A yoga mat bag is an easier way to carry your yoga mat as it takes away the hassle of having to carry it around in its bulky state, or when it unfurls when you don’t want it to.
Yoga mat bags are specifically designed to carry and store your yoga mat. They come in different shapes and prints so they have fit, form and function all in one package.
If you need a yoga mat bag that’s just right for your needs, you can opt to buy one or make one right at home using some simple DIY steps.
We’ll show you how to make your own yoga mat bag using items you can find easily at home, where to buy yoga mat bags, and the best, trendy yoga mat bags available on the market right now.
How To Make A Yoga Mat Bag From Home?
If you want to make a yoga mat bag in a jiffy, and you’re both artistic or have a flair for sewing, there are so many fancy yoga mat bag patterns you can choose from. We’ll show you how to make one using items you can find in any home.
The steps that follow here will let you create a great yoga mat bag in no time, making good use of materials you otherwise wouldn’t find functional around the house.
For this guide, we’ll use the simplest and most available item around the home – an old pair of jeans.
Step 1: Gather supplies for the home-made yoga mat bag – old pair of jeans, upholstery thread, a needle, sewing pins, a pair of scissors, a yoga mat (the one you use), and a ribbon.
Step 2: Use your yoga mat to measure the length and use scissors to cut off one of the legs from the jeans
Step 3: From the remaining cloth, cut out a circle shape to be used as the bottom of the yoga bag (two inches larger than the opening of the bottom of the leg cutout) and sew it on
Step 4: Flip the leg cutout inside out, then use the sewing pins to pin the circular cutout to the bottom of the bag, and stitch it in place. Flip it out once you finish sewing.
Step 5: Sew a one-inch hem at the top that will hold the bag’s drawstring. Be sure to add two holes of similar size through which the drawstring will go
Step 6: Cut the ribbon to length, as this will be your bag’s drawstring, then thread it through one of the two holes, and do the same for the other side
Tug on the ribbon until it is the same size on both sides of the bag, then tie a knot to prevent it from slipping through the holes.
Step 7: Finally, add a strap using the remaining piece of ribbon and cut it to the bag’s length, then stitch in place. You can use any material or design for the strap.
Where to buy yoga mat bags?
Like most other products that help you keep fit and stay in great shape, yoga mat bags can be purchased online, or if you prefer, you can purchase from a yoga store or consult with your fitness or yoga instructor.
Among the online platforms you can find yoga mat bags in cute prints, shapes and designs include Amazon, eBay, Manduka, Yoga Outlet, Yoga Matters, and Everything Yoga, among many others.
5 Best Yoga Mat Bags To Buy
1. Fit Spirit Tree of Life Exercise Yoga Mat Bag
The bag is made of canvas, so it’s easy to clean and lasts a long time. It can hold standard-sized mats, and comes with two cargo pockets, which can hold small items including your phone and keys.
It is strong, roomy, and very affordable, though it may not hold thicker mats.
2. Yoga Sak
With multiple compartments, the bag can carry your towel, mat, an extra pair of shoes, and a yoga block, plus it has a water bottle holder, a space for your cards, like ID or membership card, and a little secret pocket to hide your valuables.
3. Yoga EVO Open end Yoga Mat Bag
As much as you want to practice yoga, there’s so much more you find yourself wanting to take along with you. This is why the Yoga EVO Open end yoga mat bag was designed.
This bag has a total of five pockets, three that are foam protected, one large clothing pocket, and a bottle holder.
But it can carry so much more including your phone, towels and yoga blocks.
The center of the bag can hold any size of yoga mats, plus it comes with Velcro straps to fasten it. For hygienic purposes, its ends are open to promote the flow of air and prevent funny odors and bacteria from forming in there.
An adjustable strap is also available so you can carry the bag however you want to.
4. MERU Yoga Sling Backpack
If you want a yoga mat bag to carry along with you as you travel, or go hiking, this is the best option for you.
The bag has a crossbody design and ample room inside to hold all your stuff, from towels, food, spare clothing and a laptop!
Included are side straps that will hold your mat, plus a nylon sleeve that’s waterproof so your mat is protected from the elements.
5. Peace Yoga Mat Bag
This cylinder-shaped bag, made of cotton, has two straps and Velcro closures so you can easily get your yoga mat in and out of the bag.
Other features include the zippered pockets found inside the bag in which you can store small items like your phone, keys and other things, plus it can hold yoga blocks, a set of clothing, and much more.
The bag has great reviews in terms of affordability, the elephant design and space inside.
Summary
Any devoted yogi will find that moving around with all their gear can get pretty exhausting.
Juggling items such as your yoga mat, accessories, and other small items such as your phone, keys, and even an umbrella when necessary, can make you tired even before you get to the yoga class.
But not anymore, because these yoga mat bags are designed to keep your supplies streamlined, while remaining functional.
Plus now you know how to make your own from the comfort of your home. So go ahead and make yours look stylish and have a blast doing what you love most.
Diana Paul is a certified nutritionist who writes for leading health blogs. She is a master herbalist, yoga teacher, forager, and wild-crafting writer She is focused on helping people transform life blocks to opportunities. Based in NYC, she often holds health seminars and lectures.