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This Yoga Mat Bag is both easy and fun to make! It may even motivate you to join a yoga class…at least that was my hope! I had so much fun customizing this fun yoga bag.
This post contains affiliate links. By making a purchase I will receive a small commission at no additional charge to you. Thank you for your support!
I’ve adapted this post from my original blog, Designers Sweet Spot. Enjoy!
It’s been a long week full of emotional struggles. Another one of our boys has gone off to college. I have taken some time to do some things for myself and also adjust to our new situation with just two boys left at home. Unfortunately, I have spent lots of time staring into space, wandering around looking for something to do. I even checked out a couple of yoga classes this week!
This is all new to me as I haven’t had time to exercise in years. With our quieter home, I’ve decided it’s now time to get into a new routine. One that includes a bit of time for myself.
On a whim, I decided to make this little carrying bag for my yoga mat. I figured I would be more likely to use a yoga mat bag that I created rather than a yoga mat carrier bag purchase at a store. (At least that’s the story I’m telling myself.) Although many gym bags at the store feature adjustable straps and a zip pocket, I decided to create a more simple tote bag style for myself. Doing so ensured that I could use materials and a fabric piece that I already own, making this an essentially free yoga mat bag.
1. First, remove selvages from pre-washed muslin. Trim to 24″ wide.
2. Lay the fabric out lengthwise for stenciling. You may want to press it before you begin if your piece of fabric is very wrinkled.
3. Stencil circular patterns on the middle section of the muslin while leaving 6-8″ of plain muslin on each side. (I also left 1″ un-stenciled space for seam allowance at top and bottom of the muslin.)
4. Let the fabric dry completely. I left mine for about two hours.
5. Once the muslin is fully dry, it’s finally time to sew the trim on. Using a single needle topstitch, stitch along both sides of the ribbon to hold it in place. (You can also use Stitch Witchery to fuse the ribbons in place if you don’t want to sew them.)
I used 3 rows of ribbon to designate the top edge of the bag as well as 2 rows at the bottom of the bag. The ribbons were spaced 1/2″ apart and then stitched evenly with the raw edges of the fabric, about 7″ from the edge for the first ribbon.
6. Sew 1/2″ side seam, and finished edges.
7. To make the casing for the drawstring closures at both the top and the bottom of the bag, turn over a 3/4″ seam allowance. Stitch close to the raw edge. Turn and stitch again while leaving 1″ opening in which to insert the drawstring.
8. Cut the drawstrings for each end. I used a 10″ string for the bottom of the bag as well as a 20″ one for the top. The drawstring will ensure that your yoga mat is secure.
9. Using a safety pin attached to the end of the string, feed the string through the casing. Tie the ends together, creating the lower end of the bag. Leave the ends loose at the top end of the bag which will create the opening.
10. Feed the ends of the drawstring through the toggle for the top of the bag. (You may even need to use a tweezer to pull them through the opening.) Seal the ends of the cording using either clear glue or by fusing them with a cigarette lighter.
11. Finally, attach the shoulder strap at both the top and bottom of the bag. Topstitch over the side seam and then back tack for reinforcement.
Your customized yoga mat bag is finally complete! You could also skip the first part of this project and select a fabric that has a print already on it. I enjoyed the added fun of creating my own print. (Now on to find a creative solution for transporting my yoga strap and water bottle!)
I’d love to see your finished yoga mat bag! Share it with all of us either in the comments of this post or in the Chambray Blues Facebook Group!
Still looking for even more sewing inspiration? Here are some other projects that you will also love:
Reversible DIY Ironing Board Cover
Make Your Own Terry Cloth Caftan
Simple Pillow Tutorial for the Beginner Sewer
Sew a Plus Size Wrap Top in 5 Easy Steps
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I recently made this DIY flannel apron using a men’s shirt I found at a thrift store. This easy upcycle project has quickly become a favorite of mine. I wear this apron daily!
This post contains affiliate links. By making a purchase I will receive a small commission at no additional charge to you. Thank you for your support!
I’ve adapted this post from my original blog, Designers Sweet Spot. Enjoy!
I love aprons. I always wear one when I am in the kitchen and I have found that they make great gifts! They are so handy and have saved many shirts from serious stains. However, I am not much for the lace and frills that you find on many aprons. Sometimes a girl feels more comfortable in flannel than lace, you know? Inspiration struck immediately when I spotted this Duluth Trading flannel shirt in the thrift store.
This men’s shirt was an XXL but I loved it and I knew I could find a way to refashion it. Duluth Trading makes a great quality product and I knew this piece had lots of life left in it. Because of this, I knew it was the perfect candidate for my next upcycling project. This DIY flannel apron was the result and I’ve worn it almost every day since.
I began by pinning a piece of bias tape to the shirt while it was on the dress form. I knew I wanted to remove the arms, shoulders and also the upper back of the shirt. Next, I pinned the tape on the shirt into the desired design, then removed the shirt to cut it.
When cutting a ready-made garment, it generally works best to match and pin seams together. Start by folding it in half matching side seams, neck, shoulder seams and also the hem. It is important to be precise in this step so that you end up with two exact copies of your design. Cut the shirt along with the bias tape, leaving 1/2″ seam allowance on all sides.
I also cut the shirt down the center of the back to make the sides of the apron.
Here is my first DIY flannel apron from a men’s shirt! I love it and I know I will be using this pattern again in the near future.
For the neck area, I left the collar intact and cut away the shoulders, upper back and back yoke. I removed the Duluth label at the back of the inside collar and stitched it onto one of the breast pockets. I love reusing “designer” labels as it makes a homemade item seem so authentic and genuine.
The raw edge of the shoulder and underarm areas were finished on the sewing machine with a 1/4″ rolled hem. The bottom hem of the original shirt was left intact.
I used the leftover sleeves (and upper back parts) of the shirt to cut 2 1/2″ strips for the waist ties. I got 4 or 5 long pieces from one sleeve which was enough to make the ties.
Sew the strips together into 2 long ties, mine measured 30″ which was long enough to have them cross in the back and tie in the front. Fold in half lengthwise with right sides together, sewing across one end to secure. Turn right side out and press. Attach to the back corner of each side of the apron. Double stitch for maximum strength.
The last step was to take a small dart over the bust on each side near the armhole area. My dart was about 1/2″ on the double at the widest point, then tapered down to nothing over a 3″ area towards the pocket. Even with the plaid design, you can barely tell it there. This little step makes up for the differences in male/female anatomy while also keeping the armhole area from being too baggy.
That’s it! An easy project you can finish in an afternoon while also refashioning an old men’s shirt!
Speaking of refashioning, this book has been on my wishlist for a while! I love upcycling as many of our old items as I can!
Looking for another upcycling project? Here are a few others you will also enjoy:
Thrifted Men’s Shirt Upcycle in 7 Steps
Old Tees to New Undies: Refashion Project
How to Make a Quilted Potholder From Scraps
Update Old Jeans to Fit Again: Easy Denim Hack
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