DIY // UPCYCLE CHINDI RUG BAG

I bought a heap of these rugs to keep in the hallway for wiping our feet and they throw into the washing machine really well.  YOu can buy some here for about £7.50 each. If you try keep your eye out for them in dollar shops or Indian value stores then you will probably pick them up for about £3 or £4 each.

With a few of them left over I decided to make a shopping bag.

Here is what you will need:

- fabric scissors
-  woven rope ribbon for the handle approx 60-80cm (depending on long you want your straps).
- pins
- polycotton thread

I started working with a normal presser foot. Would advise changing for a quilting foot if you have one or can get your hands on one. Also using a heavy duty needle like a jeans or leather or quilting needle too.

Fold your rug in half. 

Sew down either side with a backstitch at the beginning and end of each side. 

Flip your bag inside out. 

And sew a straight line across as shown to square off the ends. Don't use backstitch as the fabric will be too thick but leave enough thread on either side to do some knotting to secure the stitches in place. You can use a slightly wider point in which to sew off the squared corners to create a deeper shape. 

I realised I definitely needed my quilting foot for this job.

Once your corners are cornered off its time to make the handles. 

Fold your rope in half and snip. I used a 60cm length. 

With your 2 pieces lay and pin them out to the outside of the bag. (your bag should still be turned inside out) 

Good idea to measure so that each handle is evenly spread across the top of the bag. 

Secure your handles using a cross and box stitch. 

Voila! Bag is made. You could even add some interesting pompom trim or bells to complete the Chindi look. 

Would love to know if anyone tries this out and how yours worked out for you. I gave mine as a gift but they are super comfy and floppy and great for quick trips to the market or to the beach.

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by Christabel Saul at Mode