How to Make Bean Bags

Most bags made from scratch are made out of duck canvas or a similar material. Choose the color of your choice and cut the fabric into (8) 7”x7” squares. I would recommend using bright colors that are easy to see while flying through the air. Of course they will get dirty over time, so I would recommend not using expensive custom designs if you plan on playing outdoors a lot.

The finished product will be 6”x6” once we fill the bags with corn. The bags should be filled so that they weigh nearly a pound each. This is about equivalent to two cups of corn. When you sew the squares together, make sure they are a bit over 6”x6” so they will be the correct size after you fill them. Sew all four sides of the bag except for a small section to fill the bags with feed corn. Make sure you use some heavy duty thread so they will last longer! Before you fill the bags with corn, turn them inside out so the seam is not on the outside of the bag.

When it comes to filling the bag, you can use a variety of products. Most people use feed corn or plastic pellets. The difference between these two is that the pellets are more resistant to rain in case they get wet. However, pellets weigh less than corn and will occupy more space when filling the bag up to one pound. Another difference is that corn will break down over time: the bags start out bulky and tend to bounce, but once they break in they will be “floppy” and land softly.

A funnel can be used to fill the bags if you left a small opening. Fill the bags so that each weighs about a pound. Note that it is important for all the bags to feel the same size and weight, which is the hardest part of the project. More detailed instructions will soon be posted on beabaginfo.com.

The Past, Present, and Future

Many say that the game originated somewhere in Ohio, where the majority of players seem to be. Others say Kentucky, the Oregon Trail, Ireland, whatever. There seems to be no proof that the game originated in any one location. As far as I am concerned, it doesn't really matter where the first game of cornhole was played. The only thing that matters is where the game is now, and where it will be in the future. the game is growing so fast, it is only a matter of time before it becomes an international sport.
I truly hope that this game gets big, REALLY BIG. I can see it growing into a professional sport similar to golf, bowling, or darts. I think it is more closely related to bowling than any other sport. So how do we develop this game into a professional sport? Well, the American Cornhole Organization (ACO) has already taken the first few steps of the process. They managed to draw in many of the best players in the country to compete against each other individually for exceptional amounts of money. It may take a few years, but I can definitely see the ACO becoming the overall governing body of the sport, just as the NFL is to football.
At the same time, we need people all over the country to become aware of the game to begin with. When more and more people play the game, there will be more fans to watch the best players in the world play. Just like any sport it is important to gather a fan base that will support the game of cornhole.