If I like one type of DIY it will be the IKEA hack, an affordable option to make something awesome with it! With the summer in my head, one exam less and lot’s of inspiration in one of my last posts, I would like to present to you…. the IKEA rug summer bag with leather straps!
What do you need:
- 1 x the IKEA SIGNE rug (only 2.49 euro!!)
- Strap cutter (or a large ruler)
- Sewing machine (or lot’s of time on your hand)
- Beige sewing thread
- (Brown) waxed leather sewing thread
- Pricking iron
- Mallet
- Plastic cutting board (acrylic)
- Scissors (for fabrics)

Leather, strap cutter and the SIGNE rug of IKEA
Step 1: With or without fringes
The first step is if you don’t want them, to cut off the fringes between the two white stitching lines. Make sure you do it in between so the rug won’t raffle when using it. Although when I finished the bag I actually liked the fringes… so maybe I will make another one with fringes for the ultimate beachy feeling!

With or without fringes….?
Step 2: Fold, pin & sew
The next step is to fold the bag in half. The ends where the fringes were should be laying on top of each other. Pin both sides together so when sewing it won’t move, since it is a heavy fabric. Sew the pieces together.

Sew the edges togeather
Step 3: Make a triangle
To create the bottom of the bag fold the corners of the bag into a triangle, just like the picture below. The further from the point you stitch the bag together, the broader the bottom and the lower the final height of the bag will be, and vice-versa. I have chosen to sew between the lines so I don’t have to worry that I will sew crooked.

Fold the corners into a triangle
Step 4: Inside out
Turn the bag inside out and determine the placement of the straps. You could buy precut strips or cut them to the desired width and length yourself with the strap cutter. I have chosen for about 40 cm in length and 2 cm in width.

Bag after sewing and turning inside-out

Cut two straps with the strap cutter
Step 5: Attach
Last but not least, finish the straps, burnished, edge painted or only waxed for a long lasting life. Punch the diamond holes and attach it to the bag. A quick, easy but beautiful summer bag, isn’t it?And the best of all, IKEA has this rug in eight colours, so I am sure there will be one for your IKEA Hack!

And …DONE! In no time an awesome (cheap) summer bag!!
For me, it’s just one week left and then… the holiday! I can imagine myself taking the bag to the beach, for picknicks and well… where not? I love it! Do you now an amazing IKEA HACK with leather, please send it to me or leave the link in the comments below so I and your fellow leather lovers can try them all!
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