Yoga Mat Bag: Lacy Net Crochet Pattern

Yoga mat bags are a great way to carry your mat to and from classes. They are the perfect solution to finding your flow, both in class and on your way there. If you're a crocheter and a yogi, a crocheted yoga mat bag is a must-have! These bags are sturdy, stylish, and functional, and can even double as stash busters. Plus, with a handmade bag, you get to show off your creativity. You can play around with colours and create a lacy holder so your mat can 'breathe'. You can even make a bag that doubles as a beach tote or a festival bag. There are plenty of free patterns available online to get you started on creating your own unique bag.

Drawstring cord doubles as a strap

The drawstring cord on this yoga mat bag is a clever design feature that serves a dual purpose. Not only does it function as a drawstring to securely close the bag and keep your yoga mat safely inside, but it also transforms into a strap, allowing you to carry the bag with ease. This innovative feature eliminates the need for separate straps, making it a convenient and functional choice for yogis on the go.

The drawstring cord is designed to be adjustable, ensuring a comfortable fit for people of varying heights and preferences. When fully open, the cord lies taut, and when pulled, it cinches the bag closed and automatically adjusts the strap length to your desired preference. This dynamic quality of the drawstring cord enhances the overall versatility and usability of the bag.

To create this dual-purpose drawstring cord, you will need to know how to make an I-cord. An I-cord is a simple technique that creates a narrow, tubular cord by knitting stitches onto a double-pointed needle. If you're more comfortable with a different technique, you can also use a foundation half double crochet for the strap.

Once you've created the I-cord, you'll want to feed it through the drawstring holes in the bag. Mark about 16" from the beginning of the cord and feed it through the holes as instructed in the pattern. Securely sew where marked to create a 16" drawstring loop, leaving you with about 20" of I-cord for the strap.

Check that the strap length works for you before securely sewing it to the top of the bag. You can adjust the length as needed to suit your personal preference. This customisability ensures that the bag will be comfortable to carry, no matter your height.

Cotton yarn is sturdy and durable

Cotton yarn is a fantastic choice for a sturdy and durable lacy yoga mat bag. Cotton yarn is strong and hard to break, making it a long-lasting fibre option. Cotton yarn is also an excellent choice for bags as it is washable and can be dried by machine over and over again. Cotton yarn is also a sustainable option for a crochet yoga mat bag.

Cotton yarn is also a great choice for a lacy yoga mat bag as the fibre gives you the option to produce a very tight fabric or work with a loose gauge to make it more open. The drawstring cord on a yoga mat bag can double as a strap, and cotton yarn is sturdy enough to withstand being used as both.

Cotton yarn is also a good choice for a crochet yoga mat bag as it is hypoallergenic and vegan, and it feels soft against the skin. Cotton is also cooler to the touch than wool, making it a good option for warmer months.

Cotton yarn is also a versatile option for crochet projects. You can choose from a wide selection of brands, fibre, weights, and colours. Cotton yarn is also suitable for knitting and crocheting items such as doilies, blankets, cushions, and other living accessories.

Crochet hooks come in various sizes

If you're looking to create a lacy yoga mat bag using a crochet pattern, you'll need to get your hands on some crochet hooks. These handy tools come in a variety of sizes, and choosing the right one for your project is essential. The size of a crochet hook corresponds to specific weights of yarn, and the good news is that crochet patterns usually list a suggested hook size. This helps you make the pattern as close to the original design as possible. Yarn labels also typically provide a hook size or range of sizes that are suitable.

It's worth noting that crochet hook sizes are not entirely standardised across the world. This is because crochet has evolved as a folk art, with different practices emerging over time and in different places. As a result, hook sizes have developed separately, too. Crochet hooks can be measured using letters (US) or metric units (UK), and most yarn labels will provide one or both types of measurements. However, there may be times when you need to convert the size yourself to ensure you're using the recommended hook.

Let's take a look at some common crochet hook sizes:

• Worsted Weight Yarn Hook: For beginners, this is a great place to start. An H-8 (US) or 5mm (UK) hook is commonly recommended for use with worsted weight yarn.
• Fingering Weight Yarn Hook: If you're feeling more confident, you can try working with fingering weight yarn. It's smaller than worsted weight yarn, and a D-3 (US) or 3.25mm (UK) hook is a good choice for this type of yarn.
• Jumbo Hooks: If you're feeling adventurous and want to work with jumbo yarn or roving yarn, strips of fabric, or rope, you'll need a jumbo hook. An S-35 (US) or 19mm (UK) hook will do the trick. These hooks are less common due to their large size, but they're perfect for bulky projects.
• Steel Crochet Hooks: These are the smallest hooks available and are used for fine thread crocheting, such as crochet lace or doilies. They are typically measured in a number system where the number increases as the hook size decreases. Steel hooks have sharp ends and often come with a protective cover to prevent any accidents.

When creating a lacy yoga mat bag, it's important to consider the type of yarn you'll be using and choose the appropriate hook size. Remember to refer to the crochet pattern or yarn label for guidance on the suggested hook size. Additionally, don't be afraid to experiment with different hook sizes to find the one that gives you the desired results.

Lacy patterns allow the mat to 'breathe'

Lacy patterns are a great choice for a yoga mat bag as they allow the mat to breathe. The open, mesh-like structure of lace means that air can circulate around the mat, keeping it fresh and dry. This is especially beneficial if you tend to do hot yoga or tend to sweat a lot during your practice, as it will help to prevent the build-up of moisture and odours.

Lacy patterns also offer a stylish and unique look for your yoga mat bag. The intricate patterns and textures of lace can be a beautiful way to showcase your creativity and add a touch of elegance to your yoga gear. With a handmade lacy yoga mat bag, you can stand out from the crowd and express your personal style.

In addition, lacy patterns can be a practical choice for a yoga mat bag. The openwork design of lace allows you to see the contents of your bag, making it easy to find what you're looking for. This can be especially useful if you tend to carry other items in your yoga mat bag, such as your phone, keys, wallet, or water bottle.

Furthermore, crocheted lace can be a durable and sturdy option for a yoga mat bag. The interlocking loops of crochet create a strong and flexible fabric that can withstand wear and tear. This means your lacy yoga mat bag will not only look beautiful but will also last for years to come.

The bag should fit a standard-sized yoga mat

To ensure your lacy yoga mat bag fits a standard-sized yoga mat, it's important to be aware of the standard dimensions of yoga mats. The standard size for a yoga mat is typically 68 inches in length and 24 inches in width, which accommodates most practitioners. However, taller individuals might require mats that are 72 inches or longer to comfortably stretch out during their practice. Therefore, when crafting your lacy yoga mat bag, it's advisable to aim for dimensions that can accommodate these standard yoga mat sizes.

The circumference and length of your bag are key considerations. A circumference of approximately 14 inches and a length of 25 inches should be suitable for standard-sized yoga mats. This allows for some extra space to ensure the bag isn't too tight and to facilitate easy insertion and removal of the mat.

When designing the bag, consider adding a drawstring cord or strap that doubles as a convenient carrying option. This feature not only secures the mat inside but also provides an easy way to transport your yoga gear. You may also want to incorporate a mesh or lace pattern for a stylish and breathable design.

Additionally, the type of yarn and stitch pattern you choose can impact the bag's overall dimensions and stretchiness. Cotton yarn is a popular choice for its durability and style. The Grid Stitch, for example, creates an attractive and functional bag. Remember to consider the specific yarn weight and hook size recommended in your chosen pattern to achieve the desired bag size.

By taking these factors into account, you can create a lacy yoga mat bag that not only showcases your creativity but also comfortably fits a standard-sized yoga mat, making it a practical and stylish accessory for any yogi.

Frequently asked questions