Heavier Weight Vinyl and Fabric

We use automotive upholstery velvets, and thicker more durable vinyl that looks and feels like real leather. This is a commercial strength fabric that is many times stronger than the thin plastic-look vinyl found in the discount store, imported beanbags. The budget beanbags can split at the seams after only 2 weeks to 6 months.

Our heavier materials prevent ripping at the seams and withstand years of use. We insist, where possible, on 20 oz. vinyl, and 16 oz. cottons. This weight is based on an actual single square yard of the material measuring 36 inches by 36 inches. Don’t be misled by claims of heavy weight fabrics that are based on a much larger “running” yard of 36 inches by 54 inches These low-grade vinyls may also have a very thick vinyl face coating, but a thin knit backing Such construction does little to strengthen the vinyl. Knit backings give and flex, which pulls at the stitching and can actually contribute to the failure of the seams. Our backings are non-woven polyester, which strengthens the fabric without compromising the overall strength of the product.

Flat Felled Seams are Stronger and Last Longer

A Bean Bag City beanbag is put together with a genuine flat-felled seam with lockstitch sewing, like that of a household sewing machine. A flat-felled seam is the sturdy, hardwearing, long-lasting seam found on denim jeans and coveralls. All the raw edges that are prone to fraying are protected by a double fold that is interlocked and hidden away within the seam, not merely turned inside within the product. This interlocking of the fabric strengthens the seam because the tension is on the folds of the fabric instead of the thread.

Then our seams are secured with a lockstitch. This means the seam will not unravel if a single thread breaks. Each and every stitch has to be picked and cut to take apart a lockstitch seam. Our skilled seamstresses have to change bobbins every ten minutes to attain this level of craftsmanship.

Other beanbags utilize a simulated flat-felled seam that doesn’t actually secure four layers of fabric, doesn’t use the strength of the fabric, and uses a chain stitch that can easily unravel. The chain stitch was designed to move in the seams of double-knit clothing for comfort and a relaxed fit. It was never designed for unyielding fabric like vinyl, or for applications that demand durability like furniture. Every time you sit in a beanbag with a chain stitch, the thread moves through the needle holes and saws the material, like ripping the perforation on the top of a bag of dog food. A chain-stitched beanbag is almost guaranteed to wear poorly and rip along the seams. Our commitment to quality and exacting standards demands the time it takes to use the lock stitch, and enables us to achieve the high level of customer satisfaction that we’ve enjoyed for over 25 years!

Don’t Spill the Beans! Durable Zippers

Bean Bag City beanbags feature 2 hefty #5 boot zippers to keep the polystyrene bead insides…inside. Our double nylon zippers always zip smoothly and do not lose their teeth. Our unique end tab design makes them childproof. The zipper sliders are hidden deep beneath 2 end tabs, and cannot be opened by curious toddlers. When it's time to add filler, they can be opened easily by using a crochet hook or a bent paperclip to "fish" out the slider from under the tab. Other manufacturers use a weaker #3 or #4 zipper and use a clip or a fat staple to lock the zipper. The beanbag frequently gets torn in the process of removing the staple to add filler, and it’s nearly impossible to replace the staple or clip in order to keep the beanbag childproof. Other manufacturers may melt the end of the zipper to make it inoperable. This makes it impossible to refill the beanbag, and may also serve to keep you from seeing things the manufacturer may not want you to see (see below).

Distinctive Filling Material Beanbag chairs aren’t really filled with beans. The soft, cushiony feel comes from tiny polystyrene beads. We use 100% modified polystyrene beans in tiny irregular shapes in all our beanbag chairs. These tiny irregular shaped beans help our beanbag retain its shape when you get up from the chair. Round beans just roll to the bottom leaving the chair to look like a formless blob. Our irregular shaped beans help the chair retain its shape and provide a level of support not found in other beanbags. We have found, however, that there are beanbag manufacturers that actually do use recycled materials. Some of our customers have brought in beanbags they have purchased elsewhere, and we found them filled with porous, crumbly styrene chunks (up to the size of quarters and half dollars), foam rubber, ground up athletic shoes, scraps of fabric, shredded cardboard, and all manner of foreign bits and pieces. The hazards presented by this sort of fill are obvious, not to mention the lumpy, uncomfortable seating surface they give. We absolutely do not use this type of junk in our filler.

Because of our thicker leather like vinyl, and our true flat-felled seams, we offer a 1 Year Warranty on our beanbags. For a period of one year we will guarantee all seams and workmanship from defect. If at any time within that year a seam gives out or causes a leak from your beanbag, simply return it to us freight prepaid in the original packaging or packaging that affords the same level of protection, and we will repair free. Of course, this guarantee does not cover abuse or neglect, or any sort of cut or puncture of the fabric or vinyl. The polystyrene filling material has a natural tendency to compress under pressure, in the same way that Styrofoam does. While we do offer replacement filling material at a nominal charge, the guarantee also cannot cover this sort of normal compressing. Other conditions and restrictions apply.