How-To: Sew a Yoga Mat Strap

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I was looking for a cute yet simple way to carry my yoga mat to class, but didn't feel like making (or buying) a new bag. So I used some cute ladybug-printed canvas from Superbuzzy and my sewing machine to whip up an easy-to-make strap that works perfectly for carrying a rolled-up mat without any extra bulk. They're so quick to make that you could easily sew one for everyone in your class … or at least your instructor.

Materials:

1/4 yard cotton fabric (canvas or denim work great)

1/4 yard fusible interfacing

Thread in the color of your choice

Wooden dowel


Note: All seam allowances are 1/4" unless otherwise specified.


Sew Your Yoga Mat Strap

Step 1. Cut 2 strips each from the fabric and the fusible interfacing, measuring 3 1/2"×29". Iron the fusible interfacing strips to the wrong side of the fabric strips according to the manufacturer's instructions.

strap1.jpg

Step 2. Pin 2 short sides together and sew to form one long strip. Press the seam open.

Step 3. Fold the strip in half lengthwise and pin. Starting at one short end, sew along all open edges of the strip, leaving a 10"–12" opening in the middle of the longest open edge. (Be sure not to sew along the folded edge.)

Step 4. Remove the pins and turn the strip right side out. You can do this by using a turning tool or wooden dowel to gently push the ends.

strap2.jpg

Step 5. Fold the open edge in on itself 1/4" to hide the raw edges and press the entire strap flat. Pin the open edge closed.

Step 6. Topstitch around all edges of the strap, sewing 1/8" in from the edge. (This time you want to sew around the folded edge too.)

Step 7. Fold the center 32"–33" of the strap in half lengthwise and pin. Sew this section together, leaving the ends flat.

strap3.jpg

Step 8. Sew a buttonhole on each end of the strap, measuring about 2" in length. The buttonholes should start about 1 3/4" in from the end of the strap. (If your machine does not have an automatic or one-step buttonhole feature, you can do it the old-fashioned way, by hand.)

strap4.jpg

Step 9. Pull one end of the strap through the buttonhole on the opposite end to create a loop, then repeat on the other end of the strap. Insert your yoga mat into the loops and pull the strap to tighten. That's it!


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Comments

Newest comments listed first.

Posted by: Erica H on April 9, 2009 at 12:31 PM

I made one last night

This is a great pattern. I made a yoga mat strap last night and it's so cute :) thanks!

www.bisongirl.com


Posted by: Jenny Ryan on April 9, 2009 at 4:19 PM

OMG how cool! Take a pic if you can, we'd love to see it!

Thanks for the kind comments everyone! This was really fun to make.


Posted by: Natalie Zee Drieu on April 8, 2009 at 9:02 AM

You can be sure I'm going to sew this project for the yoga and baby classes I'm going to. I love the sweet fabric and that you don't have to stuff your mat into a bag. It's pointless when you just need to carry it around. Great idea!


Posted by: Emily on April 8, 2009 at 6:21 AM

perfect!

I can't wait to make this strap. I'd been thinking about making something for mat forever and then it got pushed to the low end of my priorities. This looks quick and just right. Thanks!


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