Yoga Mat Bag

Yoga Mat Bag by Nancy Hand

What Is Being Made

This project creates a functional knitted bag designed to hold and transport rolled yoga mats. The bag is constructed as a cylindrical vessel with customizable dimensions to accommodate both single-thick and double-thick yoga mats. The design accounts for practical storage needs, with sizing options that provide adequate space for easy mat insertion and removal.

Sizing and Specifications

The bag dimensions are tailored to the thickness of the yoga mat being stored. For a double-thick mat (¼ inch), which rolls to approximately 5 inches in diameter, the recommended bag size is 6 inches in diameter and 25 inches in length. For a single-thick mat (⅛ inch), which rolls to about 4 inches in diameter, the bag should measure 5 inches in diameter and 25 inches in length. The pattern includes a built-in 1-inch allowance on both length and diameter to ensure the rolled mat fits comfortably into the bag without excessive compression.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level project employs circular knitting techniques to create the seamless cylindrical structure. The bag is worked in the round using double-pointed needles for the cast-on and initial rows, then transitioned to a circular needle for the body of the bag. This method eliminates the need for seaming and creates a smooth, continuous fabric.

The Kfb stitch (knit front and back) is a key technique used in this pattern. This stitch doubles the number of stitches by knitting into the front of a stitch and then, without removing the stitch from the left needle, knitting into the back of the same stitch. This increase stitch is used strategically to expand the fabric from the initial cast-on and create the cylindrical shape.

Stitches Used

• Cast-on: Initial cast-on of 6 stitches divided evenly across 3 double-pointed needles
• Knit stitch: Basic knit stitch worked in the round to create the body of the bag
• Kfb (knit front and back): Increase stitch used to double stitches, creating expansion in the fabric diameter

Materials and Tools

The pattern requires knitting needles in sizes appropriate for your chosen yarn. Needle options include one set of 5 double-pointed needles (DPs) or 2 sets of 4 DPs for the cast-on and initial construction, plus one 16-inch circular needle in the same size for working the body of the bag. The yarn weight is suitable for chunky or worsted weight, which creates a substantial, durable fabric appropriate for a functional accessory.

Optional finishing materials include a large decorative button or alternative closure mechanism to secure the bag opening once the mat is inserted.

Construction Overview

The bag begins with a small cast-on that is increased using the Kfb technique to expand the diameter to the desired size. Once the circular dimension is established, the knitter continues in stockinette stitch (knit rounds) to build the length of the bag. The intermediate difficulty level reflects the skills required to manage circular knitting with multiple needle types and execute consistent stitch increases.