How to Make Bean Bags for Cornhole: A DIY Guide to Scoring Big
Creating your own cornhole bean bags is a rewarding and cost-effective way to enhance your backyard game. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create regulation-compliant and durable bean bags, ensuring countless hours of cornhole fun.
Why Make Your Own Cornhole Bean Bags?
Making your own cornhole bean bags offers several advantages over purchasing them.
- Cost Savings: Crafting your own set can be significantly cheaper than buying pre-made bags, especially if you already have some materials on hand.
- Customization: You have complete control over the fabric, color, and design, allowing you to personalize your bags to match your style or team colors.
- Quality Control: By making them yourself, you can ensure the bags are properly filled and constructed for optimal performance and longevity.
- Skill Development: It’s a fun and relatively easy sewing project, perfect for beginners to hone their skills.
Understanding Cornhole Bean Bag Regulations
Before you start sewing, it’s crucial to understand the official cornhole regulations for bean bag size and weight. Adhering to these standards ensures a fair and competitive game.
- Size: Each bag should be approximately 6 inches by 6 inches.
- Weight: Each bag should weigh between 14 and 16 ounces.
- Material: Standard bags are typically made with duck cloth or canvas.
- Fill: Whole kernel corn is the traditional and often preferred filling. Some leagues allow resin pellets.
Gathering Your Materials
Here’s a checklist of the materials you’ll need to create a standard set of eight cornhole bean bags:
- Fabric: Approximately 2 yards of durable fabric like duck cloth or canvas (1 yard per color for a two-color set). Choose colors that represent teams or players.
- Thread: Heavy-duty thread that matches your fabric color.
- Fill: 50 lbs of whole kernel corn. This is usually sufficient for 8-10 bags.
- Measuring Tools: Ruler, yardstick, or measuring tape.
- Cutting Tools: Fabric scissors or rotary cutter and mat.
- Sewing Machine: Reliable sewing machine with a strong needle.
- Pins or Clips: To hold fabric pieces together during sewing.
- Funnel or Scoop: For easily filling the bags.
- Digital Scale: To weigh the filled bags accurately.
Step-by-Step Bean Bag Construction
Follow these steps to create your cornhole bean bags:
- Cut Fabric: Cut sixteen 6.5 inch x 6.5 inch squares from your chosen fabric. The extra half inch allows for seam allowance.
- Pair Fabric: Pair up the squares with right sides together. If using two colors, create pairs based on your desired design.
- Sew Three Sides: Sew around three sides of each pair with a ½ inch seam allowance, creating a pouch. Backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam for added durability.
- Turn Right Side Out: Turn each pouch right side out, creating a clean finish.
- Fill the Bag: Use a funnel or scoop to carefully fill each bag with whole kernel corn. Aim for a weight between 14 and 16 ounces, using your digital scale to measure accurately. Overfilling will result in a hard, less throwable bag; underfilling will cause the bag to be flimsy.
- Sew the Final Side: Fold the raw edges of the opening inward and pin or clip them in place. Sew the final side closed, again using a ½ inch seam allowance and backstitching at the beginning and end. It’s best to double stitch this seam for added reinforcement.
- Inspect and Test: Inspect each bag for any loose threads or weak seams. Test the weight and feel to ensure consistency across the set.
Tips for Durability and Longevity
To ensure your cornhole bean bags last for many games to come, consider these tips:
- Reinforce Seams: Double-stitch all seams, especially the final seam, to prevent ripping.
- Use Heavy-Duty Thread: Invest in high-quality, heavy-duty thread designed for canvas or upholstery.
- Choose Durable Fabric: Duck cloth and canvas are the most popular choices for their strength and resistance to wear and tear.
- Proper Storage: Store your bean bags in a dry place to prevent mold and mildew.
- Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect your bags for any damage and repair them promptly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Inaccurate Cutting: Cutting fabric squares unevenly can lead to misshapen bags. Use a ruler and sharp cutting tools for precise cuts.
- Over or Under Filling: Inconsistent filling can affect the bag’s weight and performance. Use a digital scale to ensure each bag is within the regulation weight range.
- Weak Seams: Using thin thread or failing to backstitch can result in ripped seams. Use heavy-duty thread and reinforce seams with double stitching.
- Using the Wrong Fill: Avoid using plastic pellets if your cornhole league or personal preference is for corn-filled bags. Each provides a different feel and game dynamic.
- Ignoring Regulations: Failing to adhere to official cornhole regulations can render your bags unusable in competitive play. Always double-check the size and weight requirements.
Cost Breakdown: DIY vs. Pre-Made
The following table provides a general cost comparison between making your own cornhole bean bags and buying a pre-made set:
| Item | DIY Cost (Approximate) | Pre-Made Cost (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric | $10 – $20 | Included |
| Thread | $5 | Included |
| Whole Kernel Corn | $20 – $30 | Included |
| Labor | Your Time | $20-$50 Additional |
| Total | $35 – $55 | $55 – $100 |
As you can see, making your own bean bags can save you a significant amount of money, particularly if you already own a sewing machine and some of the necessary supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best type of fabric to use for cornhole bean bags?
Duck cloth and canvas are the most popular choices for cornhole bean bags. They are both durable, tightly woven fabrics that can withstand the rigors of the game. Duck cloth is generally slightly lighter than canvas. Choose a weight that you find comfortable to sew and play with.
How much corn should I use to fill each bean bag?
The goal is to achieve a weight between 14 and 16 ounces. Start by filling the bag about ¾ full, then use a digital scale to check the weight. Add or remove corn as needed to reach the desired weight.
Can I use other materials besides corn to fill my bean bags?
Yes, you can use resin pellets or plastic beads as an alternative. Resin pellets are often preferred for their water resistance and resistance to rot and mold. However, some leagues and players prefer the traditional feel of corn.
How do I prevent my cornhole bean bags from getting moldy?
The best way to prevent mold is to store your bean bags in a dry place. Avoid leaving them outdoors in damp or humid conditions. You can also consider using a desiccant pack in your storage container.
What is the best way to clean my cornhole bean bags?
If your bags get dirty, spot clean them with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid submerging them in water, as this can damage the corn filling. Let them air dry completely before storing.
How do I repair a ripped or torn cornhole bean bag?
If a seam rips, you can simply re-sew it using a sewing machine or by hand. For larger tears, you may need to patch the fabric with a piece of matching material. Always use heavy-duty thread for repairs.
What size needle should I use on my sewing machine?
When sewing with duck cloth or canvas, use a size 16 or 18 needle. These needles are strong enough to penetrate the thick fabric without breaking.
Is it okay to wash cornhole bean bags in the washing machine?
It’s not generally recommended to wash corn-filled bean bags in the washing machine. The water can damage the corn, causing it to rot or mold. If you must wash them, use a gentle cycle and air dry them completely. Resin-filled bags are more washable.
How often should I replace my cornhole bean bags?
The lifespan of your cornhole bean bags depends on how frequently you use them and how well you care for them. With proper care, they can last for several years. Replace them when they become worn out, ripped, or the filling becomes too compacted.
Where can I buy whole kernel corn for filling bean bags?
You can usually find whole kernel corn at farm supply stores, feed stores, or online retailers. Look for “deer corn” or “feed corn,” which is typically cheaper than corn intended for human consumption.
Are there any legal restrictions on the sale of homemade cornhole bean bags?
Check your local and state regulations regarding selling handmade goods. Generally, as long as you meet the safety and size standards and don’t falsely advertise the product, you should be fine selling your custom-made bean bags.
Can I personalize my bean bags with custom designs or logos?
Absolutely! You can use fabric paint, stencils, or even iron-on transfers to add custom designs or logos to your bean bags. Get creative and make them your own!