Furoshiki Bag with a Piecework 

Size: about 25cm (l) about 40cm (w – opening) (Bottom) about 25cm

This is a patchwork bag created by sewing fabric pieces together. The featured fabric is wanderlust designed by an American quilt artist, Thomas Knauer. The design is a combination of flower motif and bee motif. Since the piecework only requires the sewing of four large squares, it is easy enough for patchwork beginners. “This bag idea came from the Furoshiki (Japanese wrapping cloth). So it will go well with Kimono and Yukata as a sub bag,” says the creator, Anriko. The key to make it nice and clean is precise cutting and careful ironing. Hope you will enjoy making this.

Design & Work: Anriko


Fabric shown for this sample:
 Patchwork fabric A: wanderlust JG50600-601 (C)
Patchwork fabric B: wanderlust JG50600-602 (A)
Bag lining fabric, handle: wanderlust JG50600-602 (B)


材料:
□ Fabric: (Patchwork fabric A) 90cm×20cm
     (Patchwork fabric B) 80cm×20cm
     (Bag lining fabric, handle) 60cm×50cm
□ Fusible interfacing: 10cm×15cm

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We interviewed Anriko about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
After hearing that the motifs of this fabric were inspired by a an American quilt artist of his trip to London, my thoughts followed this path – London → Antique market → Vintage.
The grayish color tone led me to the idea of piecing old fabrics together.

Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
This bag was inspired by the Furoshiki bag, and I created a three dimensional shape by using squares. A square piece is made up of piecing together large individual squares, so it can easily be handled by people who are not familiar with the piecework (including myself).

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
By cutting the fabric precisely and carefully ironing, it will definitely make the process easier and create an ideal piece.

KF:How should we use this bag in everyday situations?
It is perfect as an everyday bag. In addition, as a sub bag, it will be a stylish addition to your kimono ensemble since the original idea comes from another Japanese element, Furoshiki.

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

Instructions

1.
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Use this method shown for the seam treatment, instead of pressing the seam open. While a lining fabric will be attached, you want to avoid the weight of the bag to cause the seam to stretch open.

2.
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Make sure the directions of the flowers and bugs are both facing up where they will be facing outside when finished. The center flower piece will come to the bottom, so it can go either way.

3.
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Outer fabric and lining fabric are pieced together. As shown, the opening for the handle is created. Carefully iron here prior to turning the bag inside out.

4.
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Secure the tuck and run topstitches around the perimeter. To keep the tucks from being open, baste a few stitches at the joint on the back side.

5.
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Finished. Loosely turn the triangle on both side to outside and it will reveal the lining fabric slightly for a cute look.

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