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How to make a beanbag cover

This patchwork pouffe from Juliet Bawden adds comfort and style to any room. It's an easy make, too, so whip one up and sit back with a cup of tea!

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Juliet Bawden

Published: January 20, 2021 at 5:26 pm

How to make a beanbag cover

We're bringing you a fun home craft DIY to keep you busy and refresh your living room at the same time! Follow our step by step guide to learn how to make a beanbag cover from scratch. This is a great beginner sewing project as you won't need to grapple with any specialist or technical fabrics – you just sew a simple patchwork cover, then add a calico insert and fill it with beanbag filling. Read on for our full photo walkthrough and free Bean Bag sewing pattern.

This project was first featured in Simply Sewing magazine and is designed by Juliet Bawden. You can see more of her work on Instagram @juliet_bawden and at www.creativecolour.org. If you're looking for more easy sewing makes from the Simply Sewing team, you might also like our tutorials for how to make headbands or our roundup of the best sewing patterns for beginners.

Looking for more home décor projects? Learn how to make a duvet cover, how to make roman blinds for your home, how to make a lampshade, how to make curtains or how to make a doorstop.

Main photo: © Mimi Chambre

Materials needed

Various patterned fabrics: approx 2.5m x 115cm (2¾ydsx45in) in total
Calico: 2m (2¼yds) for the inner
Hook and loop tape: 50cm (20in)
Beanbag filling: one large bag
Paper for pattern
Matching thread
Basic sewing kit
Sewing machine

Note

The instructions for the outer and the calico inner bag are almost the same except the top and sides of the calico inner is made in one piece not segments

Seam allowance is 1cm (³⁄₈in) unless otherwise stated
If you're new to sewing, head over to our complete guide to sewing for beginners to learn the ropes

How to make a beanbag cover – step by step

You will need:

Fabric
Calico
Hook and loop tape
Beanbag filling
Paper
Thread
Basic sewing kit
Sewing machine

Making the beanbag sewing pattern

Step 1

To make the full circle pattern, draw a circle with a diameter of 68cm (27in).

Step 2

To make the half circle template, fold the full circle template in half and trace half then add 4cm (1½in) to the straight edge.

Step 3

To create the pattern for the pouffe sides cut a rectangle 202x32cm (791/2×12⁵⁄₈in).

Creating the patchwork pattern

Step 1

To make the segment pattern for the patchwork top, use a pencil to draw a central line on the full circle template. Then half the half circle again to make a quarter circle. Half this once more to split the quarter circle into eighths. Trace off a copy of the eighth segment. Add 1cm (³⁄₈in) seam allowance to the three sides of the segment. This is the Patchwork Segment template.

Cutting out

Step 1

From the calico cut:

Inner Upper/Base: two using circle template
Inner Sides: one using the rectangle template

Step 2

From the patterned fabrics cut:

Patchwork Top Segment: cut eight
Outer Base: two using half circle template.
Outer Sides: one using the side template. We split ours into patchwork sections, to do this stitch pieces together until the assembled pieces measure 202x32cm (79½x12⁵⁄₈in).

How to make a beanbag cover step 1

Making the outer

Step 1

First make the Outer Base with the hook and loop tape opening. On both Outer Base pieces turn the straight edge under by 1cm (³⁄₈in) then turn again by 3cm (1¼in). Stitch the fold in place, then pin and sew strips of hook and loop tape centrally along both edges. Press the hook and loop tape edges together then machine sew the ends of the seams closed.

How to make a beanbag cover step 2

Step 2

If you have panelled the sides, sew the Outer Sides RS facing. Press seams open.

Beanbag cover sewing pattern step 3

Step 3

RS together, stitch the Patchwork Top Segments together. Press the seams flat.

Beanbag sewing pattern step 4

Step 4

Stitch the ends of the side panel together to make a loop, leaving a 10cm (4in) gap in the centre of this seam. Then pin and sew the sides to first the patchwork top and then the outer fabric base making a drum shape. Turn through the gap so it is RS facing out.

How to make a beanbag cover step 5

Making the lining

Step 1

To make the calico inner, repeat the steps above to attach the calico top and base to the sides. As before you will need to leave a 10cm (4in) gap in the side panel seam to fill the pouffe through.

Step 2

Place the calico liner inside the fabric cover, aligning the gaps left in the side seams and fill with polystyrene beads (we used a piece of paper as a funnel). Hand stitch the gaps in the lining and outer fabrics closed to finish.

How to make a beanbag cover step 6

Ta da! You now have officially graduated our mini workshop in how to make a beanbag cover. How did you get on? We’d love to see a picture of your finished creations.

Sewing Designer & Writer

Juliet Bawden is a designer, maker, author and journalist.She has had over 70 craft books published, some exploring and making the things herself, and others writing about designers who are at the top of their field. Her books include ‘The Art and Craft of Papier Mache’, ‘Hearts’ a book of Romantic Gifts, ‘The Hat Book’, ‘Rag Rug’ inspirations, ‘The Art and Craft of Applique’ and more. She also designs, makies and writes for magazines including : Coast, Simply Sewing and Reloved as well as for the web site of both Cath Kidston and Laura Ashley.