ikea rug tote bag

An Ikea rug tote? That’s right. It’s roomy, beautiful and durable. The best part, though, is that it’s quick and easy to make. I picked up these rugs from Ikea for only $3.99. The price has probably increased since I bought them, but I’ve seen similar small scatter rugs in lots of stores that would work just as well. 

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supplies needed:

• Signe rug from Ikea (22″ x 33″) or a similar one from another store
• 3/4″ wide leather strap, 50″ length
• waxed cotton jewelry cording
• needle with large eye
• rotary cutter for leather 
• leather punch

step 1 – sewing

Fold the rug in half, then stitch the two side seams. Stitch over the seams a second time to reinforce.

Next, with the bag inside out, open the seam and at each bottom corner, about 3″ down from the tip, make a horizontal stitch (as shown below.) Stitch over the seam a second time for reinforcement. Do this for each of the two corners.

When you turn the bag right side out, you will see that a “bottom” has formed. 

step 2 – handles

The leather straps I purchased from Amazon measure 3/4″ wide and 50″ long. By cutting the strap in half with a rotary cutter (for leather), you will have two straps, each measuring 25″. This is perfect for one bag. 

Next, using a leather punch, make two or three holes in both ends of each strap, about 1/2″ apart.

Using waxed cotton cording (used for jewelry making), stitch the handles onto the bag. You could also use embroidery thread, but I find the waxed cording to be very strong. I spaced the handles about 8″ apart.

step 3 – embellishments

Once you’ve finished sewing the bag, add a large monogram or other embellishments. I used my home embroidery machine for the monograms, and I added a sweet bead tassel. Be creative and add your own personal touches!

The biggest compliment is a little share – pin the photo below!