Ready for some backyard fun? Cornhole is a classic game enjoyed by people of all ages, from casual barbecues to competitive tournaments. But before you can start tossing those bean bags, you need the bean bags themselves! While you can certainly purchase them, crafting your own cornhole bean bags allows for customization, cost savings, and the satisfaction of a DIY project. Plus, homemade bags often hold up better than the store-bought variety.
Making your own cornhole bean bags isn't just about saving a few bucks. It's about tailoring them to your specific preferences. You can choose your favorite fabrics, colors, and even adjust the weight and fill to get the perfect feel for your throwing style. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to create professional-quality cornhole bean bags that will last for years to come. You'll be the envy of every tailgater and backyard party!
What kind of materials will I need, and how do I sew these things anyway?
What type of fabric works best for cornhole bags?
Duck cloth, specifically 10-12 ounce cotton duck, is widely considered the best fabric for cornhole bags. Its durability, tight weave, and slightly textured surface provide the ideal combination of grip, slide, and resilience needed for consistent gameplay and long-lasting bags.
Duck cloth's robust nature ensures the bags can withstand repeated tossing and impacts without tearing or fraying easily. The tight weave minimizes the leakage of the fill material, whether it's corn or resin pellets. While alternatives like canvas or denim might seem suitable, they often lack the specific texture and weight that makes duck cloth optimal. Canvas can be too smooth, leading to excessive sliding, while denim can be too heavy and less consistent in its surface texture. The slight texture of duck cloth provides a crucial balance. It allows the bags to grip the board just enough to prevent them from sliding off immediately, but still allows for controlled slides and strategic positioning. This makes it easier to "stick" bags on the board or nudge opponents' bags out of the way. Furthermore, cotton duck accepts dye well, allowing for a wide range of customization options to create visually appealing and personalized cornhole bags.How much corn should I use to fill each bag?
Each cornhole bean bag should be filled with approximately 15 to 16 ounces (about 425 to 454 grams) of whole kernel corn to achieve the regulation weight of 16 ounces (1 pound). This amount will provide the right balance of weight and give to allow for optimal play.
The exact volume of corn needed will depend slightly on the density of the corn you are using and the size of your fabric bag. It's best to fill the bag so that it feels full but still has a little give when squeezed. An overfilled bag will be too firm and won't slide properly on the board, while an underfilled bag won't have enough weight for accurate throws. Remember to leave enough room at the top of the bag to sew it closed securely. After filling each bag, you may want to weigh it on a kitchen scale to ensure it's as close to 16 ounces as possible for consistency. This will ensure fair play if you are playing in a sanctioned or competitive setting.What are the ideal dimensions for cornhole bean bags?
The ideal dimensions for a cornhole bean bag are 6 inches by 6 inches, and they should weigh between 15 and 16 ounces. These dimensions and weight are officially regulated by the American Cornhole Association (ACA) and most other cornhole leagues and tournaments.
While you might be tempted to deviate from these specifications when making your own bean bags, sticking to the official dimensions ensures fair play and a consistent experience. Bean bags that are too small or too light are more susceptible to wind and may not land predictably. Conversely, bean bags that are too large or too heavy can damage the cornhole board or provide an unfair advantage due to their increased stability. When making your own cornhole bean bags, accuracy is key. Cutting fabric precisely and weighing the filling carefully will help you achieve the optimal 6x6 inch size and 15-16 ounce weight. Using a kitchen scale is highly recommended for accurate measurements of the filler, whether it is corn, resin pellets, or another approved material. This level of precision will ensure your homemade bean bags perform as expected during gameplay.What stitch is most durable for securing the seams?
A lockstitch, specifically a short stitch length lockstitch reinforced with backstitching at the beginning and end of the seam, is generally considered the most durable for securing the seams of cornhole bean bags. This stitch offers a strong, tight hold that resists pulling and unraveling, essential for withstanding the repeated impact and stress that bean bags endure during gameplay.
The lockstitch's strength comes from the way it interlocks the top and bobbin threads within the fabric, creating a secure connection. Using a shorter stitch length (around 8-10 stitches per inch) further enhances the seam's durability by distributing the stress across more stitches. Backstitching, which involves sewing backward over a short section of the seam at the start and finish, locks the threads in place, preventing the seam from unraveling even if a thread breaks. While other stitches, like the overlock stitch (serger), can finish raw edges and provide a neat appearance, they are not as inherently strong as a well-executed lockstitch for the primary seam construction. For added reinforcement, consider using a heavy-duty thread, such as upholstery thread or a bonded nylon thread, specifically designed for high-stress applications. These threads are thicker and more resistant to abrasion and breakage, ensuring your bean bags can withstand countless games. Pre-washing the fabric before sewing can also help to minimize shrinkage later on, which could potentially weaken the seams.How do I properly weigh the bags to ensure consistency?
To properly weigh cornhole bean bags and ensure consistency, you'll need a digital scale that measures in small increments (like 0.1 ounces or 1 gram) and is accurate. Weigh each bag individually after filling and sewing, then carefully add or remove fill to meet the target weight. Aim for each bag to be within 0.1 ounces of the official weight of 16 ounces (1 pound) to meet tournament standards, or your own defined target if for casual play.
Consistency in weight is crucial for fair gameplay. Even a small difference in weight between bags can noticeably affect their flight and landing characteristics. Therefore, investing in a good quality digital scale is a worthwhile expense. Make sure the scale is placed on a level, stable surface during use to ensure accurate readings. Before weighing, calibrate the scale according to the manufacturer's instructions; this often involves using a known weight to verify the scale's accuracy. When adjusting the fill, use a small scoop or measuring spoon to add or remove filling incrementally. After each adjustment, reseal the bag (if you haven't finished sewing) or knead the bag gently to evenly distribute the fill before re-weighing. This ensures that you're getting a representative weight reading and avoiding localized pockets of excess or deficiency. A small funnel can also be useful when adding fill to avoid spillage. Consider keeping a small container of the fill material nearby for convenient adjustments. This careful process will help guarantee your bean bags perform comparably during play, offering a more enjoyable experience for everyone.Can I use alternative fillings besides corn?
Yes, you can absolutely use alternative fillings besides corn for your cornhole bean bags. While whole kernel corn is the traditional and most common choice, options like dried beans, plastic resin pellets, and sand are all viable alternatives, each offering different advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, weight, durability, and playability.
Using dried beans, such as kidney beans or pinto beans, can be a slightly more expensive alternative to corn, but they offer a similar weight and feel. However, beans are also susceptible to moisture damage and insect infestation like corn. Plastic resin pellets are a waterproof and insect-proof option, making them a durable choice for outdoor use in various weather conditions. They are generally lighter than corn or beans, which can affect the bag's feel and how it plays. Sand provides a very heavy feel, which some players prefer for its stability in windy conditions. However, sand can leak out of the bags more easily if the seams are not perfectly sealed. When choosing an alternative filling, consider your budget, the climate you'll be playing in, and your personal preference for bag weight and feel. Remember that the official weight of a cornhole bean bag is between 14 and 16 ounces, so be sure to weigh your filled bags to ensure they meet regulation standards if you plan to play in official tournaments.How do I prevent the corn from molding inside the bags?
The key to preventing mold in your cornhole bean bags is to ensure the corn is thoroughly dry before you seal the bags, store them in a dry environment, and avoid getting the bags wet. Mold thrives in moist conditions, so removing moisture is paramount.
Corn naturally contains moisture, and simply air-drying it might not be enough, especially in humid climates. Consider using a food dehydrator or spreading the corn in a thin layer on baking sheets and drying it in a low-temperature oven (around 170°F or 77°C) for several hours, stirring occasionally, until it's completely dry to the touch. After drying, let the corn cool completely before filling the bags. Even a little residual warmth can create condensation inside the bag, leading to mold growth. Proper storage is equally important. Keep the filled bean bags in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity. A sealed plastic container with desiccant packets can help absorb any stray moisture. Regularly check the bags for any signs of dampness or mold. If you notice any issues, discard the affected bags immediately to prevent the mold from spreading. Finally, and this sounds obvious, but avoid playing with the bags in wet conditions (rain, snow, or excessively damp grass).And there you have it! You're now armed with the knowledge to create your own cornhole bean bags. We hope this guide was helpful and inspires you to get crafty. Now grab your fabric, filling, and get sewing! Thanks for reading, and we hope you'll come back and visit us for more fun DIY projects soon. Happy tossing!