Simple Matching Set for a Grown Up – Gathered Neck Blouse and Tucked Skirt – Sewing Instructions

A matching set of clothing is a popular project among sewing enthusiasts. A set containing a gathered neck blouse and a tucked skirt are perfect pieces for the upcoming season. They can also be enjoyed separately by coordinating with items in your closet. The featured fabric is LÄTÄKKÖ (paddle of water) from the kuiskaus series. This salt shrunk 100% cotton lawn has a smooth texture.

Design & Work:Yoko Kato

Fabric shown for this sample:kuiskaus

Materials:
□ Fabric: 106cm wide x 4m
□ Elastic Tape: Waist measurement + 2cm (2.5cm wide)

Size: Blouse length 53cm Skirt length 84cm

We interviewed Yoko about her creation:

Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
With the salt shrink application to an inherently soft textured cotton lawn, the fabric becomes smooth and refreshing. To incorporate this characteristic, the gathering and tucks are added to create a design that lets the dress breathe.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
The gathering around the neckline and puffy sleeves generate a feminine silhouette.

The partial tucks on the skirt allow for a lean waistline.

KF: What are some tips for making this skirt?
When making the skirt, add stitches to the edge of the folded tucks. This makes it so much easier to insert the elastic tape. Likewise, apply stitches on the seam of the opening for the elastic. This extra step helps the process go more smoothly.

KF: How should we incorporate this skirt into one’s styling?
This can be worn as a matching set or as individual pieces. So why not enjoy it by coordinating it with your wardrobe at hand.

KF: Thank you very much, Yoko!

◎Sewing Instructions

◎Sewing Instructions (PDF format / A4 size)

Shoulder Gather Dress – Sewing Instructions

The featured project is a long length dress with softly gathered shoulder detail. It can be enjoyed as an everyday dress for relaxing moments at home. Open the front buttons and coordinate it with a T-shirt and a pair of jeans underneath, and it will turn this dress into a perfect piece for going out. The fabric is a 100% cotton lawn from the colorful stone series.

Design & Work:Kokka Fabric

Fabric shown for this sample:YP-11520-1A

Materials:
□ Outer Fabric: 100cm wide x 350cm
□ Fusible Interfacing: 90cm wide x 30cm
□ Button: 1.1cm wide x 10 pieces

Size:M

◎Sewing Instructions

◎Sewing Instructions (PDF format / A4 size)

Mask Holder L-Shaped Pouch for Toiletries – Sewing Instructions

The featured project is a pouch for toiletries like pocket tissue, lip balm and masks; such items that you want to carry when going out. The patchwork pattern print from the cloth Mix idee series is a canvas fabric with a mixture of 80% cotton and 20% linen. With an appropriate thickness of the fabric, the case will not require a lining. Another key element is the size of this case. The masks can perfectly fit in the pocket.

Design & Work：Satomi Takei

Fabric shown for this sample:cloth Mix idee LOB-51010-1B

Materials:
□ Fabric: 50cm x 30cm
□ Cotton Tape: 10cm (2cm wide)
□ Coil Zipper: One piece (35cm long)

Size: 12.5cm (l) 20.5cm (w)

We interviewed Satomi about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
Using a patchwork fabric gives you the fun of choosing which portion to incorporate.
For this case, I featured the design to be in stripes so that it will not look too busy.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
The fabric has a relative thickness. It allows you to make a piece without a lining fabric. In addition, it is designed in such a way that it dries quickly after washing. The L shape makes it easy even for a child to take the mask in and out.

KF: What are some tips for making this pouch?
Please don’t be too nervous about attaching the curved portion of the zipper. Why not just try it! For a clean finish, use a stiletto to hold the fabric, starting about 3cm before the curve, and slowly sew two stitches at a time in an oblique manner.

KF: How should we use this pouch in everyday situations?
Keep a folded clear plastic bag inside for a used mask. The plastic bag with a used mask can be placed in the outer pocket. This is how I recommend using this case. Inside can store many toiletries, like pocket tissue and lip balm. You will find carrying this pouch in your purse handy for emergencies.

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

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Relaxed Look Square Bag – Sewing Instructions

This relaxed look square bag features a fabric from the JAMBO series. The colors work perfectly together as both solid and patterned pieces are from the series. The soft texture of cotton linen sheeting allows you to create this bag without the use of the interfacing.

Design & Work: Mioko Sugino

Fabric shown for this sample:（Outer Fabric A・Lining Fabric A)JAMBO LGB-31040-3D
（Outer Fabric B・Lining Fabric B）JAMBO LGB-31050-1E Moon Skin
（Outer Fabric C・Handle）JAMBO LGB-31050-1C River Blue

Materials:
□ Fabric （Outer Fabric A・Lining Fabric A): 50cm x 65cm
（Outer Fabric B・Lining Fabric B）: 50cm x 50cm
（Outer Fabric C・Handle）: 40cm x 40cm

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

We interviewed Mioko about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
The large design motifs have such an impact! The chic colors go well with your wardrobe, so I decided to make a bag. To incorporate the fabric’s slight tension and softer feel, I intentionally omitted the interfacing to create a relaxed look.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
While it is simply a 20cm x 20cm square bag, when you put things in the bag, they naturally fit inside. I would like you to enjoy this character, the floppy feel. When you fold the corners along the stitch line, the bag becomes smaller. When the gussets are open, it becomes like a tote bag. The bag can store more things than you think.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
Let me share some tips to create clean bottom corners. As instructed, make a slit on the edge before you sew, hold the machine needle in the fabric to turn it 90 degrees, and align the fabrics you are about to sew before you start stitching. If you use the interfacing for the outer fabric, the bag becomes more solid. In that case, I recommend adding a hook at the opening so that you can close the top securely.

KF: How should we use this bag in everyday situations?
With the dramatic design, it goes well with a simple solid color dress. It also has a Japanese feel, and it will look nice as an accompaniment for a Yukata (cotton kimono).

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

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Front Tuck Dress with a Clean Chest Line – Sewing Instructions

This front tuck dress features a clean neck to chest line with a look of softness created by the tucks around the chest. From the Botanical series, the cotton linen sheeting fabric has a feminine feel by utilizing embroideries. As part of the upcoming season’s wardrobe, this casually worn dress is going to be a frequently enjoyed piece.

Design & Work：Kokka Fabric

Fabric shown for this sample:Botanical YK-71090-1C

Materials:
□ Outer Fabric: 110cm wide x 270cm

Size:M

◎Sewing Instructions