You just got a fresh set of cornhole bags, and they're looking crisp, but right now they feel like bricks. Nobody wants to throw a stiff bag that bounces off the board or refuses to slide. Breaking them in properly is the key to transforming your bags from awkward to awesome. Don’t worry; this doesn’t mean days of frustration—you can speed up the process of breaking in your new cornhole bag while having a little fun along the way!

Toss Them Around—A Lot

The simplest and most natural way to break in your cornhole bags is actually to use them. Just play as much as you can! The more you practice tossing, the more the fabric and filling will loosen up, becoming smoother and more flexible over time. Beyond just breaking them in, this is a great way to improve your skills and challenge your friends to a few games. It’s both fun and functional—a win-win!

Flatten Them Out

When you’re not playing, don’t just toss your bags into a pile. Lay them flat on a surface and press them down gently with your hands. Doing this regularly helps compress the filling and soften up the fabric evenly. Over time, this method works wonders for loosening up stiff bags. Think of it as a low-maintenance way to help your bags break in while you’re off the boards.

Give Them a Good Wash

Factory-fresh bags often come with a bit of stiffness from the manufacturing process, but a good wash can do the trick. Place your bags in a pillowcase or laundry bag, tie it shut to keep them secure, and toss them in the washing machine. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild soap or detergent.

This gentle wash will soften the material and remove any residue that might make the bags slick or stiff. Make sure they get a thorough rinse to avoid soap buildup, which could affect gameplay later.

Air Dry With Weight

After washing, avoid tossing your bags into a dryer right away. Lay them flat on a clean surface and place something heavy, such as a thick book or a small weight, on top. Doing this will press the bags down as they dry, keeping them from puffing up and helping to achieve that nice broken-in feel. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in the texture and performance of your bags.

Try the Dryer (With Care)

If you’re short on time or you want to accelerate the process, you can use your dryer—just proceed with caution. Set it to a low heat or air fluff setting and run it for about 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Keep an eye on the bags to make sure they don’t overheat. No one wants a melted cornhole bag! This method can help soften the fabric and loosen the filling, but it’s best to combine it with other techniques for the best results.

Give Them Some Elbow Grease

Sometimes, your hands are your best tools. Take your bags and massage them thoroughly. Squeeze, knead, and roll the bags between your palms, almost like you’re working with dough. This hands-on approach helps break up any clumps in the fill and softens the fabric, giving you greater control over how your bags break in. It may take a little time, but it’s a highly effective method.

Sand It Down

For bags that feel slick or have a shiny coating, try lightly sanding them with a fine-grit sandpaper. Some light sanding removes the smooth finish while also adding a bit of texture, giving your bags more grip for better control during gameplay. Be gentle and take your time. This isn’t about drastically altering the bag, just giving it a little help to wear in faster.

Play in Pairs

Breaking in new bags doesn’t mean you have to suffer through stiff ones for an entire game. Bring along a set of already broken-in bags and alternate throws. Use the new ones for some rounds and switch back to your old ones to keep your gameplay smooth. This strategy allows the new bags to loosen up gradually without disrupting your style or performance too much.

Slam the Boards

If you really want to mimic in-game wear and tear, grab your bags and give them a good slam against the cornhole board—over and over. The repeated impact simulates the kind of use they’ll experience during actual games, helping to break down stiff areas and soften the fabric. It’s a quick and effective way to speed up the process, and it can also be a stress reliever!

Go Old School With a Rolling Pin

If you’re impatient to get that perfectly broken-in feel, grab a rolling pin and go to work. Place your bags on a flat surface and roll them out like cookie dough, applying even pressure across the entire surface. Focus on any particularly stubborn spots that feel extra stiff. It’s oddly satisfying and surprisingly effective at breaking in tough bags.

Weighted Press

Another low-effort method is to place your bags under a heavy object, such as a stack of books or small weights, overnight. Just make sure to protect your table or floor with a soft cloth underneath to avoid any damage. The consistent pressure helps compress the fill and loosen the fabric without requiring much effort on your part.

Get Them Dirty (Yes, Really)

Sometimes, a little outdoor play is the best solution. Toss your bags in the yard on grass or dirt a few times. The natural debris and texture of outdoor surfaces can help soften the material and break them in faster. Just be ready to clean them afterward—nobody wants a dirty set of bags for game night!

Use a Tumbler Set

Here’s a creative hack: place your bags in a large plastic tumbler along with dry rice or unpopped popcorn kernels. Close the lid securely and shake it around. The abrasion from the kernels or rice will work the fabric and fill, softening the bags without causing damage. It’s a simple, mess-free trick for breaking in new bags.

Be Patient—Kind Of

Finally, remember that breaking in cornhole bags is a process, and sometimes the best thing you can do is simply use them regularly. Over time, with normal play, your bags will naturally soften and become more flexible.

Breaking in your cornhole bags may take a little effort, but it doesn’t have to be a grind. Whether you’re tossing them, massaging them, or getting creative with rolling pins, each tip brings you closer to having bags that feel perfect in your hands. With just a little bit of work and a whole lot of fun, your bags will be soft, flexible, and ready to slide into victory on your top-notch Miller Lite cornhole board from us at Slick Woody’s. Grab your boards, round up some friends, and get playing!