Easy DIY Tote from IKEA Rug – Sewing Tutorial

Turn an inexpensive IKEA rug into your favorite new tote with this fun DIY project!  This tote from an IKEA rug is eye-catching, sturdy, and easy to make.  Use my sewing tutorial to see how to make one for your own.

Sometimes a sewing idea just presents itself to you.  Like this small rug that I spied one day while walking through an IKEA store.  I loved the colors and the pattern but I didn’t need a rug.  But it would make an awesome oversized tote and it was just $4.99 so I grabbed it on up.

I took a couple of months to get around to actually sewing it up.  But once I started the actual making of it, it was a super quick and satisfying project.  And I am in love with my new sturdy tote from an IKEA rug!

I’ve got a tutorial showing how you can make one.

It’s a simple unlined bag.  But because you start with a rug, the edges are already finished .  (Except for a couple of short seams, which are easy enough to cover with twill tape.)   The corners are boxed to 5” so it’s a super roomy bag.

Look at how clean a finish the hemmed edges give you!

I used the TIPHEDE rug (see it here) but you can use any small rug of similar proportion and weight.  If you do buy a different rug for this project, just be careful to get one that your machine can sew through.  Be sure to get one WITHOUT a non slip backing.  Or any kind of backing, really.

You’ll need some nylon webbing for straps.  I was able to find it at my local craft store. You can also find a wide selection of nylon webbing on Etsy.

Finished dimensions are approximately 19” wide x 12” tall (excluding handles).

If you love a good oversized tote, be sure to also check out my plaid flannel fall tote bag and my origami tote made from tea towels sewing tutorials.

Supplies

TIPHEDE mat from IKEA, or other small canvas floor mat with similar dimensions.

If you’re using a different mat, look for one that has dimensions similar to the TIPHEDE (1’8” x 2’7”, and is made of a fabric that is not too thick for your machine and does not have a non-slip backing. 

2” wide nylon webbing  – 2 pieces, 27” long

Denim sewing machine needle

1” wide twill tape (or bias tape) – approximately 10  - 12”

Prep

Switch the needle on your sewing machine to the denim needle.  You will need the bigger needle to handle the thick fabric.

Sew the Bag Sides and Bottom

For the most part we’ll be keeping the hemmed edges of the mat.  That’s what makes it have a nice finish on the inside despite being unlined.  But, in order for the top 1" or so of the side seams to fit under the sewing machine needle, we’ll need to unpick some of that hem.

Use a seam ripper to unpick about a little over 1 1/2” at the start/finish of the hems on the 1’8” (shorter side) hems.  You’ll need to unpick just enough that you can unroll the hem flat so it fits under the machine needle.

Fold rug in half the short way. Starting at the bottom sew at sides with 5/8” seam allowance, or a seam allowance that is just past the finished edge if you’re using a rug other than the IKEA TILHEDE. 

The top of the seams is where those unpicked hems come in handy.  Instead of wrangling two thick hemmed edges under the needle, just unfold those hems so you’re only sewing through two layers of fabric.

Fold the top edges back like they were before you ripped out the hem.

Sew the hem back in place, stopping just before the fabric gets too thick to go through your machine. 

This leaves a small portion of the hem unsewn, but don’t worry.  That little bit won’t come unfolded. The seam allowances are shoved in there so tightly that they shouldn’t come out at all.  You could always put a little fabric glue if you wanted to be sure, but so far on my bag that unsewn portion of the hem has not budged.

Box the Corners

Box the corners to give it a 5” bottom.   If you haven’t boxed corners before, here’s a good tutorial showing how.

Wrap twill tape or bias tape over the raw edge and sew it in place.

Sew the Straps

With bag inside out and being careful not to twist the straps, pin strap ends just below the bottom of the hem and 5” from each side.  (There will be roughly 6” in the middle between the ends.)

Sew across the straps with ¼” seam allowance.

Now flip the strap pieces up so they are facing up and the raw edges of the strap are covered.  Sew in place using a box seam.

You bag is finished!  You just made an easy DIY tote from an IKEA rug!