This two-way bag can be used as either a handbag or a clutch bag, depending on how you close the flap. The fabric used for this bag is from the Circus Night by Sanae Sugimoto, a painter with an attractive delicate touch and fantastical interpretation drawn in India ink. The slightly thin cotton linen sheeting is suitable not only for bags, but also for dresses, skirts, blouses, and other clothing and interior décor items.

We interviewed Mioko about her creation:

Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
The designs are so lovely, yet it is also a cool and stylish fabric. It is delicate as well as bold!
It also has a nostalgic touch to it. I wanted to convey the sense of these designs, while at the same time giving them a softness, so I decided to make a bag that can be used in two ways.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
The flap for the bag’s closure can turn this bag into two styles – a handbag if placed under the handle, or as a clutch if placed over the top. You can use it in different ways depending on your mood and styling.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
When sewing the bottom fabric and sides together, make a slit before sewing. When you reach the corner, turn 90 degrees tightly and straighten the edge before sewing for a sharp looking corner.

KF: How should we incorporate this bag into one’s styling?
You can use it as a handbag for a feminine fashion, or a clutch bag for a cooler styling. This time, I used the fabric as it is to create a softer look, but if you want to make it more structured, then you can add an interfacing or a quilt batting. Using a canvas fabric for the lining also creates a firmer look.

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

Instructions

Preparation

Cut the fabrics to specified measurement.

1.

With the front sides facing each other, sew together the outer fabrics at the sides.

2.

Cut a slit on the outer fabric at 6cm from the vertical edge.

3.

Sew together the outer fabric and bottom fabric.

4.

Repeat the same process for the lining fabric.

5.

Fold the top opening of the outer and lining bags for 1cm inward respectively.
Layer the bags with the front sides facing outside and sew together at the top opening.

6.

Fold both ends of the flap for 1cm inward, then fold in four and sew.

7.

With the front sides facing each other, fold the handle in half and sew the 20cm-ends. Press the seam open and fold in four and sew.

8.

Place the handle inside the bag and slide it up by 1cm and sew together.

9.

Put the flap in the back center, placed at 7cm from the top and sew with 3cm square stitches.

10.

Attach the Plasnap at 1.5cm from the edge of the flap and at 6cm from the body’s top front center.

11.

Finished!

◎Sewing Tutorial

◎Sewing Tutorial(PDF format / A4 size)

KOKKA’s official online shop information

Kokka Fabrics is the official online store run by Kokka USA, Inc. We specialize in printed fabrics but also have a wide range of high-quality solid textiles.
We ship to the United States and Canada from our warehouse located in Torrance, California.

cocca is the official online store run by KOKKA Co., LTD, based in Osaka, Japan. Alongside selected KOKKA fabrics, you can also find lifestyle goods like umbrellas inspired by our textiles.
We ship internationally from our warehouse in Japan.

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