This eco-friendly reusable bag is made of evenly spaced pleats with accordion folds. The thinness of the lawn fabric makes it uniquely foldable. The fabric used for this bag is from echino’s [wonder], a 100% cotton lawn material. The design features animals such as foxes and zebras amongst the classical-looking flowers and greens drawn with a delicate touch.

We interviewed Satomi about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
Taking advantage of the eye-catching patterns and colors of wonderful echino fabric combined with its thinness as the lawn material, I came up with a foldable reusable bag.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?What makes this bag unique is the use of accordion folds to create evenly spaced pleats.
Incorporating a flat-felled seam helps make a solid bag even without a lining. It is thin and can be conveniently folded and carried around.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
The key is to measure, fold and crease as accurately as possible, from cutting to marking, in order to make evenly spaced accordion folds. I recommend using a thin fabric. If using a thicker fabric, make an adjustment by changing the length of the elastic tape.

KF: How should we use this bag in everyday situations?
Reusable bags are often used as sub-bags. You can broaden your styles by choosing a sub-bag to match your outfit of the day. Please try making your own with your favorite 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 and prepare the materials.

2.

Cut a slit (1.5cm) on both top and bottom at 24cm from the right and left edge. Fold in three and apply stitches from the front.
※ Check the direction of the patterns on the fabric.

3.

Repeat the same process as in Step 1.2 for other three pieces of fabric.

4.

Take out two fabrics from Step 3. With the front sides facing each other, sew together the pieces as shown with blue dotted line in the picture. (Seam allowance: 1.5cm)

5.

Cut one side of the seams to 0.5cm. Wrap this side of the seam with the other side and stitch from the front (flat-felled seam).

6.

Piece all four fabrics together to make a tube. With the front sides facing each other, sew together the top portion (handle portion) of the front and back with 0.5cm seam. ※Press the seam open.

7.

Turn it inside out. Mark the line using chalk (Chaco) liner where it is folded with mountain fold

8.

Crease the handle along the fold line. Match the folded peak to create an accordion fold. To secure, sew for 4cm from the top center in both directions (total 8cm) and make a square.

9.

Also crease the bottom along the fold line and align the shape using the accordion fold. Sew two stitch lines at 0.5cm and at 1cm.

10.

Place the selvage at the bottom. Cut to the appropriate size and sew to secure.

11.

The bottom of the handle might tear if a lot of weight is applied. Adhere the interfacing for reinforcement and sew to secure.
※Slightly bigger pieces are recommended for the front and back compared to the side. (Front/Back interfacing 3cm(w) x 2cm (l), Side interfacing 2cm square)

12.

Baste flat elastic tape on the front portion and attach selvage over it. Press the fold using an iron and align the shape to finish!

◎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.

you might also like

Easy-To-Fold Reusable Bag – Sewing Instructions

Knit Jacquard Bag – Free Sewing Tutorial

Ribbon Pochette – Free Sewing Tutorial