The best bean bag chair patterns contain full sized templates and photographed step by step instructions. Full sized templates eliminate the possibility for error that can occur when scaled panels must be increased or drawn by hand. Detailed photographs are valuable for explaining new or difficult terminology. They also show how the project should look during each phase of construction. Crafters should make sure the pattern they have selected will produce the size chair they desire before purchasing any project materials.
Creating a soft, plush chair at home can be a cost effective alternative to purchasing this piece of furniture in a store. This type of project requires an intermediate level of skill in sewing as well as a machine and some fabric working supplies. Bean bag chair patterns are available in fabric and craft stores and are generally sold separately from the materials required for the exterior lining and pellets which are used as filling. These patterns may also be found for free online.
Crafters may choose to sew bean bag chairs in any size for small children, teens, and adults. They can eliminate multiple pattern choices by determining what size finished product they wish. Small chairs typically require three yards (2.74 meters) of material to complete the exterior, while medium to large chairs require five yards (4.57 meters) or more. Some patterns may contain templates for multiple sizes by outlining additional panels inside of larger ones. Crafters can use tracing paper to make the appropriate panels, and use one pattern for many projects.
Bean bag chair patterns should contain a full sized set of templates which will be used in the construction of the chair. Most bean bag chairs are made of several panels that are gathered at the top and bottom and stitched along the sides. They come together similarly to the pieces of a peeled orange rind. Templates which are provided in a smaller scale than will be used in the project, or not at all and only described in dimensions, are difficult to use and often create a project which fails to sew together evenly in the end. Full sizes templates eliminate the potential for error that otherwise can occur.
Crafters who sew only occasionally should look for bean bag chair patterns with step by step instructions that have accompanying photographs. Pictures can often make clear instructions that are confusing and use terminology that may not be familiar to the reader. They also help the crafter identify where mistakes may be creeping into the project.