Remember those long summer afternoons or the simple fun of a school fair? Chances are, a classic bean bag toss game was part of the picture. There’s something timelessly appealing about tossing a weighted bag towards a target. It’s a game of simple skill, gentle competition, and pure satisfaction when you hear that satisfying *thump* as your bag lands right where you aimed it. But you don’t need to wait for a carnival or spend money on a flimsy store-bought set. Creating your own bean bag toss game is a fantastic craft project, perfect for involving kids and customizing to your heart’s content. It’s screen-free fun, a chance to learn basic sewing skills, and an opportunity to make memories together.
Making your own set is surprisingly straightforward and offers loads of benefits. Firstly, it’s incredibly budget-friendly. You can raid your fabric stash for scraps or remnants, making it virtually free if you’re already a sewer. Even buying a yard or two of fun, inexpensive cotton fabric won’t break the bank. Compare that to the cost of manufactured games, and you’re already winning! Secondly, customization is king. Want bean bags shaped like fish for a beach party? Or maybe bags in team colors for a tailgate? You get to choose the fabric, the size, the weight, and even the decoration. This is where kids can really get involved, picking out patterns or adding their own flair with fabric markers later on. Plus, the process itself is a learning experience. It introduces children to the basics of measuring, cutting, and sewing – valuable life skills disguised as fun.
Gathering Your Bean Bag Arsenal
Before you dive into stitching, let’s gather the necessary supplies. You probably have some of these items lurking around your home already. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and much more enjoyable.
Fabric Choices Galore
The heart of your bean bag! You need something reasonably sturdy that can withstand being tossed around, but also easy enough to sew. Consider these options:
- Cotton Quilting Fabric: This is often the easiest choice. It comes in endless colors and patterns, is relatively inexpensive, and sews beautifully. Look for standard quilting weight cotton. Avoid anything too thin or sheer.
- Duck Cloth or Canvas: For super durable, long-lasting bags, duck cloth or canvas is excellent. It’s heavier and stiffer, which might be slightly harder for beginners to sew, especially by hand, but it holds up incredibly well to outdoor use.
- Denim: Got old jeans destined for the bin? Repurpose them! Denim is tough, readily available, and gives a cool, rustic vibe. Just make sure it’s not too stretchy.
- Felt: Craft felt can work, especially for indoor-only games or for younger children. It’s soft and easy to cut, but it might pill or wear out faster than woven fabrics. Use thicker felt if possible.
How much fabric? This depends on the size and number of bags you want. A standard size is around 4×4 inches or 5×5 inches finished. For a 5×5 inch bag, you’ll need two 5.5×5.5 inch squares (allowing for a 1/4 inch seam allowance) or two 6×6 inch squares (for a 1/2 inch seam allowance). A typical game uses 6 to 8 bags (3 or 4 per team/player). A yard of fabric will likely yield plenty of squares.
The Filling Station: What Goes Inside?
This is crucial for getting the right weight and feel. Here are common choices:
- Dried Beans: The classic! Pinto beans, kidney beans, or navy beans work well. They provide good weight. The main downside is they aren’t washable – get them wet, and they might sprout or rot!
- Dried Corn (Feed Corn): Similar to beans, feed corn offers nice weight and feel. It’s often cheaper than beans in bulk. Again, not washable.
- Rice: Another pantry staple. Provides a slightly softer feel than beans or corn. Still not washable.
- Plastic Pellets: These are specifically designed for crafts like this (and stuffed toys). They are washable, won’t attract pests, and provide consistent weight. They are usually more expensive than pantry fillers but offer longevity and ease of care. You can buy them at craft stores or online.
- Aquarium Gravel: Small, smooth aquarium gravel can be used for a heavier bag and is washable. Ensure it’s clean and dry before using.
Important Filling Considerations: When using natural fillers like dried beans, corn, or rice, be aware they are not washable. Moisture can cause them to spoil, mold, or even sprout. Furthermore, store these bean bags in a dry, sealed container to discourage pests like pantry moths or rodents who might find the filling attractive.
How much filling? You don’t want the bags rock hard or floppy. Aim for about two-thirds to three-quarters full. This allows the filling to shift slightly, making the bags easier to grip and land flat. For a 5×5 inch bag, you’ll likely need around 1/2 to 3/4 cup of filling, depending on the type. Weighing them can ensure consistency – aim for around 4-6 ounces per bag.
Sewing Kit Essentials
- Needle and Thread: If sewing by hand, use a sturdy needle and strong thread (all-purpose polyester thread is good). Match the thread color to your fabric, or choose a contrasting color for fun!
- Sewing Machine (Optional): A machine makes the process much faster and generally produces stronger seams, but hand sewing works perfectly well too!
- Scissors: Sharp fabric scissors are essential for clean cuts. Pinking shears are great for finishing seam allowances inside to reduce fraying, but not necessary.
- Pins: To hold your fabric pieces together while sewing.
- Measuring Tool: A ruler or fabric tape measure for cutting accurate squares.
- Funnel (Optional but helpful): Makes getting the filling inside much neater, especially with smaller openings. A rolled-up piece of paper can substitute.
- Iron and Ironing Board: Pressing seams makes everything look neater and professional.
Stitching Up Your Bean Bags: A Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, supplies gathered? Let’s get making! This is the fun part where your materials transform into game pieces.
Step 1: Measure and Cut
Decide on your finished bag size (e.g., 5×5 inches). Add your desired seam allowance to each side. A 1/2 inch seam allowance is sturdy and forgiving for beginners (so cut 6×6 inch squares for a 5×5 inch finished bag). A 1/4 inch allowance is standard for quilting (cut 5.5×5.5 inch squares). Using your ruler and fabric scissors (or a rotary cutter and mat if you have one), carefully cut two identical squares of fabric for each bean bag you plan to make. Accuracy here helps ensure your finished bags are uniform.
Step 2: Pin and Sew
Take two matching fabric squares and place them right sides together (the patterned or “pretty” sides facing each other). Line up the edges carefully and pin them together along three sides. If you’re using patterned fabric, make sure the pattern direction is consistent if desired. Now, it’s time to sew! By Machine: Start sewing along one edge using your chosen seam allowance (e.g., 1/2 inch from the edge). Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end of your sewing line – this locks the stitches and prevents them from unraveling. Sew down one side, pivot at the corner (leave the needle down in the fabric, lift the presser foot, turn the fabric 90 degrees, lower the presser foot), and sew down the second side. Pivot again and sew down the third side, backstitching at the end. Leave the fourth side completely open.
Step 3: Clip the Corners
Before turning, clip the two sewn corners diagonally. Cut close to the stitching, but be very careful not to cut through your sewn line! This removes excess fabric bulk and allows the corners to look sharp and square when turned right side out. It’s a small step that makes a big difference to the finished look.
Step 4: Turn and Press
Carefully turn the fabric bag right side out through the open side. Gently push out the corners using a dull point like a chopstick, a knitting needle, or a corner turning tool (avoid anything too sharp that could poke through the fabric). Once turned, press the bag flat with an iron, paying attention to the seams. This makes it look much neater and prepares the opening for easier closing.
Step 5: Fill ‘er Up!
Now for the filling! If you ironed, let the bag cool slightly. Grab your chosen filling and your funnel (or makeshift paper cone). Carefully pour the filling into the bag through the open side. Fill it about two-thirds to three-quarters full. You want it to have substance but still be slightly squishy. Check the weight if you’re aiming for consistency across all bags. Clean up any spilled filling.
Step 6: Seal the Deal
This is the final sewing step. Carefully fold the raw edges of the opening inward, matching the seam allowance you used earlier (e.g., fold in 1/2 inch on each side). Pressing this fold with the iron can help hold it in place. Pin the opening closed. You need to sew this opening shut securely. Hand Sewing (Recommended for neatness): Use a ladder stitch (also called an invisible stitch). This technique hides the thread and creates a very neat closure. Thread your needle, knot the end, and bring the needle up from inside the fold on one side. Take a small stitch directly across into the fold on the opposite side. Continue making small, parallel stitches back and forth across the opening, pulling the thread snug (but not too tight) as you go. The stitches will disappear into the folds. Knot securely at the end, hiding the knot inside the seam if possible. Machine Sewing (Quicker but more visible): You can topstitch the opening closed on your machine. Sew very close to the folded edge (about 1/8 inch). Backstitch at the start and end. This seam will be visible but is very strong. For extra durability, you can sew back and forth over the opening a couple of times.
Repeat these steps for all your bean bags. Congratulations, you’ve made your own set!
Designing Your Bean Bag Toss Target
You’ve got the bags, now you need something to toss them at! The target can be as simple or as elaborate as you like.
Quick and Easy Targets
- Cardboard Box: The simplest solution! Find a sturdy cardboard box. Cut one or more holes in the top or one side. Decorate it with paint, markers, or construction paper. Instant target!
- Laundry Basket or Bucket: Just use an existing basket or bucket. Easy setup, easy cleanup. You can assign points for landing inside.
- Hula Hoop: Lay a hula hoop on the grass. Simple, effective, and defines the target area clearly.
- Chalk Drawings: On pavement, draw circles or squares with different point values.
Stepping Up Your Target Game
- Plywood Target Board: For a more permanent, classic carnival feel, use a piece of plywood (maybe 2×3 feet or larger). Cut holes of different sizes – smaller holes are worth more points! Sand the edges smooth. You can paint it with fun designs, numbers, or themes. Attach legs or a stand to prop it up at an angle.
- Fabric Target: Sew a large fabric panel with appliqued shapes or holes (use contrasting fabric for the hole edges). You could hang this from a clothesline or between two chairs. Less durable than wood but softer and portable.
- Tiered Targets: Stack different sized buckets or boxes, assigning higher points for the smaller or higher targets.
Whatever target you choose, consider assigning point values to different holes or areas to make scoring more interesting. A classic setup might have one large hole worth 1 point, a medium hole worth 3 points, and a small, challenging hole worth 5 points.
Let the Carnival Begin!
Setup is simple. Place your target on a reasonably flat surface. Decide on a throwing line – adjust the distance based on the age and skill of the players. Younger kids might need to stand closer, while adults can stand further back. Standard distances are often around 10-15 feet for kids and 20-25 feet for adults, but do what feels right for your space and players.
Game On!
Establish some simple rules. How many bags does each player throw per turn? (Typically 3 or 4). How are points scored? (Bag fully in the hole? Bag touching the board?). Decide on a winning score (e.g., first to 21 points) or play for a set number of rounds. Keep score with chalk, a whiteboard, or just paper and pencil. You can play individually or in teams.
To enhance the carnival atmosphere, consider adding simple prizes for winners or participants – stickers, small toys, or just bragging rights! Play some upbeat music. Most importantly, keep it lighthearted and fun. The goal is enjoyment, not intense competition (unless your family thrives on that!).
Caring for Your Creations
To keep your homemade game ready for action: Storage: Store the bean bags in a dry place. If you used natural fillers (beans, corn, rice), keep them in an airtight container to prevent moisture absorption and deter pests. Cleaning: For bags filled with plastic pellets or washable materials, you might be able to hand wash or machine wash on a gentle cycle (consider putting them in a mesh laundry bag) and air dry thoroughly. For bags with natural fillers, spot clean only! Use a damp cloth to wipe away dirt, being careful not to saturate the filling.
Creating a bean bag toss game is more than just a craft project; it’s an investment in fun, interactive play. It brings people together, encourages gentle physical activity, and provides endless entertainment possibilities for parties, family gatherings, or just a lazy afternoon in the backyard. From choosing the perfect quirky fabric to sinking that winning toss, the entire process is filled with simple joys. So grab some fabric, thread your needle (or fire up your machine), and get ready to bring a little bit of carnival magic right into your own home.
