Sew a faux-suede beanbag: free sewing pattern

You will need

● 1.5m of 140cm-wide suedette fabric
● 1.5m of 140cm-wide cotton fabric for inner bag (you could use an old sheet for this)
● Matching thread
● 60cm zip
● Approx 3cu.ft. of polystyrene beads

To cut out

To make a paper pattern for bag base, draw a 62cm-diameter circle, cut it in half and add 2cm to the straight edges. Following cutting diagram, cut two base and two side pieces from both fabrics. (See template 1 below)

To make

1. To make outer bag, press under 2cm along straight edge of base pieces and insert zip.

2. Fold side pieces in half and cut away a 23cm x 23cm triangle as shown. Stitch 1cm away from cut edges to form a dart. Neaten seam allowances and press to one side. 

3. Pin and stitch two side pieces together at sides and top. Neaten seam allowances and press open. Pin and stitch side to base, matching sides and centres. Neaten seam allowances together.

4. Make inner bag in same way but omit zip. Instead, stitch two base pieces together, taking 2cm seam allowances, leaving a gap to insert filling. Press open. Turn right side out.

5. Make a paper funnel by rolling up a piece of stiff paper or thin card. Insert inside gap in inner bag and pour beads in. Sew up gap in stitching. Place inside outer bag. (See template 2 below)

Tip: Use a jug to scoop up the beads. Do not overfill the inner bag or you may not be able to put it in the outer cover.

Suedette, www.clothhouse.com. Polystyrene beads, www.johnlewis.com, www.hobbycraft.co.uk or online suppliers

Feature: Kirsty Robertson. Photo: Sussie Bell. Styling: Selina Lake. Illustrations: Terry Evans

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Template 1

Template 2