Lunch Bag

Size: 19cm (l) 27cm (w – at the top) 16cm (bottom) 11cm (d)

A must-have item for kindergartens and school children, this drawstring style lunch bag features a fabric from the Smile Time series that is filled with delicious dishes like kid’s special lunch plate and onigiri rice balls. An easy to sew cotton 100% oxford material gives peace of mind for sewing beginners. Why not attach a kid’s favorite food motif at the end of the drawstring? It will make the bag doubly cute!

Design & Work:Ruka Sato

Fabric shown for this sample:　（Bag Panel, Handle)LO39060-2B
（Bottom fabric）H-3020-1A

Materials:
□ Fabric (Bag Panel, Handle): 70cm×20cm
(Bottom fabric): 29cm×24cm
(Lining fabric): 29cm×50cm
□ Drawstring: 120cm round cord (1.5cm diameter)
□ Cotton filling
□ Embellishment of your choice

We interviewed Ruka about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
It features such lovely designs of Japanese bento boxes. When I saw it, I immediately wanted to make a lunch bag for a bento lunch box.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
Each and every design is lovely. The cutout of the onigiri rice ball is attached as a pull for the drawstring, making it easy for kids to open and close the bag.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
Because of the process, it does not require finishing the edges. The whole bag is made as one piece, and the outer bag is pulled out from the opening. You may find it difficult at first, but once you learn the process, you may want to keep making more.

KF:How should we use this bag in everyday situations?
Why not fill it with a bento (lunch) box and taking it with you for a picnic or an outing to the zoo or amusement park? Pick a dish from the fabric’s design and include it in your bento. By telling your child, “It’s the same dish as featured in your bag!,” you can create a fun eating moment with your child. It is also a good idea to use it as a snack bag for your walking.

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

Continue reading →

Curve Handle Bag

Size: 24cm (l) 36cm (w-at the top) 26cm (bottom) 10cm (d)

This uniquely designed curved handle tote bag is perfect for everyday use. A solid dark green color for the bottom and handles creates a mature feel. A color filled line drawing pattern features a botanical design and is from the FINE LINE series.

Design & Work:Mioko Sugino

Fabric shown for this sample:（表布) YTA-99040-1B

Materials:
□ Fabric (Outer fabric): 38cm x 60cm
(Bottom, Handle, Lining fabric): 100cm×60cm
□ Fusible quilt batting: 50cm x 60cm
□ Magnetic hook (sew on type): One par (1.8cm diameter)

We interviewed Mioko about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
The design is natural and lovely, yet has a mature feel, allowing this fabric to be enjoyed in various ways. For this project, I wanted the piece to feel natural, so I combined it with a deep green color.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
It is originally a solid fabric, and with quilt batting, it keeps its shape even with many items inside. I wanted to make the curved handles to be stable, so two quilt batting layers are applied, creating puffy yet structured handles.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
When you are sewing the sides together, please make sure that the handles are aligned on the side. It should make a clean V shape when the handles are pieced together perfectly.

KF: How should we use this bag in everyday situations?
It looks lovely with a natural style dress or with a rough style, like a pair of jeans and sneaker combination.

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

Continue reading →

Smock

Size: 110cm　

A slip-on smock keeps clothes from getting dirty and is a must have item for kids in preschool and kindergarten. With a stretchable neckline and cuff and loose raglan sleeves, it is easy to slip on and off and comfortable to wear. The ice cream design from the Kid’s Drawing series is accented with black, a matching color with the design, for the pocket and hem. The purple color on the neckline adds a lovely tone. Mom’s handmade cute smock will sure to attract great attention!

Design & Work: Kokka Fabric

Fabric shown for this sample:
（A布）YKA-59000-2A

Materials:
□ Fabric A: about 108cm wide x 100cm
□ Fabric B: about 110cm wide x 20cm
□ Fabric C: about 110cm wide x 20cm
□ Bias binding tape: about 11mm wide x 70cm
□ Elastic tape: about 8mm wide x 75cm

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

Animal Bib

Size:For babies

The Animal Face series fabric that features the face of different animals is turned into babies’ bibs. Just cut a lining fabric to match your favorite face of the animal, add a shoulder strap and sew them altogether. It is that simple to make. One panel comes with an assortment of six animals – cat, panda, pig, bear, bird and dog. Why not make all six, one for each day to enjoy!

Design & Work: Kokka Fabric

Fabric shown for this sample:
YK-59060-1B

Materials:
□ Outer fabric: about 108cm wide x 60cm
□ Lining fabric: about 108cm wide x 30cm
□ Elastic tape: about 0.8cm wide x 28cm

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

Gathered Skirt with Yoke

Size: Length 70cm

A whimsical print fabric with dogs popping out here and there in the townscape is titled Wandafuru Shikake No Machi (a town with wonderful tricks with dogs) from the IHME CHAMBER series. A gathered skirt that makes great use of the fabric’s entire design creates a huge impact. With a yoke, it has a slim looking waist. Additionally, the use of a piping tape moves this skirt up a notch. This cotton linen canvas fabric is also suitable for bags and small item making.

Design & Work:Anriko

Fabric shown for this sample (Yoke, Front and Back Skirt)：IHME CHAMBER EEA-2002-1A

Materials：
Fabric: 110cm wide×1.8m
□ Braided Elastic: 1.8m (6 cord)
□ Piping cord: 105cm (piping width 0.3cm)

We interviewed Anriko about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
I thought the design of this fabric stands out when seen from a distance. So I came up with a skirt which uses a lot of fabric, allowing these design elements to be introduced on a large surface. The material itself may be more suited for bags or interior décor items, but this gathered skirt takes advantage of the fabric’s tension.

KF:Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
A piping cord is placed in-between the yoke and skirt as an additional touch. Such a small step could make the skirt look sharp.

KF:What are some tips for making this skirt?
The piping cord could add slight tension to the yoke. If you are slim, adjust the width to match your body for a better fit.

KF:How should we incorporate this skirt into one’s styling?
For the elastic waist, multiple thin elastic cords are used so that it is easier to tuck into your shirt or top. A slim-fitting top can be tucked in, while an oversized knit or parker can be worn over the skirt for a casual look. This gathered skirt is quite versatile.

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

Continue reading →