Duck cloth is a durable type of canvas that can withstand heavy wear, making it the ideal fabric for making cornhole bags. You can purchase duck cloth at your local fabric store or favorite online fabric retailer. Don’t substitute duck cloth for any other canvas or fabric material. If you need extra durable material, substitute 12 oz. duck cloth.

If you’re using a rotary cutter, make your cuts on a cutting mat so you don’t cause any damage to your work surface.

Each bag is made up of two 7x7 squares that are stitched together. Repeat this process 15 times. You should end up with 16 squares; 8 of one color/pattern and 8 of your second color/pattern. [3] X Research source You will have a bit of canvas left over.

A seam allowance is the distance between the fabric’s edge and where you will sew. [5] X Research source Having a seam allowance prevents fraying and will create a more durable bean bag. These guidelines are where you will sew the squares together to create a bag. If your canvas has two distinct sides to it, lay the squares together with the colored/patterned sides facing each other. You’ll flip the bag inside out after sewing it to reveal the patterned side.

Using pins to reinforce your guidelines will keep your canvas aligned as you sew, which will prevent any gaps or inconsistencies.

If you are using a sewing machine, use two needles and two bobbins to create a double stitch seam. [8] X Research source If you are sewing by hand, you will need a thicker needle for sewing on canvas. As you hand sew each seam, incorporate back stitches to add durability. [9] X Research source

If you’re using a sewing machine, you should have already created a double-stitched seam by using two bobbins and two needles.

Dry corn is a traditional filling for backyard cornhole that creates a “dusting” effect as the corn breaks down, which can help your bags slide across the boards. Since corn is a natural material, it can decay over time and may mold or attract pests if not stored properly. You can purchase dry corn at most feed stores or from online retailers. [14] X Research source Plastic pellets are a longer-lasting and more durable filling option than corn, but they tend to bounce off the boards and won’t have the sliding capacity that corn-filled bags acquire. [15] X Research source You can purchase plastic pellets at most craft stores or in the craft sections of big-box retailers.

Repeat the sewing and filling methods until you have a complete set of 8 bags; 4 of each color.