DIY Cornhole Bags: Make Your Own Custom Cornhole Bags

Cornhole is a popular game that brings family and friends together for hours of fun. While cornhole boards often get the spotlight, having high-quality cornhole bags is just as important to ensure the game is enjoyable and professional. This guide will show you how to make cornhole bags that are durable, regulation-compliant, and tailored to your personal style. With this easy-to-follow tutorial, even beginners can sew their very own cornhole bags and enhance their DIY cornhole experience.

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1. What Are Cornhole Bags Made Of?

Cornhole bags are traditionally made from duck cloth and filled with either real corn kernels or resin pellets. Duck cloth, a durable cotton fabric, provides the sturdy exterior necessary for the bags to withstand frequent use. Bags filled with corn give a classic feel but may degrade over time, while resin-filled bags offer longer-lasting durability.

The American Cornhole Association specifies that regulation cornhole bags should measure 6 inches square and weigh between 15 and 16 ounces. Whether you choose traditional corn-filled bags or opt for resin-filled ones, this guide will help you achieve the perfect balance for a great game of cornhole.

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2. What Materials Do You Need to Make Cornhole Bags?

To make cornhole bags, you’ll need the following materials and tools:

• Duck cloth or cotton duck fabric (available at most fabric stores)
• Filling material, such as whole corn or resin pellets
• Sewing machine with sturdy thread
• Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
• Funnel for filling the bags
• Ruler or measuring tape for accuracy
• Optional: Iron-on vinyl or fabric paint for customization

This project is a perfect DIY sewing project, even for beginners, as it requires just basic tools and skills.

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3. How to Choose the Right Duck Cloth and Filling

Duck Cloth

Duck cloth, also known as cotton duck, is the ideal material for cornhole bags because of its durability and strength. Look for fabric with a tight weave to prevent the filling from leaking out. If you want custom cornhole bags, choose fabric in your favorite colors or patterns.

Filling

For a more authentic feel, use real corn kernels. However, resin pellets are becoming more popular due to their durability and resistance to moisture. If you decide to use resin, opt for high-quality pellets that mimic the weight and feel of traditional corn-filled bags.

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4. Step 1: Cutting the Fabric Squares

Start by cutting your duck cloth into 12×12-inch fabric squares. You’ll need two squares per bag. Use a ruler or measuring tape to ensure precision, as uneven squares can result in uneven bags.

Cutting perfectly square pieces is crucial for sewing straight seams and achieving the desired finished size of 6 inches. For an entire set, you’ll need 8 squares per player set, which makes a total of 16 squares for a complete game.

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5. Step 2: Stitching the Edges

Preparing the Fabric

Place two squares right sides together, ensuring that the edges align perfectly. Pin them in place if needed.

Sewing

Using a sewing machine, sew around three edges of the squares with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. For added durability, use a double stitch or reinforce the seams by sewing a second line just inside the first. Be sure to leave one edge open for filling the bag.

This step creates the outer shell of the bag, setting the foundation for a sturdy cornhole bag.

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6. Step 3: Filling the Cornhole Bags

Once the three edges are sewn, it’s time to fill the bag. Use a funnel to pour your chosen filling into the bag. Traditional bags are filled with about 16 ounces of corn kernels, while resin-filled bags use an equivalent weight of pellets. Avoid overfilling to ensure the bag remains pliable and easy to throw.

Filling the bags properly ensures they’ll meet regulation standards and perform well during the game.

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7. Step 4: Closing the Bags Securely

To close the bags, fold the open edge inward by about 1/2 inch to create a clean seam. Pin the folded edge, and use your sewing machine to sew it shut. Make sure to use a strong stitch, such as a double or triple stitch, to prevent the filling from spilling out during play.

Take your time to sew this edge carefully—it’s crucial for the bag’s durability and longevity.

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8. How to Achieve a Professional Finish

For a professional look, consider using a serger sewing machine or zigzag stitch to prevent fraying along the seams. If you want to add a personal touch, you can decorate your bags with fabric paint, iron-on designs, or embroidery.

Well-finished bags not only look great but also hold up better over time, making them a worthy addition to your cornhole game setup.

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9. Tips for Making Custom Cornhole Bags

Choose Unique Colors or Patterns

Use duck cloth in colors that match your cornhole boards or represent your favorite sports team. This adds a personal touch and makes the game more exciting.

Add Vinyl Decals

For those who want a professional cornhole bag look, add custom vinyl decals or designs to the fabric before sewing. These can feature your initials, a logo, or even humorous graphics.

Mix and Match Fillings

Experiment with different fillings to find the feel you prefer. Resin-filled bags are ideal for damp climates, while corn-filled bags give a nostalgic touch.

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10. Why Homemade Cornhole Bags Are Worth It

Making your own DIY cornhole bags is not only cost-effective but also allows you to customize the bags to your liking. Unlike store-bought bags, which may not meet your expectations, DIY cornhole bags give you complete control over the materials, size, and weight.

Additionally, this DIY project is a fun activity to do with family or friends. Whether you’re making cornhole bags for casual backyard games or professional tournaments, the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands adds to the enjoyment of playing cornhole.

Q: What materials do I need to make my own cornhole bags?

A: To make DIY cornhole bags, you will need cotton duck fabric, filler (such as corn filling or resin), a sewing machine, scissors, and thread. You can also use a ruler and chalk for marking your fabric.

Q: How large should the finished cornhole bags be?

A: The official cornhole bags should measure 6 inches by 6 inches. When making your own cornhole bags, aim for these dimensions to ensure they meet the standards for the game of cornhole.

Q: What is the best filler to use for cornhole bags?

A: You can use either corn filling, which consists of dried corn kernels, or resin. Corn-filled bags are traditional and provide a nice weight, while resin-filled bags are more durable and resistant to moisture.

Q: How do I sew the corn hole bags together?

A: To sew the bags together, cut two squares of cotton duck fabric measuring 7 inches by 7 inches. Place them right sides together, sew around the edges with a 1-inch seam allowance, leaving a small opening to fill the bag. Once filled, sew the opening closed to complete the finished bag.

Q: How do I fill the bag inside with corn filling?

A: After sewing three sides of the fabric together, turn the bag right side out, then fill it with corn filling until it reaches your desired weight. Leave enough space to sew the opening closed securely.

Q: Can I use other fabrics to make DIY cornhole bags?

A: While cotton duck fabric is recommended for its durability, you can use other heavy fabrics as well. Just ensure they are sturdy enough to withstand outdoor conditions, especially if you plan to use them for yard games.

Q: How many bags do I need to make a complete set of cornhole bags?

A: A complete set of cornhole bags consists of 8 bags, typically 4 of one color and 4 of another color. This allows for two players or teams to compete in the game of cornhole.

Q: What is the easiest way to poke out the corners of the bags?

A: To poke out the corners after turning the bag right side out, use a chopstick or a similar tool. Gently push the fabric at the corners to create sharp edges without tearing the fabric.

Q: How can I ensure my cornhole bags are durable?

A: To ensure your bags are durable, use high-quality cotton duck fabric, double stitch the seams, and reinforce the edges. Additionally, consider using resin as a filler, as it is less prone to moisture damage compared to corn filling.