How to Make a Yoga Mat Bag From an Old Pair of Jeans

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Updated November 20, 2019

You probably have an old pair of jeans that you've outgrown, or maybe it has rips or is just out of style. Don't throw them away: Repurpose your old jeans—and save money in the process—by making a yoga mat bag from them. The process requires just a few basic supplies and 15 minutes of your time.

If you're really artistic or you are a wiz as a seamstress, you can get fancy and use free yoga mat bag sewing patterns. But the steps that follow will allow you to create a perfectly serviceable yoga mat bag for just a few pennies (and your old pair of jeans, of course). Read on to find out how to make good use of those old jeans, and go to your next yoga class in style.

Gather Supplies

Home made yoga bag — Finished Yoga Bag. Erin Huffstetler

To turn your old jeans into a yoga mat bag, you'll need a few basic supplies that you likely have lying around your home. Gather together:

An old pair of jeans (men's or women's)
Ribbon
Sturdy thread (upholstery thread works well)
A needle or sewing machine
Sewing pins
Scissors
Your yoga mat (for measurements)

Cut the Leg Off the Jeans

Yoga mat and jean leg — Cut the fabric for the yoga bag from the leg of a pair of jeans. Erin Huffstetler

Measure the length of your yoga mat, and add 6 inches. Then cut off one of the legs of the jeans at the same length.

Cut a Circle for the Bottom of the Yoga Bag

Circle of denim — Cut a circle to serve as the bottom of the yoga bag. Erin Huffstetler

Cut a circle from the remaining leg to serve as the bottom of the yoga bag. It needs to be at least 2 inches bigger than the opening at the bottom of the leg all the way around.

Sew the Bottom Onto the Yoga Bag

the bottom of a homemade yoga bag — Sew the bottom onto the yoga bag. Erin Huffstetler

Flip the cut leg inside out, and pin the fabric circle to the bottom of the bag (with the good side facing in). Stitch it in place. Then, flip the bag right-side out when you're done.

Make a Hem for the Drawstring

Denim yoga bag hem — Make a hem for the drawstring at the top of the bag. Erin Huffstetler

Sew a 1-inch hem at the top of the bag to hold the drawstring. Include two holes for the drawstring to go through.

Thread the Drawstring Through the Top of the Bag

Thread the ribbon through the hem — Thread the ribbon through the drawstring at the top of the bag. Erin Huffstetler

Cut a length of ribbon to serve as the drawstring for your bag. Then, thread it through one of the drawstring holes, and work it around to the other side. Continue to tug on the ribbon until it is even on both sides. Finish by tying a knot at each end to prevent the ribbon from slipping back through the holes.

This step can be a bit frustrating. So, untwist a metal coat hanger, tie the ribbon around one end, and use it to guide the ribbon through.

Add a Strap to Your Yoga Mat Bag

Denim yoga bag strap — Add a strap to your yoga bag. Erin Huffstetler

Create a strap for your yoga mat bag by cutting a piece of ribbon to the length of the bag and stitching it in place, or if you prefer, create a denim strap by cutting three strips of fabric from the remaining leg, and braiding them together.