From rug to bag... In minutes!!!!

A few months ago, I was at Ikea when I came across these very inexpensive rugs... As I examined them, my wheels started turning and I thought they would make great beach or market bags! At the same time, a couple of ladies approached the bin and one of them said to the other ... " These would be very easy to turn into bags!" I smiled and thought to myself... "Kindred spirits do think alike...!!!"

As soon as I got home, I started sewing and, in just a few minutes, finished a sweet bag that can be used for a multitude of purposes... I love the top fringe.... My next one will get a fun stencil!!!

Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Here is how I made it:

remove the tag with a seam ripper

fold the rug so the fringed edges are together... 

sew along both sides...

because of the thickness, I like to use a walking foot... If you don't have one, just loosen up the top tension...

make sure to use a strong needle (I used a needle for Jeans, size 90) 

open up one of the corners so the recently sewn seam lays in the center...

measure about 3 1/2" from the top and mark a cutting line with a pencil, then cut along the line (place a couple of pins so both layers stay together...

sew along the cut edge with a 1/2' seam allowance (open the seam to avoid bulkness)

repeat for the other corner...

the body of your bag is done!! Now, the handles...

cut two pieces of jute webbing 30" long...

pin one end of the jute webbing about 2" from the fringe edge and about 3" to 5" away from the side seam (depends on the size of the rug, I found that these Ikea rugs vary in dimensions!). Make sure to leave about 6" between both sides of the handles, so you can fit the bag comfortably on your shoulder...

Sew along the edge of the jute, then fold up and sew another seam on top. This is so your raw edge can be concealed.

I like to add one last seam close to the fringe edge...

repeat the process for the other side....

Voila, your bag is ready!!! Wasn't that simple?