Crazy DIY IKEA Bag Transformation Tutorial

AssunDIY
by AssunDIY
7 Materials
$2
2 Hours
Medium

If you have an IKEA shopping tote lying around the house, why not use it to create a fun DIY IKEA bag? This cute little clutch bag is great for day-to-day use.


In this tutorial, I'll share an IKEA bag pattern and all the steps you need for this adorable IKEA bag DIY. Let's get started!

Tools and materials:

  • IKEA bag
  • Yellow zipper
  • Seam ripper
  • Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Zipper foot
  • Sewing machine
Cutting IKEA bag pattern

1. Cut the pattern

Lay your IKEA bag flat and measure a 35 x 22 cm (13.7 X 8.6 inches) square. Draw this out and cut, making sure that you are cutting only one layer.

Modifying the IKEA bag straps

2. Modify the straps

Next, seam rip the straps, as you’ll be needing that for your new bag. Undo the seams so that you have two long straps.

Sewing the straps

Sew the two long straps on the short ends, right sides facing.

Progress shot: One long IKEA bag strap

You should now have one long, 105 cm (41 inch) strap.

Attaching the zipper

3. Attach the zipper

Take your bright yellow zipper and measure the width of the IKEA bag piece and mark the length on the zipper.

Attaching the zipper

Now, pin the one side of the zipper to the side of the IKEA bag piece, as shown.


Make sure you don’t attach the tail on the zipper’s end. Also, pin the zipper with the right side facing down. 

Attaching the zipper

Next, take the other end of the zipper and pin it on the bottom edge of the IKEA bag piece.


As you can see, you kind of create a cross on the unpinned section of the zipper.

Attaching the zipper

Sew along the edges using a zipper foot on your sewing machine.

Attaching the zipper

To ensure a clean and professional finish, fold the edges outward and topstitch as close to the zipper’s edge as possible. Repeat on the other side.

Attaching the straps

4. Attach the straps

Cut two Ikea straps to size and place them about an inch away from the zipper on either side.

Sewing on straps

Stitch to secure, making sure to stitch the strap on either side, again, leaving the ends loose.

Cutting ends

Now, cut the short ends of both the strap and the zipper.

Zipping up the zipper

Fold the purse in half, zip up the zipper, and carefully cut off the loose end.

Where to sew

Sew one end of the zipper, as shown.

Measuring IKEA purse length

5. Make the side pieces

You’ll notice that the sides of the purse are open. You’ll need to make two pieces to attach on either end.


Start by measuring the length of the purse; mine was 17cm (6.6 inches).

Making circle

Now, to make a circle, there’s an equation to follow.


First, take the length of your side and multiply it by two. Next, follow this equation as shown above.


Since my measurement was 17cm [6.6 inches], I will work with 34cm [13.3 inches].

Making circle

I will need to use a 5.4cm (2.1 inches) radius. I trace this on the original bag and cut out the circle.


When cutting, add a 1cm (¼ inch) seam allowance. Also, cut the second piece by simply following the first circle’s outline.

Folding circles

Fold both circle pieces in half and cut small notches on either end.


Then, fold it in half on the other side and cut two more notches, leaving you with four even notches.

Making notches

Go ahead and make notches on the bag, too, folding in half each time so that you also have four notches all around. This will help you line the pieces when sewing.

Making notches

6. Assemble the bag

To attach the circle pieces, fold your bag inside out and pin the circle pieces to either side by matching the notches you just made.

Attaching long strap

Next, attach the long strap to the IKEA bag purse by sliding it inside (right sides facing the bag) and attaching it on either end from the inside of the bag.


Remove the top pin and insert the short end of the strap through the circle. This will be sewn together with the circle pieces.

Attaching long strap

Sew on either end and cut off any excess fabric.

Adding bias tape

7. Add the bias tape

To make your bag stay upright and sturdy, attach some bias tape around the circle’s rims on either end. Fold it over as shown, pin, and sew accordingly.


Tip: When you get to the zippers, sew over them slowly.

Completed DIY IKEA bag

Fold your bag inside and out and look at your lovely, completed IKEA bag DIY.


IKEA bag DIY

It looks totally awesome, and the strap part is my favorite.


How do you like this IKEA bag upcycle? Let me know in the comments.


I think it’s a clever, inexpensive way to make a purse in a really unique way.


How to Turn Pants Into a Skirt

For another upcycle idea, check out this tutorial on a corduroy skirt

DIY!

Suggested materials:
  • IKEA bag
  • Yellow zipper
  • Seam ripper
See all materials

The author may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.

Comments
Join the conversation
2 of 38 comments
  • Doradobeachbeauty Doradobeachbeauty on Jul 03, 2022

    It’s a cute idea if you like compact stuff. Can you make this into a back back? I think that would be cute!

  • Dineen Ford Dineen Ford on Jul 07, 2023

    I have poly fabric with a lot of empty feed bags. The chicken images would be cute on a bag.

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