As you head back and forth to the gym, you want a lightweight bag to hold all your gear -- your water bottles, a change of clothes and showering supplies -- but you also want a bag that is easily washable. When you place sweaty items of clothing in a traditional nylon gym bag, it can be difficult to wash the smell out. When you make your own cloth gym bag, either by hand or with your sewing machine, you can toss everything into the wash at once.
Step 1
Cut two pieces of fabric that are 16 inches by 12 inches. If you'd like a pocket on the front of your bag for keys or your MP3 player, cut a smaller rectangle of fabric about 7 inches by 6.5 inches, or however large you'd like it.
Step 2
Stitch a 1-inch hem onto the pocket by folding the top of the rectangle. Create a 1/2- inch hem around the three remaining sides. Position the pocket anywhere you'd like on one of the large pieces of fabric, remembering that when they are sewn together, the bottom of the fabric will be rounded with your gym gear. Try and center the pocket. Stitch the pocket in place, leaving the top open. If you're inexperienced with a needle and thread, heat transfer tape can create a tight seal as well.
Step 3
Lay the two large pieces of fabric side-by-side, pattern facing downward, with the side edges touching. Stitch the sides together, leaving about 3 inches of fabric at the top. Fold down 1 inch of fabric at the top to create a casing around the top of the bag. Stitch closed.
Step 4
Thread a piece of cord through the casing -- this will be the drawstring to keep the bag closed. Fold the fabric together and stitch together the remaining side. Turn the finished bag right side out. Bring each side of the cord through the casing and down to each bottom of the corner. Stitch in place to create a backpack effect.
Tips and Warnings
- Choose fabric that can be easily laundered. You'll want to wash your bag frequently, since it won't wipe clean like traditional nylon bags.
Things You'll Need
- Fabric
- Measuring tape
- Fabric pen
- Pins
- Thread
- Needle
- Cord
- Sewing machine, optional
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