How To Turn IKEA Bags Into A Beautiful Picnic Blanket

Turning IKEA bags into a beautiful picnic blanket might seem a little far-fetched at first. But it's a clever DIY that saves money by upcycling materials you may already have around the home. Got a growing stack of IKEA's iconic blue carrying bags stashed in some corner of your place? Well, with just a little bit of handiness, you can craft a practically waterproof picnic blanket. In a recent video, Instagram creator @fromcarlyb repurposed these IKEA FRAKTA carrier bags into the base layer of a quilted outdoor rug. This creative project has inspired many to adapt the idea into a DIY picnic blanket that's equal parts functional and fun.

To re-create the hack yourself, you'll just need a few simple materials: at least six FRAKTA bags, an existing blanket or quilt that you'd like to modify for outdoor use, and a sewing machine. As for the quilt you use, be sure to start with one you don't mind altering; a family heirloom or thrifted gem may not be your best bet. Before you begin, here's how to tell if your thrifted quilt could actually be worth a lot of money. If you don't have an appropriate blanket to use, this can also be one of many brilliant hacks to try before throwing out your old shower curtains or tablecloths.

To begin, start by removing each IKEA bag's handles using scissors or a seam ripper. Then, cut along the sides and bottom seams to fully flatten the bags. You should end up with large rectangular sheets of the blue tarp-like plastic, which will act as your moisture-resistant base layer.

After prepping the bags, lay the panels flat and piece them together to match the size of your blanket. Sew the panels together along the edges to create one solid, tarp-like sheet. Once you've created a solid base, position your blanket or quilt on top of the IKEA bag sheet and secure it in place. With the right sides of both fabrics facing inward, sew around the perimeter of the blanket, leaving a small opening along one edge. Then, carefully turn the blanket right side out by pulling it through the opening. Topstitch around the edges to seal the gap and reinforce the seams.

To finish, reuse the original bright blue-and-yellow IKEA bag handles as a strap to make this project really pop. Sew them to one side so you can roll up your picnic blanket and secure it for easy carrying. The result is a water-resistant picnic blanket that's easy to roll up, shake off, and carry around. And while the IKEA FRAKTA bags aren't 100% waterproof under pressure like an actual tarp, they are plenty resistant to damp grass, spills, and splashes. Just try to avoid using it on soaked ground. Love what you've created? You can also display it for others to see with these fun ways to hang your favorite quilt.