If you're attending yoga classes regularly, it's a good idea to bring your own yoga mat. Communal yoga mats are often a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause skin infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm, reports the New York Times. To keep your mat clean, Yoga Journal recommends washing it after each use with an antibacterial spray, a mixture of vinegar and water, or just soap and water. Wash your mat bag regularly as well. Use a yoga mat bag made out of durable material that will stand up to repeated washings. For a unique and personalized yoga mat bag, consider making your own. Making a yoga mat bag is a simple and easy project, even if you don't have a lot of sewing experience.
Measure and cut fabric
Step 1
Loosely roll your yoga mat and measure the circumference and length.
Step 2
Cut a rectangle from your fabric. Add 6 inches to the length of your mat and 3 inches to the circumference to determine your measurements.
Step 3
Cut a circle for the bottom of the bag. The circumference should be the circumference of your mat plus 2 inches.
Step 4
Cut a strap that is the same length as your bag. You can use cording, wide ribbon, the same fabric as your bag or a different fabric for contrast. If you use fabric, cut a strip 4 inches wide.
Sew the bag
Step 1
If you are making a fabric strap, fold the fabric in half lengthwise and sew the sides together to form a tube. Turn it right side out and topstitch for reinforcement.
Step 2
Sew the casing for your drawstring. Turn the top edge of your bag fabric down 1 inch on the wrong side of the fabric and stitch 5/8-inch from the fold.
Step 3
Measure 4 inches down on one side of your bag fabric. Pin one end of the strap to the right side of the fabric at this point. Fold the rectangle in half, right sides together, and stitch the sides together. The strap will be inside the bag. Leave the ends of the casing open.
Step 4
Pin the circle to the end of the tube, at the end opposite the casing. Pin the free end of the strap in between the circle and the bag fabric, along the seam line. Sew the circle to the bag fabric.
Step 5
Turn the bag right side out. Pin a large safety pin to the end of your ribbon or drawstring cord to make it easier to thread through the casing. Tie the ends of the cord, or run them through a cord stopper.
Tips and Warnings
- Homemade yoga mat bags make great gifts for your yoga-loving friends and family members. Try experimenting with adding pockets, personalized charms or other embellishments.
Things You'll Need
- 1 yard of fabric
- 1 yard of cord or wide ribbon for the strap
- 1/2 yard of drawstring cord or ribbon
- Cord stoppers (optional)
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