The refreshing blue color gives this drawstring bag a cool look. With a Japanese feel, it naturally goes well as an accessory to a yukata (light cotton kimono). When the top is open, it turns into a tote, making it useful as a travel bag. The fabric used for this bag is from the [blizzard] series, a textile designed by the popular apparel brand Marble SUD. It depicts white animals huddled together in the falling snow. The cotton linen sheeting is easy to sew for beginners, making it a perfect material for bag making.

We interviewed Mioko about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
First of all, tiny animals are so cute! The depiction of snow scenes, which gives a cool feel amid the recent extremely hot days, is also pleasing to the eye! And a refreshing blue color is selected. I decided to make a drawstring bag that can be carried when wearing a yukata. With a Japanese-style design, I am sure it will go well together.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
It may look small, but it holds a surprisingly large amount of items. Its construction is all straight without any curves, so it is easy enough for beginners to make.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
For the bottom and opening, canvas fabric is used for a solid structure, but using a thicker oxford will also work. In that case, adding a bottom board insert is recommended to keep a nice shape.

KF: How should we incorporate this bag into one’s styling?
It is cute to carry as a purse with a yukata, or to keep the top open and carry it like a tote. Also nice to have is a matching scrunchie. When travelling, it is convenient to take it first as a travel pouch, and use it later as a bag while on the road.

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 according to the measurement.

1.

Fold the ends of the tag fabric B and A for 1cm.

2.

Layer the tab fabric A over tag fabric B and sew together.

3.

Attach the tag from Step 2 to the center of the panel outer fabric.

4.

With the front sides facing each other, sew together the panel outer fabric and bottom outer fabric. Press down the seam to the panel side and apply stitches.

5.

With the front sides facing outside, fold the handle in four and sew. Make two pieces.

6.

Fold the side ends of the opening fabric in three and sew. With the front sides facing outside, fold in half and apply zigzag stitches.

7.

Layer the opening fabric first, then handle over the panel outer fabric from Step 4 and baste the pieces. Repeat the same process for the other side.

8.

With the front sides facing each other, put together the piece from Step 7 and lining fabric and sew at the opening.

9.

With the front sides facing each other, sew together the outer bag and lining bag at the opening. Leave an opening for turning on the lining bag side for 10cm.

10.

Press the seam open. Make the 10cm gusset. Cut off excess fabric and apply zigzag stitches.

11.

Turn it inside out and close the opening for turning. Insert the waxed cords from both openings and tie the ends.

◎Sewing Tutorial

◎Sewing Tutorial(PDF format / A4 size)

For inquiries regarding wholesale in North America

Visit our site for the official wholesale distributor of KOKKA fabrics in North America (United States of America and Canada.)

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.

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