5. From braid, cut two 89 cm (35 in) lengths. One at a time, thread 1 end of each length through buckle, then fold back for approx 2.5 cm to form loop; machine-zigzag through both layers along raw end to secure. Press under 6 mm along remaining raw end of each. From remaining braid, cut two 28 cm (11 in) lengths; press under 6 mm along each end. On 1 end of each length, machine-zigzag through both layers along raw end to hem; one at a time, thread 1 hemmed end through corresponding snap portion of 1 buckle. Snap buckles together to form 2 straps.
6. Position 1 strap at each side of zipper opening as follows: pin each pressed strap end, right side up, to top of backpack, beginning 5 cm (2 in) out from zipper seam, and parallel to and 1 cm in from seam around tube end. Machine-zigzag through both layers 8 mm (3-1/8 in) from each pressed edge; stitch 6 mm in from first stitching line to reinforce.
Designer's tips:
• Tie on a fabric, leather or yarn zipper pull, if you like.
• Instead of using the water-resistant synthetic canvas shown, you can make your backpack funkier by using heavy-weight denim or retro upholstery fabric.
• If you want to make it faster to sew, discard third circle and omit Step 2 so you don't add the pocket. You can also omit the buckles and Step 5; instead, press under and sew 1 end of each strap to backpack, as given in Step 6. With the mat in the backpack, try it on to find your ideal strap length, then trim, press under and sew the remaining ends.
• If your mat is thicker or longer, you can adapt the pattern to fit: Measure circumference, length and diameter of rolled-up mat, then add 4 cm (1-1/2 in) to each measurement for total circumference, length and diameter. In Step 1, cut 1 rectangle, total circumference (this will be the short edge) x total length, and cut 3 circles, each having total diameter.
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