Ananda Yoga Bag Sewing pattern tutorial and PDF

Here is an easy-to-sew Yoga Bag pattern called "Ananda" which means Bliss in Sanskrit. 

PDF pattern is here.

This bag is designed for ease - mat slides in easily and there is no fussing with a closure. It has a pocket deep enough for cell phones, and a comfortable strap that slings across the back or shoulder (or hand carry).   

An adjustable strap would be a nice touch if you so choose, but this one-size-fits-most has been road tested on quite a few different body types, plus it's simple to make.

My SIL models these bags for me:

This pattern is for the standard size yoga mat which measures approximately  68" x 24" at 1/4" thickness. 

This link has best of 2016 Yoga Mats listed.

These would make great gifts for any Yogi including yourself!


Want it even faster?  
*Leave off the quilting part. 
*Use webbing for the strap.
*Omit the pocket.
*Make it with one whole piece rather than a contrast bottom.

Download the PDF here.

Digitally drawn instructions as well as photos guide you along the process. My goal is to help you see how awesome you are as you sew up this one of a kind bag. If you run into any trouble just text /email / IM / or send smoke signals ----and I will give you support. 
You won't need it though. ;)

Why "ananda"? The backstory: When I came home from a tour in Iraq (2003-2004) things had changed big time for me. I no longer wore rose tinted glasses. The world was so much smaller to me. Things seemed tighter, closer, more intense. A slammed door sent me crashing to the floor more than once. Embarrassed and raw, I was searching for something to help me make sense of the chaos. 

Enter yoga, meditation, and the study of Sanskrit. I bought numerous books on Sanskrit and ancient India and immersed myself in the teachings of early humanity including Buddhism and Taoism. I had Sanskrit tattoos imprinted on me as a reminder that the only moment we should worry about is right now. It is SO easy to forget.

This moment is all that matters. There might not be another one.

Sanskrit words can be spoken as a chant, like a meditation or mantra. Some favorites of mine are: 

Niyama (observance) 

Om (the sound of the Universe)

Bhakti (love and devotion)

My favorite thing is to play this DVD Kundalini Yoga and do the 9 min chant at the end. My kids even sing it with me.

Back to sewing.

Ananda means bliss.

 "Follow your bliss" as Joseph Cambell said. 

Thank you to my testers! If you want to be in my testing group, message me or comment below. Ideally I'd like a photo so I can share your awesomeness, but if that's too hard don't worry about it. 

LOL

The Cloth Albatross

Crystal's Twin Peaks bag

If you happen to have a Fat Mat (those thicker ones you can buy now,) here is a supplement PDF to make this size of bag. My friend Leslie models this large bag size below:

Another wellness pattern I offer: 

The Essential Oils case travel bag.

Essential Oils case pattern available here.

Thanks for being here friends. I hope you have fun making one or fifty-- and tag me so I can send you virtual hugs!

XOXO

HAPPY SEWING!