Craft Your Own Yoga Mat Bag

If you're a yoga enthusiast, you know the struggle of your yoga mat constantly unrolling or being a hassle to carry. A yoga mat bag is a great solution to keep your mat rolled up and secure. In this topic, we will explore how to knit or crochet your own yoga mat bag, which promises to be a fun and functional DIY project. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced crafter, creating a customised bag to carry your yoga mat in style is an exciting endeavour. So, get ready to roll out your mats and dive into the world of crafting with this unique project idea!

Choosing the right yarn

Yarn Material

The most commonly recommended material for yoga mat bags is cotton yarn. Cotton yarn is sturdy, durable, and has a vibrant look. It is also a sustainable option, making your project environmentally friendly. Cotton yarn is suitable for both knitting and crocheting a yoga mat bag.

You can also use acrylic yarn, as mentioned by a source. However, it may not be as sturdy as cotton and might stretch out over time.

Yarn Weight

When choosing yarn, consider selecting worsted weight yarn or cotton yarn. This type of yarn will provide the necessary thickness and durability for your yoga mat bag. It will ensure that your bag can withstand the weight of the yoga mat and any additional items you may carry.

Yarn Colour and Design

The colour and design of your yarn can make your yoga mat bag unique and stylish. You can opt for solid colours, such as the Creme Brulee colourway mentioned by a source, or go for something more vibrant, like an ombre or rainbow design. Using leftover yarn from other projects is also a great way to create a unique colour combination for your bag.

Additionally, you can add decorative elements like fringes and beads to the sides of your bag for a playful and boho vibe.

Yarn Amount

The amount of yarn you will need depends on the size of your yoga mat bag and the thickness of the yarn. For a standard-sized yoga mat bag, you will typically need around 275 yards of cotton yarn or 3 balls of premium yarn. However, it is always a good idea to have a little extra yarn on hand in case of mistakes or adjustments.

Creating a drawstring cord

To knit an i-cord with straight needles:

• Cast on 3, 4, or 5 stitches with a long-tail cast-on method.
• Slide the stitches back to the right end of your needle.
• Knit across one row with plain knit stitches.
• Instead of turning your project around, slide the stitches back to the right end of the needles.
• Keep the working yarn at the back and knit across all stitches, maintaining high tension for the first two stitches to close the gap at the back.
• Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you reach your desired length.

To knit an i-cord with dpns:

• Cast on 3, 4, or 5 stitches.
• Knit across the first row.
• Slip all stitches back to the left needle, one at a time, purlwise (point to point).
• Knit across.
• Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you reach your desired length.

Alternatively, you can crochet a drawstring cord. To do this, follow these steps:

• Tie the yarn in a loop around the crochet hook.
• Hold the yarn with your left hand.
• Pull the yarn through the loop using the crochet hook. You now have one stitch.
• Repeat step 3 until the cord is as long as you want it. Remember to keep the stitches loose so that you can easily pull the next one through.

Using a no-sew pattern

If you're looking for a no-sew project, there are several options for knitting or crocheting a yoga mat bag. Here's a step-by-step guide using a no-sew pattern:

Materials and Tools:

• Worsted weight yarn (cotton yarn is recommended for its sturdiness, but acrylic yarn can also be used)
• Small amount of yarn for the closing string on top (optional: use a contrasting colour for a stylish touch)
• 5.00 mm crochet hook

Abbreviations:

• St (sts) – stitch (stitches)
• Sl st – slip stitch
• Sc – single crochet
• Hdc – half double crochet
• Hdc inc – half double crochet increase
• Hdc dec – half double crochet decrease
• Dc – double crochet
• Blo – work in the back loop of the stitch
• () – the total number of stitches at the end of each round

Pattern Instructions:

• This pattern is worked in joined rounds, which means you will start each round with chaining and end each round with a slip stitch.
• Do NOT turn on any of the rounds of the main body of the bag.
• The chain at the beginning of each round does NOT count as a stitch unless otherwise stated.
• At the beginning of each round, crochet in the same stitch as your beginning chain unless the beginning chain is counted as a stitch that round.
• For a no-sew option: when creating the strap, pick up stitches from a round of the bag to join the strap without sewing. You can make the strap shorter or longer according to your preference.
• This pattern is designed to fit a standard-sized yoga mat, but you can adjust it by increasing or decreasing the first few rows or adding rows in the middle of the bag to accommodate larger mats.

Rounds:

• Rnd 1: In a magic circle, chain 2, and hdc 12 (12)
• Rnd 2: Ch 2, hdc inc in every st (24)
• Rnd 3: Ch 2 and hdc, hdc increase in the next st (36)
• Rnd 4: Ch 2 and hdc in the next 2 sts, hdc inc in the next st (48)
• Rnd 5: Ch 2 and hdc in the next 3 sts, hdc inc in the next st (60)
• Rnd 6: Ch 2 and hdc in the blo of every st (60)
• Rnd 7-10: Ch 2 and hdc in every st (60)
• Rnd 11-35: The beginning chain counts as a stitch for these rounds. Ch 5 and dc in the same st. Skip the next 2 sts and (dc, ch 2, dc) in the next st (Sl st into the first ch 2 space at the beginning of rnds 12-35 before you ch 5.) (20 ch 2 spaces)
• Rnd 36: The beginning chain counts as a stitch. Ch 2 and hdc 2 in the first ch 2 space. Hdc 1 between the next two dc’s and hdc 2 in the next ch 2 space (60)
• Rnd 37-40: Ch 2 and hdc in every st (60)
• Rnd 41: Hdc in the next 3 sts, hdc dec (48)
• Rnd 42: The beginning chain counts as a stitch. Ch 3, skip 1 st and hdc in the next st, ch 1 (24 ch spaces)
• Rnd 43: Sl st into the first ch space. Ch 3 and dc 4 in the ch space. Dc 5 in each ch space (120)
• Fasten off and weave in all ends

Optional Side Strap:

• Join your yarn to any stitch of round 39.
• For the first round and the last round, pick up stitches from the bag as you work to join the strap without sewing.
• Sc 6 (6)
• Ch 1 and turn, sc 6 (6) – repeat for 80 rounds
• Lay the bag flat and figure out where to join the strap to round 8, trying to keep the strap as straight as possible.
• Sc 6 sts as you pick them up from round 8.
• Fasten off and weave in all ends.

Drawstring:

• Chain 150 and fasten off.
• Optional: knot the ends of the string for a decorative touch.
• Weave the string through the holes of round 42 on the bag.
• Pull the string tight to close the bag.

Adding a shoulder strap

Materials

To add a shoulder strap, you will need the same yarn you used for the bag, a crochet hook, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends. You can use any type of yarn, but cotton yarn is a good choice as it is sturdy and durable. The amount of yarn needed will depend on how long you want your strap to be, but it is generally a good idea to have more than you think you will need.

Planning the Placement

Before you begin crocheting the strap, it is important to plan where you want it to be placed on the bag. You can place the strap at the centre of the bag, or slightly off to one side, depending on your preference. Mark the spots where you will attach the strap with stitch markers or safety pins.

Crocheting the Strap

Now it's time to crochet the strap! The length of the strap will depend on your preference, but it should be long enough to comfortably fit over your shoulder. A good way to determine the length is to measure a comfortable strap on a bag you already own.

To crochet the strap, start by chaining a foundation chain that is the desired length of the strap. Then, single crochet into the second chain from your hook and in each chain across. At the end of the row, chain one and turn your work. Single crochet into each stitch across and repeat this process until you have a strap that is the desired width. Fasten off and weave in the ends with your yarn needle.

Attaching the Strap

Once your strap is crocheted, it's time to attach it to the bag. Using your yarn needle, sew the ends of the strap securely to the marked spots on the bag. Make sure to sew back and forth a few times to ensure that the strap is securely attached. Weave in any remaining ends, and you're done!

Your crocheted yoga mat bag is now ready to be used and shown off at your next yoga class!

Making a bag with a button

If you're looking to knit or crochet a yoga mat bag with a button, there are a few things you'll need to consider. Firstly, let's look at the materials you will need:

Materials

• Worsted weight yarn (cotton yarn is sturdier, but you can also use acrylic yarn)
• Small amount of yarn for the closing string on top (you can choose any colour or type of yarn)
• 5.00 mm crochet hook
• Cotton yarn (Dishie is a good option) or G/4mm crochet hook for a crocheted I-cord strap

Steps to Make a Yoga Mat Bag with a Button

Now, let's go through the steps to make your yoga mat bag with a button closure:

Step 1: Choosing the Right Yarn

When making a yoga mat bag, it is important to consider the type of yarn you will be using. Cotton yarn is a popular choice for its sturdiness, but you can also use acrylic yarn if you prefer. The recommended yarn weight is worsted.

Step 2: Starting the Bag

To begin creating the bag, you can start with a magic circle and chain stitches. From there, you will work in rounds, increasing stitches as you go to form the bag's base. The number of rounds will depend on the size of your yoga mat.

Step 3: Creating the Bag Body

After the base, you will continue working in rounds to form the body of the bag. This section may include different stitch patterns, such as the Grid Stitch or a lace pattern. You will also need to leave an opening for the drawstring or strap.

Step 4: Adding the Strap

For the strap, you can either create an I-cord or use a foundation half double crochet. The I-cord is made by crocheting a long piece and feeding it through the drawstring holes. You can also add a buttonhole to the strap if desired. Alternatively, you can create a no-sew bag by joining the strap as you crochet, as seen in some patterns.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Finally, you will want to add a button to the bag. Consider the placement of the button and whether you will need to create a buttonhole through the layers of fabric. You may also choose to add a button loop made of fabric or elastic.

Step 6: Adjustments and Customization

Remember that you can adjust the pattern to fit your yoga mat by increasing or decreasing stitches or adding rows as needed. You can also customize your bag by changing the length of the strap or adding colours and textures to make it unique.

Frequently asked questions