DIY Convertible Bean Bag Chair: The Ultimate Guide to Cozy Comfort

Hey there, fellow craft enthusiasts! Robert Kline here, ready to dive into a project that’s as fun to make as it is to relax in: a DIY convertible bean bag chair!

Now, we all know the feeling of sinking into a plush bean bag chair. It’s like getting a warm hug from your furniture! But those store-bought ones? They can put a serious dent in your wallet. That’s where the beauty of DIY comes in. With a little creativity and some simple sewing skills, you can create a custom bean bag chair that’s not only budget-friendly but also reflects your unique style.

And here’s the kicker: we’re going to make it convertible! That’s right, this bean bag transforms into a full-size bed, perfect for sleepovers, unexpected guests, or just stretching out for a luxurious lounging experience.

Why You’ll Love This DIY Bean Bag Chair Project

Save Money: Store-bought bean bag chairs, especially the convertible kind, can be pricey. This DIY version will save you a bundle.
Customize It: Choose your favorite fabrics and colors to match your decor.
Upcycle Materials: Give new life to old sheets, blankets, or even fabric scraps.
Easy Sewing: The sewing involved is beginner-friendly, using mostly straight stitches.
Fun and Rewarding: There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands.

Gathering Your Bean Bag Materials

Here’s what you’ll need for this project. Don’t worry, you might be surprised at what you already have on hand!

For the Inner Cushion:

2 Full-Size Sheets (or equivalent fabric): Old sheets work great for this!
Bean Bag Filler: You’ll need enough to fill your desired bean bag size. 8 cubic feet is a good starting point for a large chair/small bed.

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For the Outer Cover:

2 Twin-Size Fleece Blankets (or equivalent fabric): Fleece adds softness and a cozy feel.
Durable Upholstery Fabric: This will be for the bottom of the bean bag cover, where it will see more wear and tear.
Zipper: Choose a heavy-duty zipper that’s at least 24 inches long (longer is better for easy removal of the inner cushion).
Basic Sewing Supplies: Sewing machine, thread, scissors, pins, measuring tape.

Pro-Tip: Before you buy anything new, raid your linen closet! You might be surprised at what you can repurpose for this project.

Let’s Get Sewing: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Create the Inner Cushion

Lay Out and Pin: Place your two full-size sheets on top of each other, right sides facing. Pin around the edges to hold them together.
Sew Three Sides: Sew along three sides of the sheets, using a straight stitch and a seam allowance of about 1/2 inch.
Leave an Opening: On the fourth side, leave an opening large enough to easily fill with bean bag filler.
Fill with Beans: Turn the sheet bag right side out. Carefully pour the bean bag filler into the opening. You can use a funnel to make this easier.
Sew the Opening Closed: Once filled, hand-stitch the opening closed.

Step 2: Cut and Sew the Bean Bag Cover

Now for the fun part – designing your bean bag cover! I recommend a teardrop shape for comfortable back support.

Cut Your Fabric: Follow a simple bean bag pattern, like the one I’ve used in my projects. You can find free patterns online or create your own! Remember, you’ll need to adjust measurements based on your desired bean bag size.
Sew the Triangles: Most teardrop patterns involve sewing together triangular pieces of fabric. Use a straight stitch and a 1/2 inch seam allowance.
Prepare the Bottom Square: Cut a square of durable upholstery fabric for the bottom of your bean bag. The sides of the square should match the short side of your sewn triangles.

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Step 3: Attach the Zipper and Finalize Your Bean Bag

Sew on the Bottom Square: Pin and sew one side of the square to the short side of one triangle, right sides facing.
Turn Right Side Out: Turn the whole bean bag cover right side out.
Attach the Zipper: Sew the zipper to the remaining three sides of the bottom square and the short sides of the three remaining triangles. This creates a large opening to insert and remove the inner cushion.

Robert Kline Art’s Finishing Touches

Double-Check Seams: Before filling, make sure all your seams are secure.
Test the Fit: Insert the inner bean bag cushion into the cover. Make any necessary adjustments to the fit.
Enjoy Your Creation! Find the perfect spot for your new bean bag chair and settle in for ultimate relaxation.

Share Your DIY Bean Bag Successes!

I can’t wait to see what you create! Share pictures of your finished bean bag chairs in the comments below. And don’t hesitate to ask any questions you might have. Happy crafting!