Easy-To-Fold Reusable Bag – Sewing Instructions

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This large-size foldable reusable bag uses exactly 50cm worth of a 110cm-wide fabric. With accordion-style fold, it is easy to fold. The tansan fabric from echino’s patterns series is featured. It has a lively design as if carbonated water’s white foam is bubbling up. A solid cotton linen canvas is a perfect fit for bag making.

Design & Work: Satomi Takei


Fabric shown for this sample: echino patterns tansan EKX-97080-81B


Materials:
□ Fabric (bag): 110cm wide x 50cm
□ Twilled tape: 2.5cm wide x 1.2m
□ Elastic tape: 1cm wide x 23cm


Size:(When folded): 18cm (l) 55cm (w)

We interviewed Satomi about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
An impressive design with large print gives a lively feel. I used a 50cm fabric to its full extent so that the design accentuates the motifs and patterns.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
The staggered fold prevents the layer of fabrics from getting too thick. This way it is easier to sew when finishing the side ends. The accordion-style fold makes it easy to fold.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
For the bottom portion, a flat-felled seam is introduced. As an alternative method, you could sew both edges together with zigzag stitches and press it down to one side and apply stitches, if you like. You can achieve a clean finish with the flat-felled seam. Knowing this technique could become handy.

KF: How should we use this bag in everyday situations?
The advantage of this fabric bag is that it is washable. It will be fun to carry a different reusable bag depending on the occasion. The thickness of the fabric or the pattern could transform the look and feel of the bag. Enjoy making them with all different types of fabrics.

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


Instructions

1.

Cut the fabrics.

2.

Cut the twilled tape.

3.

With the front sides facing each other, sew together one of the sides with 2cm seam. (This becomes the bottom of the bag.)

4.

Apply double stitches on flat-felled seam. First, cut one side of the seam to 5mm width.

5.

Open the fabric. Fold the long portion of the seam and wrap the short portion and fold it down.

6.

Apply two lines of stitches over the folded down seam.
※Stitches could be applied over the reverse portion, if you are not comfortable stitching on the front.

7.

Fold in three both side ends by 3cm and apply stitches. This becomes the opening of the bag. (Apply two lines of edge stitches.)

8.

Open the fabric as shown. Pay attention to the center line and mark the fabric as in the picture to make an accordion fold.

9.

This shows after the fold is complete.
*The folds are slightly staggered so that the thickness will be even.

10.

Baste at 5mm from both ends.

11.

Attach the twilled tape for handles.

12.

Securely attach the ends of the twilled tape as shown.
*Start from the red star, stitch all the way around and stitch diagonally from the blue star, as shown.

13.


Baste the twilled tape for the tab. Place it at about 1.5cm from the center line to baste.
* Attach the tab on the bottom side (opposite side of the handle) for a cleaner look.
Next, attach the twilled tape to cover both ends. Fold in for about 1cm at the top and bottom, wrap it from the front side to attach.
Finish both ends with the twilled tape. Insert the elastic tape through the tab and secure the ends of the elastic (or tie the ends) to finish!

14.

It is quite easy to fold. Pull both ends to bring it back to its original shape and fold!

◎Sewing Instructions

◎Sewing Instructions (PDF format / A4 size)
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