Crafting Comfort: Crocheted Bean Bag Chairs For Relaxing Spaces

Bean bags are a versatile piece of furniture, perfect as an extra seat in your home, and can be easily moved around. They are also very comfortable and can be made at home. Crocheted bean bag chairs are a great DIY project, even for beginners, and can be made in various colours and sizes. You can make a crocheted bean bag chair by using a single crochet stitch, requiring knowledge of the chain stitch, slip stitch, and how to increase and decrease stitches.

Basic crochet stitches for beginners

Crocheting a bean bag chair is an easy project even for beginners. To get started, you'll need to master the following basic crochet stitches:

Chain Stitch

The chain stitch is one of the simplest and most fundamental crochet stitches. It serves as the starting point for almost all crochet patterns. To make a starting chain, also known as a foundation chain, you will:

• Make a slip knot and insert your hook.
• Yarn over and pull up a new loop.
• Repeat the process to create the desired number of chain stitches.

Single Crochet Stitch

The single crochet stitch is considered the most basic stitch in crocheting and is commonly used in various projects, including amigurumi (the Japanese art of crocheting small stuffed toys). To create a single crochet stitch:

• Insert your hook into the desired stitch.
• Yarn over and draw the yarn through the stitch, creating two loops on the hook.
• Yarn over again and draw the yarn through both loops on the hook.

Double Crochet Stitch

The double crochet stitch is a versatile stitch that combines well with other basic stitches. It is taller than the single crochet stitch. To form a double crochet stitch:

• Yarn over and insert your hook into the desired stitch.
• Yarn over and pull up a loop.
• Yarn over and pull through two loops on the hook.
• Yarn over again and pull through the remaining two loops on the hook.

Half-Double Crochet Stitch

The half-double crochet stitch is similar to the single crochet stitch but with an extra step, making it slightly taller. It is a helpful stitch when you want to crochet a project quickly. To create a half-double crochet stitch:

• Yarn over and insert your hook into the desired stitch.
• Yarn over and pull up a loop.
• Yarn over again and pull the yarn through all three loops on the hook.

Treble Crochet Stitch

The treble crochet stitch, also known as the triple crochet stitch, is the tallest of the basic stitches. It is ideal for creating looser and more breathable fabric, perfect for open, lacy shawls and light blankets. To form a treble crochet stitch:

• Yarn over twice and insert your hook into the desired stitch.
• Yarn over and pull up a loop.
• Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on the hook.
• Yarn over and pull through the next two loops.
• Yarn over again and pull through the remaining two loops.

Slip Stitch

The slip stitch is a useful and versatile technique that can be used for joining elements, adding flourishes, and creating textures. It is shorter than the single crochet stitch. To create a slip stitch:

• Insert your hook into the desired stitch.
• Yarn over and pull the yarn through the stitch and the loop on the hook.

With these basic stitches, you'll be well on your way to crocheting your own bean bag chair or any other project that catches your eye!

How to assemble the bean bag

To assemble the bean bag, you will need to crochet six squares using the single crochet stitch. This requires knowledge of the chain stitch, slip stitch, and single crochet stitch, as well as how to increase and decrease stitches.

Begin by placing a loop on your crochet hook and then chain four. Next, do a slip stitch into the first chain. Chain one to start the first round of crochet. Single crochet a total of 15 into the circle created by the slip stitch and join with a slip stitch into the chain one. You should have a total of 16 stitches, counting the beginning chain one.

Chain one and place two single crochet into each single crochet from the previous round. Slip stitch with chain one stitch. In the next round, place two single crochet into one stitch and then a single crochet into the next one. Repeat this until you reach the chain one stitch. Each round, you will be adding 16 stitches. Continue with rounds and increases until you reach the desired size of your bean bag chair.

Once your work measures 16 inches in height, begin to decrease the number of stitches each round by 16. Stuff the bean bag after a few decreasing rounds. Once it's stuffed, continue to decrease each round until you are left with a small opening. Sew the hole together using a yarn needle.

For weighting and comfort, consider placing pellets or beans at the very bottom of the chair and then stuffing with fiberfill or foam.

Filling options

EPS Beads

These are a traditional choice for bean bag fillers. EPS beads are lightweight, durable, and adapt well to the shape of your body. However, they may compress over time, requiring you to top them up.

Expanded Polypropylene (EPP)

Similar to EPS, but EPP is tougher and more resilient. It offers excellent durability while remaining lightweight. However, it is highly flammable, which is a significant drawback.

Micro-Beads

Micro-beads are extremely lightweight and can mould closely to the body, providing a form-fitting comfort. However, due to their small size, they can easily escape into waterways, making them an environmentally harmful option.

Natural Fillers

Natural fillers such as buckwheat or dried beans offer an eco-friendly alternative. However, they tend to be heavier and provide a different kind of firmness compared to other options.

Polyurethane Foam (Polyfoam)

Polyfoam is the top recommendation for fillers, especially if you prioritise eco-friendliness. It provides excellent support and comfort by moulding to your body shape. It is also durable, making it a good long-term choice.

Blankets and Yarn

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can use blankets or yarn to fill your bean bag chair. This is a great way to use up old blankets or leftover yarn from other projects.

Pellets or Beans with Fibre Fill or Foam

For the base of your chair, you can use pellets or beans to add weight and then stuff the rest with fibre fill or foam. This combination will help weigh down the bean bag and keep it comfortable.

Yarn and colour options

When it comes to yarn and colour options, there are a variety of ways to go about crafting your crocheted bean bag chair.

Firstly, you can opt for a single-coloured yarn, choosing a shade that complements your interior decor. This creates a cohesive and stylish look in your space. Alternatively, you can select multi-coloured yarn to craft a unique and vibrant bean bag chair. This option allows you to get creative and experiment with different colour combinations.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try using multiple strands of yarn held together to create a chunky, textured look. This technique was used in the "Free Crochet Bean Bag Pattern" by Make and Do Crew, where three strands of Lion Brand Pound of Love yarn were held together to achieve a richly textured appearance. This method adds a unique dimension to your bean bag chair and is perfect for those who want to explore more complex crochet techniques.

When selecting yarn, it's important to consider the weight and type of yarn suitable for your project. Worsted weight yarn is a popular choice for bean bag chairs, as it provides a good balance between durability and softness. You can also explore other options such as T-shirt yarn, which is known for its toughness and ability to withstand wear and tear.

In terms of colour options, the possibilities are endless. You can choose a solid colour that matches your existing decor or experiment with different colour combinations to create a unique look. If you're feeling particularly creative, you can even try your hand at colour blocking or ombre effects by using multiple colours in your crochet work.

Additionally, you can personalise your bean bag chair by embroidering designs or adding crocheted appliques after it is crocheted. This allows you to add extra flair and truly make it your own.

Crochet bean bag patterns

Crocheting a bean bag chair is an easy project even for beginners. With six skeins of yarn, you can create a unique and comfortable chair for your home. The following sections will provide an overview of the tools and steps required to crochet a bean bag chair, as well as some specific patterns you can follow.

Tools and Materials:

• Yarn – Each section will need around 142 yards. Specific yarn used is a 4ww yarn from Lion Brand Pound of Love. An approximate total of 580 yards of white and 570 yards of cherry were used.
• Hook – Size I or any hook that makes a 4-inch gauge using 14 single crochet stitches and 12 rows.
• Bean bag fillers or extra blankets as fillers – approximately 100 litres.

Basic Crocheting Techniques:

To crochet a bean bag chair, you will need to be familiar with the following basic techniques:

• Chain stitch – This is the foundation of your crochet project. It is done by putting the yarn over the hook and then using the hook to draw the yarn through the loop on the hook.
• Slip stitch – This is used to join rounds or to move your hook to a different position. It is done by placing the hook through the stitch and then putting the yarn over the hook before drawing the yarn through.
• Single crochet stitch – This is the most commonly used stitch in bean bag projects. It is done by inserting the hook into a stitch, yarn over the hook, drawing the yarn through the stitch, yarn over again, and then drawing through the loop on the hook.
• Half double crochet stitch
• Increase and decrease stitches – These are used to shape your project. To increase, you crochet two stitches into one stitch. To decrease, you insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over, pull through the stitch, and then insert the hook into the next stitch before pulling through all the loops on the hook.

Steps to Crochet a Basic Bean Bag Chair:

• Begin by placing a loop on your crochet hook and then chain four.
• Slip stitch into the first chain to form a circle.
• Chain one to start the first round of crochet.
• Single crochet a total of 15 into the circle created by the slip stitch. Join with a slip stitch into the chain one.
• Chain one and place two single crochet into each single crochet from the previous round.
• Slip stitch with chain one stitch.
• In the next round, place two single crochet into one stitch and then one single crochet into the next stitch. Repeat this pattern until you reach the chain one stitch. Each round, you are adding 16 stitches.
• Continue with rounds and increases until you reach the desired size of your bean bag chair.
• Once your work measures 16 inches in height, begin to decrease the number of stitches each round by 16.
• After a few decreasing rounds, stuff the beanbag. You can use pellets or beans at the very bottom to weigh it down, and then stuff with fiberfill or foam.
• Continue to decrease each round until you are left with a small opening. Sew the hole together.
• Argyle Bean Bag Crochet Pattern by Red Heart: This versatile pattern allows you to put your feet up and stitch in shades of your choice to reveal a popular argyle design. It can be made to match any décor and is perfect for any living area.
• Free Crochet Bean Bag Pattern by Make And Do Crew: This pattern is comprised of six simple squares and is stuffed with inexpensive household items to create a high-end looking piece of DIY furniture. It can be used as a seat, ottoman, or side table.
• Big Bean Bag Crochet Pattern by Annaboos House: This bean bag is simply crocheted in T-shirt yarn and makes a lovely statement piece for your home. It is tough enough to withstand family life and can be made in a colour of your choice.
• Crochet Bean Bag Chair Pattern by KT And The Squid: This pattern offers two size options (small and large) and two striping options. You can plan and use three colours that blend well together or use up all your worsted weight yarn for a funky colourful pouf. There are several stuffing options, including blankets, old bean bag chairs, or yarn.
• Peppermint Kiss Beanbag Crochet Pattern by Crafting Friends Design: This stylish and functional bean bag is designed by Kate W. of CraftingFriendsDesign. It has a closed-knit fabric and soft yet breathable texture, perfect for relaxation. You can customise the colours to match your living room or bedroom.

Frequently asked questions