When I saw the Ikea KLEJS Rug for $2.99 I thought it would be an easy way to make a new shopping bag.
And…it was easy and I LOVE how it turned out!
How to Make the Bag
1) Fold the rug in half, wrong sides together, and stitch the side seams 1/2 inch from the edges.
2) Press the side seams open and flat.
3) Turn the bag inside out and flatten the corners. Draw a stitch line across the point so it is 6 inches wide. Match the 3 inch mark with the side seam to insure the corner is square. Be sure the seam allowance (now on the inside of the bag) is laying flat at the stitch line. Sew and repeat for the other side of the bag.
5) Turn the back right side out and hand press the inside corners to the bottom of the bag.
6) Press the sides and all four bottom edges of the bag to create crisp corners all around the bag. The bag will now stand on its own!
Add Handles
7) Cut two pieces of 1 inch wide cotton twill tape, 14 inches long.
8) Fold the raw edges under 1/2 inch on both ends and press flat. Then fold each end again 1 inch. Press the tape to hold the folds. The finished length will be 11 inches.
9) Locate the center top of one side of the bag and mark it with a straight pin. Center the handles on the bag spacing them 4 inches apart.
10) Pin in place and stitch the handle to the bag. Repeat this step for the second handle.
And just like that…you have a new shopping bag!
Alternative Bag Design with Folded Rim
This version of the bag is slightly shorter than the first style and has a stiffer rim.
To add a different design element to the bag, fold the top edge down about 1.5 inches. Press and pin it in place. Stitch across the folded edge just above the decorative stitching. Then sew the side seams and repeat the steps for the original bag.
After the bag is constructed, simply tuck the twill tape under the folded edge and stitch in place.
If you want your bags to be waterproof…simply cut a piece of plastic (a clear shower curtain would work) the same size as the rug and sew it into the bag using the same construction method!
I think these are well worth the effort! And a BARGIN at $2.99!