Monthly Archives: October 2014

Large Rectangle Bag in mori Fabric

Size: 30cm (l) 40cm (w) 14cm (d)

Today’s project uses kirigami fabric, with its design inspired from a paper mobile craft. The sewing instructions are exactly the same as the large square bag in Calendar fabric, which was introduced in the August 2014 column. By simply changing the fabric, you can create a completely different look! The base color of dark brown along with mustard yellow and chartreuse as accent colors add a warm feel to the bag.

Design & creation:Kokka Fabric

Fabric shown for this sample:
P32000-201 (D)

Materials:
□Fabric (with pattern): 95cm (110cm wide)
□Fabric (solid color): 75cm (110cm wide)
□Fusible Interfacing (medium thickness): 75cm (95cm wide)
□Zipper: One piece (50cm)

Click here for Sewing Instructions (PDF format / A4 size)

One Handle Bag for a Quick Outing

Size: 12cm (l) 20cm (w) 3cm (d)

Today’s project uses Tricolor from a retro and bright print series, Lighthearted. A convenient bag perfect for a quick outing is created with two types of dot design fabrics of different color patterns. Mioko Sugino, a famous blogger who is also known as komihinata is here again to introduce her creation.

Design & Creation：Mioko Sugino（komihinata)

Fabric shown for this sample:Lighthearted HFG-105

Materials (for one bag):
□ Fabric: (Flap (cover)) 40cm×10cm
(Outer bag) 30cm×30cm
(Lining bag, Handle) 40cm×40cm
□ Quilt batting: 30cm×40cm
□ Magnet hook (sew on type) One pair (1.9cm diameter)

We interviewed Mioko about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
It’s bright, cute and stylish! Depending on how you use it, it can create many different looks. So I came up with a small size bag that can fully utilize each pattern from a small print to large design.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
This bag is compact yet big enough to carry a wallet and a cell phone, must items for going out for a quick walk. With a quilt batting in every part, flap (cover), handle and the main bag, it keeps its shape.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
It is a very simple design and should be relatively easy to make. When sewing the top opening with a flap and handle, I recommend basting all the pieces first so that you can sew them together smoothly.
People sometimes ask me how to shape the curve cleanly. After turning the flap over, follow along the curve from inside to align the shape with a round tip tool, such as a back end of a ballpoint pen, to have a beautiful curved finish.

KF: How should we use this bag in everyday situations?
Besides using it for a quick outing or shopping, it can fit in a bigger purse as a convenient bag-in-a-bag organizer. It would be nice to use a matching wallet with a clasp opening or a small case made with the same series of fabric.

KF: Thank you very much, Mioko! Here are sewing instructions along with step by step photos from her. Enjoy crafting!

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Border with changing patterns

Enjoying the design combination in one fabric

When making clothing or bags, it is always fun to think about different design and color combinations. At the same time, we often hear people say, “I am unable to decide since there are too many options.” Today’s textile is perfect for such an occasion. It is a fun border fabric which allows you to casually enjoy different design combinations!

“The idea behind this series, which incorporate different designs in one fabric, is to make it possible for someone to create an interesting bag or a small case by using only one kind of fabric.” (by Kokka Creative Director)

The center part is for a big bag. The borders on both edges are perfect for a small case. A polka dots pattern can be used for a pocket…One fabric has a variety of possibilities. Why not create items to make your outing fun, like a matching bag and case?

Feminine Border　P33000-300 　Oxford (OX)

The design on this fabric combines large stripes and hand drawn polka dots that look like powdery snow. For making a bag, you may use the stripe for the main part, polka dots as a transitional piece and add an accent with a bias binding tape in a slightly different color. We hope you will enjoy the fun of combining different colors using only one fabric.

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Reusable Bag (Eco Bag)

Size: 38cm (l) x 30cm (w) x 13cm (d)

When you go shopping, what do you use for your shopping items? Recently some stores are starting to charge for the shopping bags. A simple handmade reusable bag (eco bag) can be personalized by choosing interesting fabrics or fabric combinations. Sewing aficionados can show off their talents! Today’s project allows you to combine your favorite fabrics in many different ways. A popular blogger Yuki Inomata, aka neige+　has returned to share her creative ideas!

Design & work： Yuki Inomata （neige+)

Fabric shown for this sample:　Lighthearted HFG-105

Materials:
□ Fabric: (Panels) Two designs 40cm×60cm each
(Gusset) Two designs 30cm×60cm each
(Pocket) 20cm×60cm
(Bias strip) 50cm×50cm

We interviewed Yuki about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
This fabric has a charming illustration and a bold, vivid pink color. I wanted to create something that uses these elements extensively. The fabric combined with these also have cute designs.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
I used the plastic shopping bag that I had at home as a base for the bag’s design. While you can use only two pieces of fabric to make this, I divided the bag into four parts so that you can incorporate more fabric designs. It requires lots of piping. In order to keep it minimal, the handles on the panel use a curve with matching material. This way, it shows the same fabric when turned inside out. I also used 5mm French seams to hide the seam.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
I recommend using a fabric with regular thickness, something not too thin. If you use a thicker material, it will be challenging to finish up the seam.

KF: How should we use this bag in everyday situations?
It fits in its own pocket when folded and fits flat in your purse. As many places are starting to charge for a shopping bag, it will be convenient to keep in your purse for a variety of purposes.

KKF: Thank you very much, Yuki! Here are sewing instructions along with step by step photos from her. Enjoy crafting!

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Huedrawer

Putting on colors from the drawer of hues

Popular series echino is introducing a cotton sateen fabric, perfect for sewing clothing. The name is Huedrawer. It is a coined word consisting of the words hue and drawer. This new collection was created with a theme, “feeling like putting on a ‘color’ from a ‘drawer of hues.’”

“Making you want to go out and feel the nature wrapped in a nice and silky fabric – that was the image I had when I designed this fabric. Different expressions created by various combinations of colors, and the process of selecting bright colors from the “Huedrawer = the drawer of hues” are the elements incorporated in this design. With these elements, Huedrawer is the kind of textile that makes you want to pleasantly contemplate which one to use for your project.” (by Furuya)

Bearing in mind that this fabric should be versatile for clothes making, the composition is simple by not having too many animal motifs or patterns. In every design, silver and gold prints are scattered in spots, creating a subtle yet delightful optical image. While echino normally comes in cotton/linen canvas, this collection is a soft and silky cotton sateen which is perfect for sewing a one-piece dress and tunics.

stag　JG99900-900 60 Sateen

“stag’s design consists of a very echino-like combination of male deer and zigzag pattern. A distinctive stag motif is the accent of this textile. With small patterns, it is a versatile fabric for making anything from small items to clothing. Depending on the combination of the colors, the design could create a unisex image.” (by Furuya)

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