As I mentioned in previous posts, Pixie’s birthday is coming up… actually, this Friday. I wanted her gifts to have a rainbow theme. First, I made her a Rainbow Coiled Rag Bowl which I love. Next, I wanted to make her some beanbags. And NOT just any beanbags. I wanted lavender in the bags so the area would be filled with a lovely scent while she played. I finished them this morning. (Finally, I have the to beanbags to send the winners of our contest!)

I have this philosophy when I’m crafting, much like my cooking… never make as much as you need… always make more. I needed to make 4 sets of beanbags; one for Pixie, two for our giveaway winners, and of course, one for the little lady due the 25th of this month. I bought 6 fat quarters in rainbow colors. I could get 6 beanbags out of each quarter, so I made 6 sets. Only makes sense, right? I had to change the thread in the machine for each fabric, and since setting up any craft is half the battle, I figured I’d make all of them right now and put away the 2 extra sets for those times when I need a quick gift. 

So, whether you’ve been making toys for your children for years or if this is your first project, making beanbags is fast and easy! A great beginner project. This is also a great project for using up fabric scraps. 

Question… how do your children use beanbags? 

IMPORTANT: Beanbags contain beans which are a potential choke hazard. Check your beanbags often for any holes that could allow the beans to spill out.  

Materials:
fabric in assorted colors
matching thread
dried peas or beans
dried lavender flowers

Directions:
For each beanbag, cut two 5″ squares.

With right sides together, sew 3 sides of the square, pivoting at the corners, using 1/2″ seams. NOTE: Make sure to back stitch at the beginning and end of each seam. This will stop the seam from opening allowing beans to come out.

Clip the corners on a 45 degree angle being careful to not get too close to the sewn seam. This will help reduce the bulk in the corner.

Turn the beanbag right side out.

Turn the top edge down 1/2″ toward the inside of the beanbag. Iron the bag making sure the turned down seam lays flat.

Fill your bag with 1/2 cup of beans and 2 tablespoons of lavender.



Pin the bag shut.

Sew the seam shut by top stitching 1/8″ away from the edge. Make sure to back stitch the beginning and end of the seam. Clip the loose threads and you have a beanbag!


SUGGESTION: If you store the beanbags in an airtight container after play, the lavender scent will last longer. But not to worry when the scent fades, the beanbags will still be fun to play with!