This is a piping bag that can be made with a 50 cm single-piece fabric. The treatment of seam and creation of handles can be done simultaneously. The fabric used for this bag is from the “echino” series designed by Etsuko Furuya, a textile designer. Featuring cat motifs, this fabric was created for “Cat’s Day” on February 22. Among the stylishly combined dots and cat patterns, you will find cats with glasses hidden in the design. This structured cotton linen canvas fabric with tension can be used not only for bags, but also for aprons, throw pillow covers, and miscellaneous accessories in a wide range of applications.

We interviewed Yui about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
The cats drawn with a realistic touch look lovely, and the placement of the dots and colors are stylish! I wanted to make a simple tote bag featuring these motifs.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
Since the fabric is structured, I thought it would be nice to make a bag from a single piece of fabric. I designed a piping bag that treats the seam and creates the handle simultaneously. The fabric is fully utilized to produce the handles, and they are just the right length to be carried over the shoulder.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
Even if you are not good at piping, it is easy to sew with only straight lines with 1.5cm width, so please try it. If you use temporary glue, you will be able to complete without mistakes. When sewing the bottom of the bag, cut the frayed threads neatly so that they will not stick out when the bag is turned inside out.

KF: How should we incorporate this bag into one’s styling?
It will look very stylish when matched with a simple outfit. It is large enough to hold a wallet, phone, and other essentials, so I think it is perfect for daily use.

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

Instructions

1.

Crease the handle fabric.

2.

Fold the opening side of the panel and gusset fabric in thirds and apply stitches from the front.

3.

With the front sides facing outside, put together the panel and gusset fabrics. Place the handle fabric over with the front sides facing each other and sew three pieces together (1.5cm seam).

4.

Wrap around the seam with the handle fabric and baste (use clips or temporary glue). Repeat the process for the handle on the other side.

5.

Apply stitches on the handle fabric from one end to another. (This completes the seam treatment and handle creation.)

6.

Repeat the process on the other panel.

7.

Fold the bottom gusset. Press down the piped portion alternately – one side faces outward and the other side faces inward. (It is to avoid fabric to be too thick and keep it easier to sew.)

8.

With the front sides facing outside, sew the bottom with 0.5cm seam.

9.

Turn it over to make the front sides facing each other. Sew the bottom with 1cm seam.

10.

Turn the bag inside out, and align the shape to finish.

◎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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