Ready to add a personal touch to your next backyard BBQ or tailgate party? Cornhole, or corn toss, is a classic game that's enjoyed by people of all ages. But why settle for generic, store-bought bags when you can easily craft your own, custom-designed sets? Making your own cornhole bags not only allows you to express your creativity but also ensures you have durable, quality bags that are perfectly weighted for optimal gameplay. Plus, it's a fun and rewarding project that you can tackle with friends and family!
Whether you're looking to match your team's colors, showcase your favorite patterns, or simply save some money, learning how to make your own cornhole bags is a valuable skill. With a few basic materials and some easy-to-follow instructions, you'll be tossing like a pro in no time. A well-made set of cornhole bags can last for years, providing endless hours of entertainment and friendly competition. So, ditch the generic bags and get ready to create your own unique set!
What materials do I need, and how do I sew these things anyway?
What's the best fabric to use for cornhole bags?
The best fabric for cornhole bags is durable duck cloth or canvas, ideally 10-12 oz weight. These materials offer the ideal balance of durability to withstand repeated impacts, a texture that allows for controlled sliding on the cornhole board, and affordability for making a set of bags.
While other fabrics like denim or twill *could* be used, duck cloth and canvas are preferred due to their tight weave and robust construction. A tighter weave is crucial; it prevents the fill material (usually whole kernel corn or resin pellets) from leaking out over time. Lighter weight fabrics will tear more easily, while heavier weight fabrics might be too stiff and not slide properly. The sweet spot is the 10-12 oz range. Furthermore, duck cloth and canvas accept dyes and printing well, making them ideal for customizing your cornhole bags with team logos, favorite colors, or fun designs. You can readily find these materials at most fabric stores, both online and in person, and they are available in a variety of colors. Pre-treating the fabric to prevent shrinkage before sewing is a good practice for best results in the long run.How much fill should I put in each cornhole bag?
Each cornhole bag should contain approximately 15 to 16 ounces (425 to 454 grams) of fill. This ensures the bags meet the official weight regulations and have the proper feel for gameplay.
While the precise amount can vary slightly depending on the type of fill used, aiming for this weight range is crucial for optimal performance and adherence to official cornhole rules. Underfilled bags may be too light and unpredictable, while overfilled bags can be too stiff and difficult to throw accurately. It is best to weigh each bag on a digital kitchen scale to ensure the most accurate and consistent results. The official weight of a finished cornhole bag, according to the American Cornhole Association (ACA), is 14 to 16 ounces. Therefore, stuffing the bag with 15 to 16 ounces before sewing it shut will account for any negligible weight loss during the sewing process. This ensures that your finished bags remain within the specified weight range.What stitch is strongest for closing cornhole bags?
A double-stitched seam with a heavy-duty thread is generally considered the strongest and most durable option for closing cornhole bags. This method provides two rows of stitching for added reinforcement, minimizing the risk of seam failure under the stress of repeated tossing and impact.
For optimal strength, select a high-quality, UV-resistant, and mildew-resistant thread, such as a bonded nylon or polyester thread, specifically designed for outdoor use. The thread's tensile strength plays a vital role in preventing breakage. Ensure your sewing machine needle is appropriate for both the fabric and the thread to avoid skipped stitches or damage to the material. Beyond the double stitch, consider using a serger to overlock the edges before sewing the final seam. This technique encapsulates the raw edges of the fabric, preventing fraying and further strengthening the seam. Ultimately, the combination of robust thread, double stitching, and serged edges provides the most secure and long-lasting closure for cornhole bags that can withstand regular use and potential rough handling.How precise do the bag dimensions need to be?
Bag dimensions for cornhole are quite precise; official regulations stipulate bags must be 6 inches by 6 inches. While a slight variance (e.g., within 1/4 inch) may be acceptable for casual play, adhering to the standard is crucial for fair competition and consistent gameplay.
For competitive cornhole, strict adherence to the 6-inch by 6-inch dimension is non-negotiable. These dimensions, along with the weight, are specifically designed to influence how the bag flies and lands on the board. Bags that are significantly larger or smaller could provide an unfair advantage or disadvantage, altering the trajectory and scoring probabilities. Amateur or professional tournaments often use bag certification processes to ensure every participant follows the rules, with some variance in size being tolerated if clearly stated. If you're crafting bags for recreational use with friends and family, a little leeway is permissible. However, even then, consistency across all your bags is key to fairness and enjoyment. Aim for the 6x6 inch target, and ensure that all bags in your set are as close to identical as possible. Inconsistent sizes can lead to frustration as players adjust to different bag weights and flight characteristics. Even if the bags do not conform to official size, ensure they are all the same.Is it better to use corn or resin pellets as fill?
While traditional corn-filled bags offer a classic feel and a biodegradable option, resin pellets are generally superior for cornhole bags due to their increased durability, weather resistance, and consistency in weight and size over time. Corn is susceptible to mold, pests, and breakdown, making resin a longer-lasting and more reliable choice for optimal gameplay.
Corn-filled bags, while time-honored, present several disadvantages. The organic nature of corn kernels makes them vulnerable to moisture, leading to mold and mildew growth, especially if the bags are stored improperly or used in damp conditions. This can result in unpleasant odors, discoloration, and ultimately, the deterioration of the fill. Furthermore, corn can attract pests like rodents and insects, potentially damaging the bags and creating unsanitary conditions. Over time, the kernels themselves can break down into dust, affecting the bag's weight and feel, and requiring replacement more frequently. Resin pellets, on the other hand, are synthetic and therefore inert, meaning they resist moisture absorption, mold growth, and pest infestation. They maintain a consistent weight and shape throughout their lifespan, providing a more predictable and accurate throw. While resin isn't biodegradable like corn, its superior durability means you'll be replacing your bags far less often, potentially offsetting some environmental concerns. High-quality resin pellets are also designed to be smooth and uniform, contributing to a consistent and professional playing experience. For longevity and consistent performance, resin pellets are the preferred choice.How can I waterproof your cornhole bags?
While achieving complete waterproofing for cornhole bags isn't feasible without significantly altering their playability, you can greatly enhance their water resistance. The best approach is to use water-resistant fabric like duck cloth or canvas treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish. You can also apply a fabric waterproofing spray after construction, focusing on seams, and store your bags in a dry place when not in use.
Choosing the right materials at the outset is crucial. Duck cloth or canvas, particularly those pre-treated with a DWR finish, provide a good starting point. These fabrics are naturally more water-resistant than standard cotton. Remember, even with DWR treatment, these fabrics will eventually become saturated with prolonged exposure to water. Consider the trade-off between water resistance and breathability; a completely waterproof bag made of a non-breathable material could trap moisture inside, potentially leading to mold or mildew. After constructing your bags, apply a fabric waterproofing spray according to the product's instructions. Be sure to do this in a well-ventilated area. Pay special attention to the seams, as these are the most vulnerable points for water to penetrate. Reapply the spray periodically, especially after heavy use or cleaning. Finally, proper storage is essential. Keep your cornhole bags in a dry location, such as a storage container or shed, when they are not being used. This will significantly extend their lifespan and protect them from the elements.What's the easiest way to weigh the bags accurately?
The easiest way to accurately weigh cornhole bags is to use a digital kitchen scale. These scales are inexpensive, readily available, and often have a tare function, which allows you to zero out the weight of any container you're using to hold the fill material, ensuring you're only measuring the weight of the corn or resin pellets themselves.
To ensure accuracy, calibrate your digital scale if possible, or test it with a known weight (like a bag of sugar with a clearly printed weight) before you begin. Place a small container on the scale, tare it to zero, and then gradually add your chosen fill material (corn or resin pellets) until you reach the desired weight specified by your cornhole organization's rules (typically 16 ounces or 1 pound). Weigh each bag individually to guarantee uniformity across your set. For extremely precise weighing, work in a draft-free area to prevent fluctuations on the scale, and double-check the weight of each bag after sewing to account for any slight loss or gain of material during the sewing process. Consistent weight is crucial for fair gameplay, so taking the time to weigh accurately will pay off in the long run.And that's all there is to it! You're now equipped to create your own cornhole bags and get the game started. Thanks so much for following along, and we hope you have tons of fun tossing! Be sure to check back soon for more fun DIY projects and game ideas.