Free Yoga Mat Bag Pattern
Happy New Year! We are kicking off 2024 with another FREE pattern tutorial for you! Today I am going to show you how to make your very own carrying bag for a yoga mat! This free yoga mat bag pattern will create a case that will fit a standard rolled yoga mat and will have a finished base diameter of 6.75″, but you can easily scale it up or down if necessary to suit your needs.
To sew this yoga mat bag pattern, you will need to print one page on letter paper for the circular base piece. To make it super easy for you, I have included all other cutting dimensions right on the same page! You can print, cut out the base template, and see the rest of the cut dimensions there on the same page. Think you will want to make more than one? Print the page to keep, and trace the circle template onto tracing paper or parchment paper, so you can easily file the original paper with your patterns!
Let’s Sew!
Preparation
First, choose your fabric. You can cut the entire project out of a single yard of fabric. However, you can also mix and match your fabrics, modify the bag body with colorblocking, etc! If you want to keep it simple, a single yard of fabric is all you need. Use a mid to heavy weight woven fabric. I used canvas for mine. You will also need 30″ of cord, ribbon, etc., for the drawstring. I used twill tape for mine. The pattern instructs sewing buttonholes for the cord, but you can also use grommets if you prefer.
To cut your pieces, first print the pattern. You can save the image below, then print on 8.5″x11″ paper. The page includes 5cm and 1″ test squares so that you can be sure your pattern piece is accurate in size.
Cut: one circle using the template for your bag base, one bag body, one strap, and one piece of cord.
Sewing the Yoga Mat Bag
All seam allowance is 1/2″ (1.3cm) unless otherwise specified.
Constructing the Strap and Body
Fold one long edge of the strap wrong sides together 1/2″ (1.3cm) and press. Repeat with the other long edge. Fold the strap in half so that the two pressed sides meet, with the folded edges aligned. Pin/clip the two long sides together, and sew with a 1/8″ (3mm) seam allowance. Set aside.
Fold the bag body in half WRONG sides together, matching the two long edges. Sew with a 1/4″ (6mm) seam allowance. Trim half the seam allowance.
Turn the bag wrong side out. Press the seam you just sewed well. Sew again, with a 1/4″ (6mm) seam allowance to create a French seam.
Turn bag right side out. Center the strap over the bag body seam. Pin or clip one short edge of the strap to the top of the bag body. Sew.
Repeat to attach the other short end of the strap to the bottom of the bag body.
Adding the Base
Turn the bag body wrong side out. Mark even quarters on the bag bottom and bag base with pins or clips.
Pin/clip the base to the body matching quarter points.
Fill in the rest of the way with pins or clips. You will need to ease the base into place. Sew. Finish the seam allowance with a serger or zigzag stitch. Feeling fancy? Finish the seam with double fold bias tape as a binding!
Finishing the Bag
Turn right side out. Decide where on the bag top you want your draw string to come out. At this spot, measure 1 3/8″ (3.5cm) down from the top edge and draw a point. Draw a second point 1″ (2.5cm) to the side of the first point. Sew your buttonholes (or install grommets) on these two points. When deciding on buttonhole length, note that the points are centered on where the finished casing will be, and the finished casing will be 3/4″ (1.9cm) tall.
Fold the top edge of the bag wrong sides together 1/4″ (6mm) and press well. Fold an additional 3/4″ (1.9cm) and press again. Pin/clip. Edgestitch to secure. Sew back and forth several times as you go over the strap to make sure it is very strong.
Insert the drawstring into one hole using a safety pin or bodkin and feed it all the way around the casing.
Bring it out the other hole.
You are finished!
Now you have a beautiful handmade bag for carrying your yoga mat in!
I hope you enjoyed this free yoga mat bag pattern. If you sew one, we would love to see! Tag @booandlupatterns on Instagram, or join our Facebook group to show off your makes and get support with any questions you may have!