Sew Something New Friday - Cornhole Bags

Lately sewing something new has been far from my mind! But several orders filled later, I'm ready to work on something new again. Cornhole bags are not necessarily a brand new sewing adventure for me, but they are still pretty new.

It all started when my brother asked me to make cornhole bags for him. Now I admit I had no idea what "cornhole" even was....let alone cornhole bags! But he was sweet and sent me some directions to make them, and I took it from there to do my research on them. (By the way, when I started sewing, I had no idea any type of "research" would be required). I found out from various websites that cornhole is a game played much like a bean bag toss game but slightly more complicated (find actual description here). I also found from my research that "regulation" size bags are a certain size AND weight. From the ACA website ("American Cornhole Association"...no I'm not kidding) I learned that "finished bags should be a minimum of 6" X 6" square and weigh between 14 and 16 ounces". I also learned that they are commonly made with duck cloth. Duck Cloth is a super strong fabric that comes in a variety of colors. My brother chose Clemson colors (Orange and purple) since he's a Clemson fan (and he plays mostly while tailgating at Clemson games), and while I'm a gamecock fan I obliged because well he's my brother and I do love him more than football. :o)

Here are the bags all sewn into squares but not yet filled....

"Homemade" funnel....i.e. Card stock rolled and taped into a funnel shape.....AND one of the most important parts whole kernel corn feed!

Here's what I think is the funnest part...Weighing the bags!! 1 lb. (or 16 oz.) even for this one! Doesn't get more perfect than that. (In case you're interested I use a food scale to measure the bags. I bought this one inexpensively at Wal-mart I think...)

Double sewn around the inside and double sewn on the edges to make them more durable. The bags are thrown for the game and do have the potential to burst open! Double sewing helps to protect against that, but my brother threw the other ones for almost a year before they busted. And they don't last for life b/c the more they're thrown, the more the corn breaks down, and creates a "powder" that is evidently valuable when playing the game.

8 bags total for a set....4 of each color!
This is my favorite picture! Don't they look fun?
So that's it!

P.s. This entire post was written by a girl who has only "researched" cornhole and not officially played it, so I can't help you with tips for playing! LOL.

P.s.s. These would make a great gift for the "tailgater" in your life! My brother said people are always asking about his set! Now I can direct them to my site!!

What about you? Have you ever played cornhole?