How To Make A Gear Bag From Dollar Store Rag Rugs

Mamma’s Got A New Bag

I didn’t really know how  this was going to turn out. Actually, I didn’t even know that it would turn out. But I got an idea in my head the last time I was at the dollar store, and I decided it would be in inexpensive fail if it didn’t work, but it was worth the risk. And I wanted to create an easy craft project, so I decided to try….

It seems I can never have enough gear bags. They work great for hauling things out to the barn, or even carrying stuff. So I decided to see if I could make a bag, like a gear bag out of 2 rag rugs I found at the dollar store. And to be honest, I was not sure how it would turn out.

Sometimes You Fail

You see just before I made this project, I was attempting to make my own Ogilvy style half pad. I had bought fancy fleece, and biased tape, and memory foam to make the half pad. I was so excited to make my very own half pad! But the materials were not cheap. I had spent over $50.00 to make the pad. And in the end, I failed miserably. I failed so miserably, twice. (More on that later) And after the second failed attempt at making a saddle pad, I figured even if I screwed up the bag I wanted to make, I was only out $2.00. So not a big deal if the bag failed.

And I don’t know if it was because I was so disappointed with my saddle pad fiasco, or if this bag was just really cute ( I think it is) But I was so happy with my results of this bag, I just had to share it with you. In fact I liked it so much, I think I know what I will be making for gifts for Christmas this year!

How To Make A Gear Bag From Dollar Store Rag Rugs

To Make this bag you will only need a few things:

• 2 Rag rugs
• Nylon webbing (I used cheap horse halters)

What You Will Do:

First, remove any tags from the rugs. Then you will sew 3 sides of the rugs together. Turn them inside out if there is a better side, so you will have the pretty side facing out. And I just used regular thread, and stitched each side, one long side (the bottom) and the two short sides. If you want to be able to make it really sturdy, sew over the seam you create several times.

Then, once your sewing is complete, turn the bag inside out. Or, more correctly, so the outside is showing. Then your seams will all be hidden on the inside of the bag.

Attaching The Webbing

For my webbing, I had two cheap nylon halters that I have never used. And since I had no plan on using them, I cut the nylon web where it was attached with O ring hardware. I made sure to use the head strap part that has the buckle. This way I can buckle or unbuckle my shoulder straps for my bag.

Then I attached each piece of the webbing to my bag body. Keeping the straps as close to the top as I could, I stitched the webbing in place. I was sure to sew each piece of webbing on securely, and then I went over it a few more times, just to make sure it was secure.

And that’s it!

In about 10 minutes, I created this bag. And with the halter straps, I can change the shoulder straps. How awesome is that!?!?!

I had intended on using nylon webbing that I had rolls of, but I only had oink, green, and purple. And those colors didn’t go with the rag rugs that I had found at the dollar store. And after my huge saddle pad fail, I was not about to go and spend even more money, so I used some old halters for my straps.

I am really happy this was the way I chose to go, because the black straps were perfect for this bag.

I think I will look around and see what other color rag rugs I can find to make more of these. This bag was so easy to make, I think it would make a super cute gift. So for Christmas, I can make a few bags and fill each one with different things, so my co-workers and friends can have a useful gift, and I can be happy that I made it for them. You can buy them in bulk online for a box of 50 of them, or you can just go to the dollar store and buy a couple.

You never know, maybe we can start a new equestrian trend with homemade rag rug gear bags!