solving the problem is purchasing high-quality granules for a bean bag chair; the granules should be small and whole without crumbs and dust. And you can purchase them on online sites or in large construction stores.
Sometimes, in order to save money, instead of new polystyrene foam balls, they use used material - crushed polystyrene foam. But for reasons of environmental friendliness and the durability of the chair, this is a bad decision.
Filler for bean bag chair
If there are small children in the house and there is a risk of foam balls falling out of the bag, this idea should be abandoned altogether. Light and small pellets can pose a threat to the lives of young children.
Some manufacturers solve this problem by installing a valve on the inner case, which can only be opened with a special key. But buying it is problematic.
At home, bean bags are sometimes filled with padding polyester, holofiber and other materials that are at hand.
Filler selection
Most often, frameless furniture manufacturers use polystyrene foam granules as filler. Foam balls are considered the most hygienic filler, as they do not absorb dirt, sweat and odors. This is especially true when a bean bag chair is used in public places (cafes, show rooms, lounge areas). Expanded polystyrene is non-hygroscopic, and insects will not grow in it. In addition, this filler is the most affordable.
Expanded polystyrene is the best filling for a frameless chair
For those who are looking for an environmentally friendly and natural alternative to polystyrene foam, we can advise choosing materials such as:
- horsehair;
- wood shavings;
- seeds, herbs, buckwheat husks;
- peas, beans and beans, rice, millet;
- wool, feathers or down.
However, when choosing an organic filler, it is worth considering that such a chair can only be used in a room with moderate humidity. Otherwise, molding may begin.
Important! Feathers and down can cause allergies.
If you decide to use sawdust, pay attention to its quality. Before filling the bag, be sure to inspect the shavings and remove any chips, otherwise you risk getting splinters or scratches. It is better to use cedar shavings. It has a pleasant smell, which is famous for its healing properties and will repel insects.
It is also necessary to take into account that over time you will need to completely replace or add an additional portion of filler, since it tends to wrinkle.
Ideas for using bean bag chairs in the interior
Often a bean bag chair is the brightest spot in the room; it can attract attention not only with its “acid” color, but also with its shape alone.
Bright bean bag chair
Bean bag chairs look great in children's rooms. For example, in a children's room in muted pink and gray tones, a handmade bean bag chair will look wonderful. The only thing is that you should not leave children under 3 years old alone with such a chair.
Bean bag chair for a girl's bedroom
And bean bags come in a variety of shapes.
Bean bags for kindergarten
Sometimes a bean bag chair looks more like a bed than a chair.
DIY bean bag
Bean bags are good furniture for rooms where cheerful groups gather, for example, to watch a football match.
Bean bags for hanging out with friends
Bean bags are bulky but light. Therefore, those who have a car sometimes take them with them on a picnic or to the beach. In the photo below, the beach is already equipped with bean bags.
Bean bags by the ocean
In some interiors, bean bags with faux fur help create a fabulous winter mood.
Beanbag in the interior
You may be interested in our other articles:
- DIY patchwork quilt.
- Rugs, blankets, pom-pom chair covers.
- Crafts from plastic bottles for the cottage and garden.
- DIY lamps and lamps.
- How to beautifully arrange a summer cottage, zoning of the site.
- Is it true that in Sicily you can buy a house for 1 Euro?
- Venetian plaster for wall decoration.
Popular models and tailoring features
There are several different shapes of this chair. It can be elongated on one side or have a round shape. Each option has its own tailoring and decoration features.
Pear chair
To make this model, you need to use a ready-made pattern, downloaded from the Internet and printed, or make it yourself. The pattern consists of wedges and a bottom.
When cutting, it is important to lay out the patterns compactly so that they fit on a piece of fabric. To do this, you need to place the wedges in different directions. But this layout option does not apply to fabric that has a special pattern. Then you will need to combine it. Therefore, it is better to take a plain material.
The pear chair is sewn one by one with your own hands. At the very beginning, you need to sew the wedges together, then sew in the bottom. Don't forget about lightning. It needs to be inserted into the edges of the wedge.
Chair ball
This option resembles a pouf. It has no back and is completely round. Due to the fact that the seat falls inward under the weight of a person, comfort is created for the person sitting down.
Sewing technology involves cutting several wedges. You need to cut out 8 hexagons. To make a ball of two colors, you need to cut out 4 elements of one color and 4 of another. All parts are sewn together, leaving space for Velcro or zipper.
If you make such a children's chair with your own hands, then it will fit perfectly into the boy's room and will become his pride. The size of the product does not need to be large so as not to complicate cutting and sewing.
Chair drop
In appearance, this bean bag chair resembles a pouf with a slightly lowered back. It will be comfortable for a relaxed position. This model will look beautiful in the living room and will also find its application in the nursery. Based on its dimensions and shape, the drop chair can be placed anywhere in the room.
Manufacturing follows a simple pattern: all parts are cut out, the side seams are sewn at the very beginning, the bottom and back are sewn on. The top can be tied with laces. Then it will be part of the decor.
Triangular chair
This is the easiest option to sew. For it you need to cut out 2 large triangles and 2 wedges. It is not difficult to sew the parts together.
This option will fit well into a fashionable design, which is dominated by geometric shapes.
Jeans bag chair
You can use jeans that are no longer used. To do this, you need to cut things open and find a suitable pattern for this model.
If necessary, all the parts of old jeans can be sewn together to form a single fabric. This will subsequently simplify the cutting of the bean bag chair elements and their further stitching. This model looks original.
